Walk through Notting Dale and into St James's Gardens in Kensington, London and among the Victorian terraces and leafy streets, you may spot a building that seems a bit out of place – the Universal Islamic Association.
This isn't just another community centre; it's the culmination of a 1400-year journey that spans continents and cultures, from the deserts of Arabia to the heart of London. It is a focal point for the Shia community from across the London area, bringing together people with family links to countries throughout Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
The building itself was not always a Mosque. It had its own journey with links to other faiths and functions. It was built by Mr. Henry Varley, who was a young butcher in High Street, Notting Hill, who became a noted evangelist raising funds to build the Baptist Hall in the 1860's. Mr. Varley, used this as his platform to preach in the neighbouring Potteries in about 1863.
The Hall was enlarged and 'beautified' in 1871–2 to designs by Habershon and Pite. It is built of yellow stock bricks with stone dressings, the style being a free adaptation of Italian Renaissance.
The south front is flanked by two towers, now partially demolished, which contained staircases to the galleries. The centre of this elevation was pierced by a large semi-circular-headed window with a hood moulding in the form of a pointed arch.
When its congregation dwindled, the building became a warehouse.
The Seeds of Separation
The Shia story begins in 632 CE, in the Arabian city of Medina. The Prophet Muhammad had just passed away, and the Muslim community faced its first major crisis: who would lead them now? Some believed Abu Bakr, Muhammad's close friend, should take charge. Others thought Ali, Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, was the rightful heir. This disagreement planted the seeds of what would become the Sunni-Shia split.
But it was the tragic events 680 CE on the plain surrounding the city of Karbala. 1344 years ago that truly defined the Shia identity. The forces of Yazid, the powerful Umayyad Caliph had surrounded Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, with just 72 followers. Hussein had refused to pledge allegiance to the Yazid, knowing it would legitimise the Caliph’s rule.
Now, trapped and outnumbered, Hussein faced a choice: surrender his principles or face certain death. For days, Yazid's army blocked access to water, hoping to break their spirits. But Hussein and his followers stood firm.
Al-Asghar was only six months old at the time of the battle. On the 7th day Hussein brought the baby out to Yazid's army, asking for water for the child, but instead of giving water, an archer shot an arrow that killed the infant.
On the 10th day of Muharram, Yazid's forces attacked. Hussein's companions fell. In the end, exhausted and alone, he too was struck down, his final words a defiant cry against oppression. The massacre at Karbala shook the Islamic world, leading to a schism that is a source of conflict to this day. Hussein's sacrifice became a symbol of resistance against tyranny, and his story is now passed down through generations.
Today, Muharram serves as a reminder of that event. But beyond the mourning lies a deeper message: the imperative to stand up for justice, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Hussein, Ali's son and Muhammad's grandson, along with his family and supporters, were massacred by the forces of the Umayyad Caliph. This episode became a symbol of sacrifice and resistance for Shias, commemorated annually during Ashura with passionate displays of mourning.
A Faith on the Move
Despite facing persecution under various Sunni dynasties, Shia Islam spread, developing its own rich traditions of philosophy, theology, and jurisprudence. Cities like Najaf and Karbala in Iraq, and Qom in Iran, became centres of Shia scholarship.
The year 1501 marked a turning point. Shah Ismail I established the Safavid Empire in Persia (modern-day Iran) and declared Twelver Shi'ism the official religion. Suddenly, Shias had a powerful protector, and their numbers and influence in the region grew significantly.
But the story of Shia Islam isn't just one of scholars and emperors. It's also a tale of ordinary people, forced to leave their homes due to political upheaval, economic hardship, or the simple desire for a better life. Many Shias found new homes in South Asia, particularly in India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, where they developed vibrant communities and unique cultural traditions.
From East to West: The British Chapter
Fast forward to the mid-20th century, and we find the first significant wave of Shia Muslims arriving in Britain. Many came from South Asia in the 1950s and 60s, filling labour shortages in post-war Britain. These pioneers laid the groundwork for future Shia communities in cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester.
1972 saw another influx when Idi Amin expelled Asians from Uganda. Many of these refugees, including a significant number of Shias, found a new home in the UK. Often well-educated and entrepreneurial, they quickly established themselves in various parts of Britain.
The Iranian Revolution of 1979 brought yet another wave of Shias to British shores. Iranians, both supporters and opponents of the new regime, sought refuge in the UK, bringing with them new dimensions of Shia religious and cultural practices.
A Home Away from Home: The Universal Islamic Association
As the Shia population in Britain grew, so did the need for dedicated spaces to practice their faith and preserve their traditions. Enter the Universal Islamic Association, established in 1974 in Holland Park, London.
The story of the UIA is deeply personal. It was founded under the guidance of Grand Ayatollah Haj Seyyed Mohammad Reza Golpayegani and is currently led by Imam Ali. Imam Ali's journey mirrors that of many in his congregation – born to parents from different parts of Iran, he studied in the holy city of Qom before coming to Britain in 1974 to establish the UIA.
Imam Ali's mission was clear: to provide spiritual guidance, education, and social support to Shias in London, helping them navigate the challenges of maintaining their faith and traditions in a new cultural context.
Today, the UIA is a hub of activity. It's where you'll find people gathering for daily prayers, children learning about their heritage in weekend classes, and the community coming together to commemorate important events like Ashura.
But it's more than just a religious centre – it's a piece of home for many, a place where the aromas of Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisine mingle with the sounds of Arabic, Farsi, and Urdu, all against the backdrop of a typical London street.
Looking to the Future
The story of Shia Islam in Britain is still being written. Today's British Shia community is a colourful tapestry of South Asian, Arab, Iranian, and East African backgrounds. They've made their mark in various fields – business, academia, arts, and politics – and are actively shaping the narrative of what it means to be both British and Muslim.
Of course, challenges remain. Like many minority communities, British Shias sometimes face discrimination, both from within the broader Muslim community and from society at large. But they've also found opportunities for growth, dialogue, and positive engagement with British society.
As you pass by the Universal Islamic Association in Holland Park, remember that you're looking at more than just a building. You're witnessing a living testament to a 1400-year journey – from the battlefield of Karbala to the streets of Kensington. It's a story of resilience, adaptation, and the enduring power of faith and community. And in the diverse neighbourhood of Notting Dale, it's a reminder that even the most ancient of traditions can find new life in unexpected places.
Comments