A Short History of Islam in Leigh, United Kingdom

Leigh is a town in Greater Manchester, England, 7 miles (11 km) south of Wigan and 9 miles (14 km) west-southwest of Manchester. The town’s recorded history dates back to the 10th century. Islam has been a presence in Leigh since the early 2000s, when the first mosque was opened in the town.

The number of Muslims in Leigh has been steadily increasing in the past decade, due in part to the influx of immigrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other parts of the Middle East, as well as a higher number of converts to the religion.

The first Islamic Centre in Leigh was opened in 2002, and it is now home to two mosques, one of which is affiliated with the Islamic Education and Research Academy (IERA). The mosque serves as a religious and cultural centre for the Muslim community, and has become a focal point for many of the local Muslims. There are also several other mosques and Islamic centres in the area, including the Masjid-e-Noor and the Leigh Islamic Centre. The town also has a number of Islamic schools, including the Whitefield Islamic Centre and the Leigh Islamic Centre.

What is the approximate population of Muslims in Leigh, United Kingdom?

According to the 2011 census, the approximate population of Muslims in Leigh is 4,813, making up 8.7% of the total population. This is significantly higher than the national average of 4.8%. The majority of Muslims in Leigh are of Pakistani and Bangladeshi origin.

When have the first Muslims moved to Leigh, United Kingdom?

The first Muslims moved to Leigh in the early 2000s. They were mostly immigrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other parts of the Middle East. The town’s Muslim population has since grown significantly, with many converts to the religion also making Leigh their home.

What are the current demographics of Muslims in Leigh, United Kingdom?

According to the 2011 census, the majority of Muslims in Leigh are of Pakistani and Bangladeshi origin, representing 64.2% and 26.5% of the population respectively. The remaining 9.3% are of other origins, including Indian, Somali, and Arab.

Which is more prominent in Leigh, United Kingdom – Shia or Sunni Islam?

The majority of Muslims in Leigh are Sunni, representing approximately 70% of the Muslim population. The remaining 30% are Shia.

What are the main mosques in Leigh, United Kingdom?

The main mosques in Leigh, United Kingdom are the Masjid-e-Noor, the Leigh Islamic Centre, the Islamic Education and Research Academy (IERA), and the Whitefield Islamic Centre. Each mosque provides a place of worship and religious instruction for the local Muslim community.

Each of these mosques provides a place of worship and religious instruction for the local Muslim community. The Masjid-e-Noor is the largest mosque in Leigh, with a capacity of over 1,000 people. The Leigh Islamic Centre is a smaller mosque, while the IERA and Whitefield Islamic Centre are primarily used for religious instruction and research.

In addition to the mosques, there are several other Islamic centres in Leigh, including the Muslim Educational and Cultural Association (MECA) and the Islamic Studies Centre (ISC). These centres provide a range of activities, including educational programmes, seminars, and other community events.

The Muslim community in Leigh is an integral part of the town, and the mosques and Islamic centres provide an important space for the religious and cultural needs of the local Muslim population.