A community Masjid, built by the community

Background

Masjid Hamza, previously known as Woodstock Road Masjid, has been serving the Muslim community of Birmingham for over 60 years. The origins of Masjid e Hamza can be traced back to the 1960s, when Muslims from the Indian sub-continent settled in the UK. Congregational prayers were initially performed in various rented accommodations but, as people became firmly established in the area, an urgent need arose for a permanent place of worship.

The original Masjid was situated at 15 Woodstock Road, Moseley, Birmingham, and was purchased through the effort of the Muslim community of the time. By the Grace of Allah, this was one of the first Mosques in Birmingham and it encouraged many Muslims to perform their daily prayers in congregation, helping to establish the Muslim identity in Birmingham.

The renowned Pakistani scholar, the late Maulana Manzoor-ul-Haq — may Allah subhanahu ta'ala have mercy on him — was asked to be the Imam. He led the congregational prayers, delivered the Friday khutbah, provided Islamic guidance and performed a whole range of other duties for which he was gratefully appreciated by the community.

An after-school and weekend madrassa was established in the early 1970s to provide Islamic teaching to the new generation born in Birmingham. Within a few years, by the Grace of Allah subhanahu ta'ala, the madrassa produced many young people who had memorised the whole text of the Qur'an.

Acquiring the adjoining property

By the late 1970s, the existing prayer hall could not accommodate the growing Muslim community of the area. The adjoining property at 13 Woodstock Road was purchased and alterations were carried out to convert the two buildings into one large Masjid. This became known as the 'Woodstock Road Masjid'.

This Masjid flourished and served the community for over a decade. However, once again, due to the increasing numbers of worshippers attending the Masjid — and in particular the use of the Mosque by people outside the immediate area — the need arose for further expansion.

Moving to a new location

It was found that the existing building could not meet the new requirements. Consequently, in 1991 the nearby property at 90 Church Road, Moseley was purchased and renovated into a Masjid and Islamic Centre. This is the current site of Masjid Hamza.

The old Woodstock Road Masjid was converted into a private Islamic secondary school for girls.

Extending the existing building

In 1998 the Masjid embarked on a project to extend the existing building so as to enhance and provide new services. The project is still ongoing, however the new facilities are now in use and benefiting the community.