Islam and The Mosque
Oral History

The idea for the mosque came from Dr Gottlieb Leitner, a remarkable scholar who spoke many languages. In 1881 he bought what had been the Royal Dramatic College in Woking. He used it to house his new Institute of Oriental Learning and Literature. He then had the Shah Jehan Mosque built next door in 1889. It was mainly paid for by Begum Shah Jehan, the ruler of Bhopal State in India.

Queen Victoria took a great interest in Islam. For many years she employed two male Indian servants, Mohammed Buksh and Abdul Karim. Abdul Karim became an important secretary to the Queen. They would both join the worshippers at the Shah Jehan Mosque when the Queen was in residence at Windsor.

In 1913 Khwaja Kamal-ud-Din saved the mosque from destruction. He set up the headquarters of the Woking Muslim Mission at the mosque. The Mission published the first English translation of the Qur’an (Holy Book) in 1917.

The mosque has played a part in attracting a large Muslim community to Woking. A number of buildings close by have been restored. These are used as extra prayer halls and for educational and sports purposes. The mosque now runs a school and takes an active role in the community.

The Shah Jehan Mosque warmly welcomes visitors of all faiths.