Abdur Rahman as-Sudais leads Maghrib prayer at the East London Mosque

Straight after Asr at 7pm the halls of East London Mosque were packed, people had come 2-3 hours early to pray behind the Masjid al-Haram's Grand Imam: Sheikh Abdur Rahman as-Sudais. There were 11000-15000 people that attended the prayer, which took place on Tuesday 4th of August 2009. Regular brothers of the East London Mosque commented "it was like an Eid prayer".
This is not the first time Sheikh Sudais has come to the East London Mosque, last time he came, back in 2005, 30,000 people attended the prayer he lead.

People were restless from hours before the arrival of Sheikh Abdur Rahman as-Sudais many had come with the intention of touching the sheikh in order to "recieve some blessings", this of course is shirk, and totally unacceptable. However many, I hope, had rectified their intentions thanks to the work of Imam Abu Ahmed who was addressing the thousand strong audience, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Sheikh. Imam Abu Ahmed, a regular scholar, teacher, and leader active at the East London Mosque delivered heart warming naseehah (advice).

When the Maghrib adhan was given Sheikh Abdur Rahman as-Sudais had still not arrived, as such one of the Imams of the East London Mosque, Imam Abul Hussain, addressed the crowd explaining "the Sheikh is caught in traffic but will be here shortly" he then asked whether we would like to wait or whether we should pray, as expected, the crowd roared that we should wait.

Roads were blocked off upon the arrival of the Sheikh. People flooded the streets of Whitechapel and many were praying behind the Imam on the road.

After Maghrib prayers the Sheikh delivered a brief speech addressed to the Muslim community, the speech having been delivered in Arabic to a majority non-Arab speaking group of mainly Bangladeshi origin, many seemed more interested in taking photo's of the Sheikh rather than actually listening to what he had to say, even when a brief English translation was given by Sheikh Abdul Qayyum, lead Imam of East London Mosque.

After the speech finished and the Imam was leaving there was a rush to the backside of the East London Mosque, from where the Imam was to leave. Crowds gathered in front of gates of what used to be the back entrance of the East London Mosque, before construction began on the new East London Mosque extension.

People were jumping over each other to try and catch a glimpse of Sheikh Sudais. Who did not come out for a good 10-15 minutes, as guards tried to push the crowd back. Finally when he did come out there were loud takbirs, everybody shouting Allahuakbhar (Allah is Great). He was quickly escorted through the crowd, Sheikh Sudais also happened to be waving, a few feet into Haya fitness, an independant gym integrated into the East London Mosque building.

Apparantley according to reports from a selection of inside brothers the hosts had lost the Sheikh inside the Haya fitness building. Sheikh Abdul Qayyum, apparantley, turned away and then could not find Sheikh Sudias again, a brief moment of panic ensued, a brother joked "Imagine they find Sheikh Sudais lifting weights in the gym" [paraphrase]. Of course it was momentary confusion and the Sheikh of the Grand Mosque of Makkah, Masjid al-Haram, was found again and driven to Darul Ummah to lead the Isha prayer.

It is worth noting that the London Muslim Centre was also packed, the wedding halls were used as prayer halls, with carpets layed out, the first floor of the LMC was used and packed by sisters.

It seems as if the news of Sheikh Sudais coming to the East London Mosque spread like wildfire, and it would not be an exageration.

Alhamdulillah - All Praise is Due to Allah. For allowing this event to happen and for gifting the Ummah with many Sheikhs such as Abu Ahmed, Abdul Qayyum, Abdur Rahman as-Sudais, Abul Hussain, and Abu Tayyib. All Praise is due to Allah for everything.

by Aminur Rashid, 04-08-2009

Relevant links

Here is the Press Release of the East London Mosque for when Sheikh Sudais visited

Information on the East London Mosque, contact details, press releases, photos

Download Quran recitations of Sheikh Abdul Rahman as-Sudais

Your Comments

Leave a comment for me and other users