EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, LONDON – For the first time, the Indonesian Muslim community took part in the national Visit My Mosque campaign organized by the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB).
The Muhammadiyah Special Branch Board (PCIM) of the United Kingdom and Ireland collaborated with the Indonesian Islamic Centre (IIC) London Mosque on Clifford Way, Neasden, to register the mosque for the campaign. The registration was approved by the MCB, which officially listed IIC London among the participating mosques.
Visit My Mosque 2026 was held on Sept. 19–20, with 114 mosques across the United Kingdom opening their doors to neighbors and local communities. Under the theme “Open Doors, Open Minds,” the MCB’s annual campaign invites people from diverse backgrounds to learn about Islam.
According to Ince Dian Aprilyani Azir, Chairperson of PCIM UK and Ireland, the initiative to bring IIC London into the national campaign came from the Muhammadiyah branch. PCIM UK and Ireland then worked with the IIC London mosque committee to design and organize the entire program.
The Historical Background of IIC London
“Thirty years ago, Indonesian Muslims in Britain were still praying in homes and embassy spaces. Last Saturday, an Indonesian mosque opened its doors to the British public. This marks a milestone as the first time Indonesian Islam has taken part in the country’s national mosque open-day campaign. We plan to make it an annual event,” Ince said in a statement received Tuesday (22/9).
She explained that IIC London Mosque was established through contributions from a wide range of people, including Indonesian residents and students in Britain, dai and Islamic figures in Indonesia, Islamic community organizations, and individual donors from various countries.
Funds were raised through various channels, including online mass religious lectures, charity auctions, Wakaf Mozaik and Wakaf Gotong Royong initiatives, as well as digital fundraising campaigns.
Muhammadiyah UK and Ireland has also been recorded as one of the mosque’s major contributors. Through the Wakaf Mozaik Masjid Indonesia scheme, the Muhammadiyah Central Board and Lazismu became wakif, or endowers, contributing £60,000, equivalent to around Rp1.5 billion. The contribution was the largest endowment package offered by the organizers. The endowment declaration was signed on Jan. 14, 2022.
“On November 25, 2022, after decades of fundraising, IIC acquired the property that became the first Indonesian mosque in London. The former church building in Neasden was purchased for £1.44 million, or around Rp27.2 billion,” Ince added.
Opening Doors, Opening Conversations
As part of Visit My Mosque, Muhammadiyah organized a guided mosque tour. The tour was then followed up by a question-and-answer session about Islam. The event ended with a “Discover Indonesian Muslim Life” session introducing visitors to the lives and traditions of Indonesian Muslims.
Syahirul Alim Ritonga, Chairperson of the Visit My Mosque 2026 organizing committee and a member of PCIM UK and Ireland’s Council for Cadre Development and Human Resources (MPKSDI), said the event received positive attention from local London residents as well as Indonesians living in the city.
A delegation from the Indonesian Christian Association in the United Kingdom (Perki UK), led by Marlon Gabriel Tambunan, also attended. Their presence turned the event into an interfaith gathering for Indonesians in Britain, reflecting the campaign’s emphasis on openness.
“We want British people to learn about Islam directly through the everyday lives of Indonesian Muslims. We want to introduce their hospitality and culture to their food. London residents and our friends from Perki UK also come together at this mosque. It made us feel that the door we opened was truly welcomed,” Syahirul said.
Visit My Mosque 2026 closely reflects the spirit of Progressive Islam promoted by Muhammadiyah. That is an Islam that enlightens, remains open to dialogue, encourages knowledge, cares for the environment and humanity, and seeks to benefit society at large. (Bhisma)
