08/01/2026
*Islam in London* is one of the largest and most diverse Muslim communities in Europe.
*Quick facts:*
- *Population*: About 1.3 million Muslims live in London, that’s roughly 15% of London’s population. The biggest Muslim group in any Western European city.
- *Diversity*: Muslims in London come from 50+ countries. Biggest communities are from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Somalia, Turkey, Arab countries, and more recently from Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
- *History*: Muslims have been in London since the 1600s as sailors and traders. Major growth happened after WW2 with immigration from the Commonwealth, especially 1950s-1970s.
*Life & Landmarks:*
1. *Mosques*: 400+ mosques. Famous ones:
- *East London Mosque* in Whitechapel - one of the largest in Europe
- *London Central Mosque / Regent’s Park Mosque* - iconic golden dome
- *Finsbury Park Mosque*, *Brixton Mosque*, etc.
2. *Halal food*: Every area has halal restaurants, but areas like *Whitechapel, Brick Lane, Edgware Road, Southall* are known as "halal hubs". You’ll find Pakistani, Turkish, Bangladeshi, Somali, Middle Eastern food easily.
3. *Islamic Schools & Institutions*: Many state and private Islamic schools, plus institutions like *Al-Khoei Foundation*, *Muslim Council of Britain* HQ is in London.
4. *Ramadan & Eid*: Super visible. Oxford Street lights up for Ramadan, Eid prayers in big parks, night markets in East London.
*Culture:*
London Muslims are very integrated but also hold onto their heritage. You’ll see hijabi women in finance jobs, Muslim MPs in Parliament, imams on BBC, and halal Nando’s next to a fish & chips shop.
Challenges exist too like Islamophobia and housing, but the community is also very active in charity, dawah, and interfaith work.
*Interesting note:*
London has had 3 Muslim mayors of major boroughs and *Sadiq Khan* has been Mayor of London since 2016. He’s the first Muslim mayor of a major Western capital.
