Transform a derelict Church into a Masjid: worship, learning, and community under one roof

"Turn a forgotten space into a sanctuary of worship, empowerment, and community. Donate today and make a lasting impact!" The Watford Muslim community has grown to over 15,000 people, yet it lacks a central hub that meets the spiritual, social, and educational needs of its diverse population. Women, youth, and families often feel underserved, with few safe spaces tailored to their well-being and growth. In December 2024, we took a bold step by securing St. Thomas’s Church, a derelict building in central Watford, with plans to transform it into Masjid Al-Ummah, a modern Islamic centre that restores the historical role of the masjid as a hub for worship, learning, and community care. This isn’t just another masjid. It’s a vision to create spaces that empower women, nurture youth, and unite families. From a dedicated women’s gym to a soup kitchen serving the needy, Masjid Al-Ummah is designed to serve both the Muslim and wider community with excellence. Vision Masjid Al-Ummah will be a 20,000-sq-ft modern Islamic space, combining tradition with innovation. Our goal is to create a thriving, inclusive hub for prayer, education, and well-being, serving the current generation while building a legacy for the future. Imagine a space where • Women have access to a safe and modern gym. • Children thrive in a nurturing Islamic nursery. • Youth find mentorship in social media and gaming rooms. • Families come together for worship, learning, and recreation. With your help, this vision can become a reality Mission We aim to create a welcoming, non-sectarian, and inclusive masjid that serves the spiritual, intellectual, and social needs of our community. Guided by Islamic principles, Masjid Al-Ummah will: • Offer contemporary, inclusive facilities for worship, education, health, and recreation. • Empower women, youth, and families by creating spaces tailored to their needs. • Support the wider community through outreach, dawah, and charity initiatives. • Build a self-sustaining masjid using eco-friendly practices and innovative revenue streams. Services Masjid Al-Ummah will be more than a place of prayer. With Allah (SWT)’s help, we plan to offer: • Dedicated women’s gym: A private, state-of-the-art facility. • Nursery: An Islamic early-education environment for children. • Soup kitchen: Serving the homeless and vulnerable in the wider community. • Quran classes and Islamic education: Supporting tens of future hafiz every year. • Social spaces for elders: Welcoming areas to foster connections. • Youth spaces: Gaming rooms, mentorship programmes, and recreational activities. • Sports hall: Promoting healthy living for all. • Digital library and study hubs: Quiet, resource-rich spaces for learning. • Mortuary services: Supporting the community in times of need. Plan In December 2024, we raised £3.5m in Qardh Hasanah to purchase the St. Thomas’s Church site. We now need £1.5m to renovate the building and bring this vision to life. Our Timeline • 2025: Begin renovations with your donations and the help of Allah (SWT). • Summer 2026: Open the doors of Masjid Al-Ummah as a thriving hub for the community. How You Can Help 1. Donate Generously: Every penny counts in transforming this vision into a reality. 2. Share Our Campaign: Amplify our message by sharing with your friends, family, and networks. 3. Volunteer: Join us in organising events or spreading the word locally and globally.