Abdullah Quilliam Mosque (AQM) may not look like your typical mosque, but that’s because it’s got a surprising Victorian past
The Islamic celebration of Eid is set to take place this weekend and England's oldest mosque, which sits on the outskirts of the city centre, is remembering its Victorian roots while celebrating. William Quilliam was the Victorian lawyer who converted to Islam from Methodism before founding the mosque in 1856, changing his name to Abdullah after converting.
He offered free law services to disadvantaged people, including women who needed to chase paternity orders from partners who ran off. AQM still do not hesitate to help non-Muslims and operates an open-door policy.