Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha'at Islam Lahore

Located in The Hague in the South Holland province of the Netherlands, the Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha'at Islam Lahore maintains a long established presence within the European religious landscape through its Mobarak Mosque, which was inaugurated in 1955 as the first purpose built mosque in the Netherlands. The movement originated in Lahore under the leadership of Maulana Muhammad Ali, and its Dutch branch was founded to serve the small South Asian Muslim population of the post war Netherlands while engaging in scholarly translation of the Qur'an into European languages. The Hague itself holds a distinguished place in world affairs as the seat of Dutch government, the International Court of Justice and the Peace Palace, and its cosmopolitan character has long welcomed communities of faith from across the globe. The Mobarak Mosque is a modest yet dignified building in reddish brown brick, topped by a green dome and a single minaret, set within a garden that provides a contemplative approach from the street. Inside, the prayer hall features a carved wooden mimbar, calligraphic panels and prayer carpets that run in orderly rows toward the mihrab. Daily prayers are observed by a small resident community of scholars, translators and families, while weekend gatherings draw visitors from Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht. The mosque hosts Qur'anic study circles, public lectures on comparative religion, and hosts many non Muslim visitors interested in the building's historical significance. Ramadan nights bring iftar meals and tarawih prayers, with laylat al Qadr observances attended by families from across the Randstad conurbation. Eid gatherings feature cultural programmes blending Urdu, Dutch and Arabic. Visitors to The Hague will find the mosque a notable stop alongside the Binnenhof parliamentary complex, the Mauritshuis art gallery housing works by Vermeer, and the seaside resort of Scheveningen a short tram ride away. The Mobarak Mosque library holds an outstanding collection of early twentieth century Urdu, English and Dutch Islamic works, including the celebrated English Qur'anic translation by Maulana Muhammad Ali that is widely consulted by researchers across European universities. Regular open days welcome school groups, interfaith delegations and curious neighbours who wish to learn about Islamic teaching in a calm and open environment. Hospitality offered includes homemade samosas, sweet biryani rice and cups of cardamom chai served on brass trays in the meeting room.