Barking Longbridge Muslims show the way forward

Emdad Rahman

In a neighbouring suburb of London significantly rife with racism and the reach of the BNP and far right, Muslim residents of the Longbridge and surrounding wards collective performed Eid prayers together last Sunday.

The special and milestone event, managed on behalf of the community by members of the Longbridge Bangladeshi Cultural Association, attended by young and old, was a fitting finale to the month long Ramadan prayers that had taken place within the same hall.

It was during the month of Ramadan that local Councillor Rocky Gill and Council leader Liam Smith had visited congregants, speaking to them and taking questions before the Taraweeh prayers. Councillor Gill in particular, along with his usual community commitments, has doggedly supported the increasing number of residents in the borough of Barking & Dagenham. The residents, mostly home buyers moving into the area have taken to the erstwhile Councillor and see him as one of their own. This is a spectacular achievement as the community, in most cases is a very sceptical one. This is very much a mark of Councillor Gill’s openness and the community’s willingness to work with him.

This general feeling was backed by Councillor Smith, who boldly announced to worshippers during his visit that; “if he had 51 Rocky Gills on the council,” the borough would be a completely and positively different one.

Councillor Smith also addressed community harmony and the rise of the BNP – he is somewhat qualified, being of Irish heritage and witnessing the difficulties faced by his parents and grandparents in London during the dark days of old.

This is the third time Ramadan prayers have been performed in a hired hall, and each year the number of attendees has risen considerably. Those attending have displayed exemplary conduct, responsibility and commitment and have proved themselves a credit to the borough. During the day of Eid, the heightened sense of unity and togetherness was a magic one and the large jam packed hall was illuminated by the radiant faces of youth and experience. An Imam had been on standby in case there was not enough space to accommodate all in one session and a second congregation had to take place. This in turn was not necessary as the last of the worshippers filled every available nook and cranny. This may however not be the case next year, and several congregations may very well be necessary.

Wherever Muslims have travelled, moved, relocated they have always made it a priority establish a Mosque. This is the hub of the community, the engine room, and has been negatively and wrongfully been painted in recent years.

After meeting with Councillors Smith and Gill it is hoped come Ramadan 2010 or 2011, the Muslim community in Barking will have their own Mosque and community Centre.



As a Taraweeh frontliner and opening batsman during the holy month of Ramadan, I witnessed all these fond recollections for myself. All praises are for Allah, whilst special thanks are reserved for the committee, all volunteers who were there, available, cleaning, serving, laying out and folding mats - with no personal recompense or requests for the whole month. Thanks to the attendees for their support and shining example, and the elected representatives for supporting the community to buoy itself. You are all an absolute credit.

The Eid prayers led by Imam Imran, were nothing short of a historical event. We hope that these efforts are a springboard to improving relationships between Britain’s wonderfully diverse communities. We hope that the steps being taken will foster greater understanding and break down barriers between humans.

We have that we will see strength in our differences. Differences that contribute towards making this Island the greatest place to live on the planet.

The Longbridge Bangladeshi Cultural Association’s community cohesion Eid party will take place in the Drama Hall at Barking Abbey School on October 2009. Everyone is invited to attend the celebration and there is no entry charge.

The Barking Bangladeshi Muslim Trust have organised an Eid Funday on October 11th 2009 at Eastbury School, Wilmington Road Entrance, Barking IG11 9UW. This is a free open event and is open for Muslims and non Muslims.