As the earlier mosques built in the early 1970’s began to establish themselves in Blackburn a new growing trend took hold on this development.

As the growing local population of immigrants from Asia and Africa began to pour into the town (by virtue of wanting to be near their relatives and hearing of increased facilities), demand for more places of worship continued.

Whereas previously the early settlers had to take control of the situation and self-raise funds in order to get such large scale projects off the ground, the next phase in the development of mosques saw each institution partnering and almost mentoring other mosques.

This support extended often towards financing, organising, guiding, setting up and even running these establishments whilst in their infancy.

One notable mosque which currently, proudly reflects a beacon of excellence in the town lies perched mid way on Troy Street.

Namely Masjid-e-Anisul Islam. Formerly a drama theatre and headquarters for the TS Mohawk Navy Cadets, the building was purchased for £8,000.

The previous owner had left strict instructions for the use of the site to be left, as a place fit for community services.

With support from the neighbouring Bicknell Street mosque, the 15 or so early founder members successfully persuaded the council for it to become a place of religious worship and instruction.

Their vision and commitment in purchasing and re-building this large Victorian venue has led it to become one of the most distinct landmarks on the landscape.

Masjid-e-Anisul Islam came about in 1979. It maintains a basic aim of providing an Islamic service for its local Muslim population irrespective of origin, race, creed or colour.

Members of Tauheedul mosque on Bicknell St. Eldon Rd mosque and Masjid-al-Hidayah can transfer their membership within these partnership mosques and must be regular attendees, primarily, to the five daily prayers, in line with basic beliefs.

During its 35 year history, the mosque now boasts a growing number of worshippers, uniquely both males and females on one site.

The main Jamaat khana (prayer hall),on the ground floor has a capacity of 500 whilst the second floor sites the madressah where a total of 300 pupils aged 5 to 15 attend regularly for Hifz (basic Quran instruction), Urdu and Arabic language classes.

The curriculum is adapted internally but has received external accreditation from numerous governing bodies.

Children receive education in English with continuous formative (daily)and summative assessments once annually, being a key feature in the classes, ensuring individualised and group learning is effectively delivered.

For the past few years all pupils are treated to an end of year dinner at a local restaurant and achievements are recognised by internal prize and celebrations where parents are always welcomed.

Every first Sunday of each month the main Imam delivers lectures in Urdu, specifically for the local female Muslim population who are afforded total privacy and an opportunity to enter the male areas in the jamaat khana (main hall) as well as in the madressah.

Due to their popularity with near 1,000 women attending regularly these sessions are run every Sunday during the month of Ramadhan.

The mosque usually has guest speakers from other Muslim establishments in the UK offering English bayaans (lectures) and there remains strong links with neighbouring schools such as Hawthorns Primary School who have previously included the mosque as part of their studies.

Schools from as far as Barrow-in-Furness have sent groups of children to tour the mosque and learn more about the faith, enabled through a positive open door policy persisting at all times.

Masjid-e-Anisul Islam received national recognition a decade ago for its issuing of yellow fluorescent jackets to all its pupils to wear as compulsory - especially during winter whilst attending evening classes.

This road safety initiative was the first of its kind nationally at the time and commended by local government and various Road safety associations.

The mosque is run by an 11 strong management committee who look after this Trust organisation, actively with a will to ensure, it remains at the forefront of best educational and religious delivery in the North West.

To date, it is a key member of the Lancashire Council of Mosques and has one of the most up to date technologies in situ.

The office boasts modern ICT facilities for use by committee members. Their website can be found at www.anisulislam.com As with most other mosques there is also a scanner/receiver system operating enabling worshippers to tune into ‘live’ events or functions ongoing. These can be accessed at www.masjidlive.com One of the key features of Masjid-e-Anisul Islam is its widespread charity work that has remained its hallmark over the years.

During the holy month of Ramadhan the obligatory ‘zakaat, sadaqah and lillah” donations are collected and distributed worldwide.

Large scale funds have previously been successfully raised for group weddings amongst the poor and needy in India and Pakistan.

The mosque has facilitated through its charity funds a programme of free cataract operations in India and Malawi whilst donations have also gone towards providing kidney dialysis machines, Iftari and Eid packs abroad. Their partner organisation overseas is Sarwajanik.

In terms of its internal facilities, there are modern, clean toilets, both asian and English style plus separate disabled in situ on the lower floor. These are available in separate male and female areas.

The wedding hall on the ground floor can hold almost 500 persons, whilst and Jannaza furniture (cleansing of the deceased’s body) are in the basement.

The mosque also has modern shower facilities especially for visiting jamaats (religious groups) and a large collection of tools for burials also available.

The burial committee usually oversee and manage funeral proceedings on request and, as a primary service for members and their families concerned if need be.

Externally there are two main car parks and alongside the adjoining Bangor St. Which can accommodate parking for up to 500+ vehicles. There are also seprate entrances for males and females whilst ramp facilities for disabled persons are apparent at the main door.

The mosque complies with all current Health and Safety regulations and all fire extinguishers are adequately located in key areas.

One of the senior and long standing committee members said “I would like to see the mosque continue to accommodate the growing local Muslim population. “I want to see a greater involvement of the youth within the mosque. I would like to be able to set up computer facilities and a library for them to use.”