Local Community

The Muslim Community's connection with the Liverpool and Merseyside is probably the longest established in the UK. The main contact was established during the slave trade era, when African people of Muslim heritage, amongst other faiths set foot on these local shores.

Formaly, England's first mosque was established by Sheikh Abdullah Quilliam (1851-1932) in rented premises at 8 Brougham Terrace West Derby road, Liverpool in 1889. The community was soon able to purchase No.8, and also Nos. 9-12 Brougham Terrace. By 1896 the local Muslim community comprised about 150 Muslims. In 1899 Quilliam published 'the Faith od Islam'. He also edited a weekly journal 'the Crescent', eventually merged with the monthly journal 'The Islamic World'. In 1894 Sultan Abdul Hamid II (Otthoman Empire) conferred the title of 'Shaikh al-Islam' of Britain on Abdullah Quilliam.

The work of this early Muslim community is continuing today: in December 1996 the Abdullah Quilliam Society was formed in Liverpool.

According to the 2001 census there are just under 2 million (3%) Muslims in the UK. In Merseyside there are 8000 (0.6%) Muslim people. Liverpool is home to 6000 (1.3%) Muslim people, representing between 45-55 nationalities. However, it is widely held that Muslim community in Merseyside is estimed to around 20000-30000 strong.