Guildford Central Masjid (Muslim Education and Cultural Association) - Guildford

Muhammad Wadud

Really nice and clean Masjid. Very friendly and welcoming people. Good women prayer facility. May Allah bless the masjid and the people.

It's on the main road. Very few parking spaces. Parking available on the side roads.

Muhammad Aljisr Koprulu

I come to the UK and visit Guildford occasionally. In my previous visit (2019), I remember having conducted a Guildford map search for a fully functional mosque but did not find any. Some members of the Muslim community told me at the time that they're working on establishing an Islamic Centre & Mosque but difficulties are being faced in obtaining approvals from the local authorities in addition to financing issues. In my current visit, I searched the map again and found this mosque. I had the pleasure of attending the Friday prayer in it on 10 March 2023. Here are my findings and I'm attaching the photos I took.

The mosque has 2-way bus stops in its immediate vicinity. I rode bus 28 from Guildford's Friary and was there in about 15 minutes. Great advantage. The car parking space in front of the mosque can hardly accommodate a handful of cars, so visitors are advised to come by public transport (some waiting time is there since buses on this route are not frequent) or park their cars in a nearby parking area. As announced in the mosque after the prayer, visitors are urged not to park in front of nearby houses, on sidewalks, or block fire hydrants.

The building was originally a Chapel, built in 1822. For some reason, it was put out of service many years ago. It now stands as Guildford's Central Mosque registered in the name of the Muslim Education and Cultural Association (MECA), a representation of the Muslim Society of the city.

Entering the building, a long hall is there, yet to be furnished and carpeted. An area for utilities comes next (kitchenette, toilets, and ablution unit for 3 seated persons) followed by a square hall where the prayers are held. The prayer hall is adequately furnished and well heated. A few chairs are there for those who have difficulties sitting on the floor, and an audio system (microphones etc.) is provided but covering indoors only.

Azan was at 12:15. A dedicated Mu'azzin is there and his Azan was properly delivered. The Imam sat thereafter and delivered a lecture, first in the Urdu language spoken by about 95% of the attendees then summarised in English (Imam's English has room for improvement). Second Azan was after about 45 minutes, followed by a short sermon (khutbah) consisting of generalities, and the prayer. Imam's recitation of the Qur'an is flawless.

The prayer hall became full (65 persons were counted) before the second Azan. With more people coming, temporary rugs were laid for them in the long hall.

In a subsequent discussion with one of the gentlemen forming part of the managing committee, I understood that the effort is primarily funded by donations that also cover the salaries of the Imam and the Mu'azzin. A room within the plot was allocated as residence for the Imam, thereby enabling the performance of all 5 prayers, all days of the year, including Taraweeh in Ramadan. I was also informed that the social activities of MECA extend beyond the Muslim population of Guildford in an attempt to blend with and serve the mother community. The gentleman was courteous enough to offer me a ride in his car to my destination in Guildford. Many thanks.

This is a fully functional Masjid, the way it should be. Guildford's Muslim residents and visitors are not to miss praying in this place repeated times and donating if possible. It is however to be noted that a section for ladies has not been availed yet. It will hopefully be there in the near future.

I congratulate all those standing behind this effort. What you have done is great. May Allah reward you in a way befitting His generosity.

Aowen MotorGroup

Very nice masjid clean everything is perfect mashallah alhamdollelah we have mosques like this.

Ahnaf Mazid

The smartest man in the Masjid is the Big Shaykh aka Imam Saab. May Allah SWT reward his hard work, Ameen

Ibrahim Dar

Based on this experience, I was in the area and wanted to pray in a masjid instead of the road. Nice comfortable relaxing mosque. Nice people. Limited parking but no issues.
I am not sure what the policy is if the mosque is closed. This is normally my main concern as a traveller.
There is info on the website and a WhatsApp group where you can talk to the admin.

ZZ AK

Once again a very disappointing experience. This is a typical behaviour in many masajid. Not all but some of them discriminate especially against different nationality. The Imam asked me my name through the window. I gave a name. They were sitting inside laughing and chatting. Then when I said I need to pray Maghrib he said mosque will open at 7pm. It was 5.55pm and I had 15 mins left to pray Maghrib and Isha as away from home. He didn't allow me to pray. Typical. Maybe it's a result of haram money which buys these places which are like clubs. Then they use alcohol business gained money to invest into a masjid but they don't allow people to pray when they need to. Not an Islamic or Muslim behaviour. That's why they never attract any new Muslims either. Wearing Arabic dress, sitting in a mosque, using electricity and heating but not letting a fellow Muslim to pray. Shameful behaviour. May Allah guide you and open your mind and heart.

TAREQUE MOHAMMED Adil

Absolutely Amazing spiritual place beautiful Mosque ? in Guildford.
You will feel peace over there.

Taha Hussain

Amazing having a mosque so local alhamdulillah. I will try fundraising for this mosque once a month inshaAllah. I will sell burgers and donate all profit to this mosque inshaAllah. You can find me on smashburgers.surrey - let’s try raise money for this great mosque!