A Short History of Islam in Loughborough, United Kingdom

Islam arrived in Loughborough, United Kingdom in the late 19th century, following the arrival of Muslim traders from India and the Middle East. These traders were amongst the first Muslims to settle in the area, and soon after, the first mosque was established in the town, in 1895. This mosque was the first purpose-built mosque in the UK, and still stands in Loughborough today. Since then, the Muslim population in Loughborough has grown significantly, with a number of mosques, Islamic schools and other Muslim-run businesses in the town.

The first Muslim settlers in Loughborough were mainly traders from India, the Middle East and North Africa. The majority of these traders were from the Sunni branch of Islam, though there were also some Shia Muslims amongst them. As the population of Muslims in Loughborough grew, so did the number of mosques and Islamic schools in the town, and by the early 20th century, there was a thriving Muslim community in Loughborough.

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

According to the 2011 census, there were 8,416 Muslims living in Loughborough, making up around 4.7% of the town’s population. This figure has grown significantly since the 2001 census, when Muslims made up just 2.3% of Loughborough’s population.

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

The first Muslims to move to Loughborough, United Kingdom arrived in the late 19th century. These immigrants were mostly traders from India, the Middle East and North Africa, and were amongst the first Muslim settlers in the area.

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

The current Muslim population in Loughborough is made up of immigrants from a variety of countries and backgrounds, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Middle Eastern countries and North African countries. The majority of Muslims in Loughborough are of the Sunni branch of Islam, though there is also a significant Shia Muslim population in the town.

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

According to the 2011 census, the majority of Muslims living in Loughborough are of the Sunni branch of Islam, though there is also a significant Shia Muslim population in the town.

What are the main mosques in Loughborough, United Kingdom?

The main mosques in Loughborough are:

• Loughborough Central Mosque (est. 1895)
• Masjid Al-Huda (est. 1982)
• Masjid Al-Farooq (est. 1985)
• Masjid Abu Bakr (est. 2002)
• Masjid Al-Noor (est. 2011)

These mosques serve the Muslim community of Loughborough, and provide a place of worship, education and community activities.

In addition to these main mosques, there are also a number of smaller mosques and prayer halls in the town, including the Loughborough Islamic Centre, the Loughborough Islamic Academy and the Loughborough Islamic Research Centre.