Haringey mosque and cultural centre celebrates 40 years

The London Islamic Cultural Society was founded to ‘engage and support the diverse communities of Haringey and North London’

A Haringey mosque which doubles as a cultural centre celebrated its 40th anniversary last month.

The London Islamic Cultural Society (LICS) was set up by a small group of migrants from Guyana to ‘engage and support the diverse communities of Haringey and North London’. It became the first purpose-built mosque in Haringey, and can be found on Wightman Road, Wood Green.

For a celebratory event held at the mosque on Sunday, 23rd July, the LICS team, led by President Bibi Khan MBE DL, and members of the community were joined by Guyana’s High Commissioner to the UK, Dr Rajendra Singh, Deputy Mayor of London, Joanne McCartney, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, Catherine West, mayor of Haringey, Cllr Lester Buxton, leader of Haringey Council, Cllr Peray Ahmet, deputy lieutenant for Haringey, Captain Peter Baker, local councillors and representatives from the Metropolitan Police.

Guests celebrated the LICS’ history with student recitations, speeches and a sit-down meal. The LICS’ work on furthering interfaith relationships with local churches and synagogues, along with Haringey Multi Faith Forum, The Gospel Centre Foodbank, NHS Haringey and the Safer Neighbourhood Team, was highlighted.

President of LICS, Bibi Rabbiyah Khan MBE DL, said: “As we mark this incredible milestone, we reflect on all that LICS has achieved so far and pay tribute to those who were so instrumental in the creation and development of this organisation. We are overwhelmed by the positive feedback and stories of appreciation we receive from the local community and proud to have such a positive influence on the lives of many. As we look ahead to the next 40 years – and hopefully many more after that – we will remain committed to providing Islamic teachings and broader cultural, social, educational and charitable services to the wider community, irrespective of religion.”

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