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Built in 1889 by Dr Gottleib Leitner, a distinguished orientalist and linguist from Hungary, it was partly funded by the Begum Shah Jahan, the female ruler of the Indian princely state of Bhopal, to provide a place of worship for Muslim students at the Oriental Institute. The building was designed by the Victorian architect WL Chambers and built in Bath and Bargate stone. Its traditional Indo Saracen design has a dome, minarets and courtyard, as well as geometric patterns and Arabic calligraphy decoration for which the 'Art Arabe' held at the India Office, British Library, was used as reference. This Grade II listed building was the first formal place of worship of Islam in England.
Following Leitner's death in 1899 the Mosque closed until 1912 when it was restored as a place of worship, attracting royal visitors and famous British converts, including Lord Headley, who founded the British Muslim Society, and Marmaduke Pickthall who provided one of the most eloquent English translations of the Qu'ran.
The Woking Muslim Mission and Literary Trust was established at The Mosque and the editor of the Islamic Review became Imam there from 1956-1966. During the 1960s, Woking's Muslim community grew, many immigrants came from Pakistan and Kashmir and the High Commissioner of Pakistan is Chairman of the Mosque's Trust.
Surrey History Centre also has it's own surprising link with Islam: Hugh Edgar, the architect who designed this building, was previously commissioned by King Hussein of Jordan to work on the Mausoleum Mosque and Holy Relic Building, purpose-built to house an original 7th Century letter written by the prophet Mohammed to the Emperor of Byzantium.
Click here for further information about the Shah Jahan Mosque
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