The House That Became a Mosque

In this week’s bulletin, we are hosting a guest who is preparing for a journey to Karbala. He has promised to perform Ziyarat on behalf of all of us and you, the readers of this bulletin. By the grace of God, as this issue is being published in the month of Rajab, he has fulfilled his promise and even sent a photo from Bayn al-Haramayn (the area between the shrines of Imam Hussein and Abul-Fadl Abbas, peace be upon them) to bless our bulletin with the spirit of this sacred visitation.

Seyyed Nasim Heidari, whose youthful demeanour and exceptional ability to connect with people of all ages make him stand out, shared an inspiring story in his interview with the Friday Bulletin. He recounted a touching memory about a house in London, famously known online as “The House That Became a Mosque.”

This transformation is a testament to the spirit of faith and the dedication of the community. It reflects how ordinary spaces can be turned into centres of spirituality and unity, much like the way Seyyed Heidari bridges generations with his warm and inclusive approach.

1- To familiarize our readers with Friday prayers, we typically ask each Imam to introduce themselves and their Friday prayer gatherings. Could you share your background?

My experience serving as a Friday prayer leader began at the Imam Hussein Foundation in London, located in the city of Watford, a suburb of the capital. While attendees at these Friday prayers come from diverse nationalities, the congregation mainly consists of Persian speakers from Iran, Afghanistan, and some Gulf countries. This foundation, in terms of its premises, was established a few years ago by a prominent and active Shia figure involved in charitable and cultural endeavours in Watford. I have also had the honour of serving at this institution, contributing to its mission and activities.

2- The foundation is said to have started in a house known as “The House That Became a Mosque.” What is the story behind it?

This house originally belonged to the father of the foundation’s president. The late Noorozzadeh, a devout Muslim businessman and a dedicated servant of the Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them) in England, owned it. The house still exists and remains active in serving the Ahlul Bayt (pbut).

The late Noorozzadeh, whose final interview with you, Mr. Fallah, remains a cherished memory, immigrated to London from Afghanistan before the Islamic Revolution in Iran due to war and insecurity. During Muharram, he and others would gather in a small rented space for mourning ceremonies. However, due to limited space, they decided to continue the gatherings elsewhere. At this point, the late Noorozzadeh offered his own home. This initiative essentially made the late Noorozzadeh and another family the pioneers of home-based mourning ceremonies for the Ahlul Bayt (pbut) in England. Over the past two decades, this house has gained recognition in the online community as “The House That Became a Mosque.”

Today, the Imam Hussein Foundation of London is led by Mr. Hashem Noorozzadeh, the son of the late Noorozzadeh. He is an active and well-known servant of the Ahlul Bayt (pbut) in London, providing significant contributions to the cause of this sacred path.

3- After this interview, you plan to travel to Karbala. Could you share your thoughts on the blessings of visiting Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) during the month of Rajab? Is this visitation only possible in person?

Alhamdulillah, I will be performing the special visitation of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) in the month of Rajab. By the time this bulletin is published, I will be the representative for all of you in this sacred visit. This journey includes the presence of many scholars from Najaf Ashraf, and for me, it is both a spiritual pilgrimage and an invaluable educational opportunity. Regarding the blessings of visiting Karbala in Rajab, I would like to share what the late Sheikh Abbas Qomi (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “Anyone can visit from afar, and the reward of the visitation will still be recorded in their deeds.” Although I will be physically present in Karbala, I will remember all of you, dear ones, during this blessed journey. May God grant the opportunity for all Shia, especially the readers of this bulletin, to benefit from the blessings of this great visitation. It is truly a wonderful and valuable cultural service.

4- We’re not sure whether to call you a young Imam, middle-aged, or jokingly say “a wise elder.” I’d like to ask about the most captivating experience you’ve had in your responsibility and how you connect with the new and younger generation?

You can call me whatever you like, but I remember when I was a child, I used to see you on television as a reporter, often in Afghanistan, where the conditions were tough and war-torn, and you were always reporting from there. Now, you can judge for yourself whether I am old or young. Regardless of my age, I feel young at heart. The most captivating experience for me has been building strong and close friendships with the younger generation.

I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but one of the challenges many of my colleagues face is their weak connection with the youth. Although I’m middle-aged, I still feel youthful, which is why I spend a lot of time with young people. During mourning and chest-beating ceremonies, I make sure to be among them. This connection, I believe, is a blessing of the gatherings of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him).

I always engage in conversations with young people and advise them that merely beating the chest, wearing black clothing, and performing mourning rituals are not the only signs of being a true follower of Hussein. It is important to have knowledge of the faith, and to always strive to understand the fundamental teachings of the Qur’an and the message of Imam Hussein.

Alhamdulillah, many young people who are passionate about Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) are striving to learn and grow. However, it is also our responsibility as clergy to connect more deeply with the younger generation and guide them on this path.

5- What are the main challenges that Muslim families in the UK share with you, and what solutions do you propose?

The biggest challenges faced by Muslim families in the West are preserving and safeguarding their faith and culture, as well as raising their children. The solution to these concerns lies in fostering a stronger connection with the Qur’an, the Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them), and religious and Islamic centres.

6- What strategies do you suggest in promoting unity and solidarity among people, particularly in the context of mourning gatherings?

One of the key features of religious and spiritual gatherings in European countries, including the UK, is their transcendent, pan-national nature. The enemy is always trying to create division and discord. While remaining vigilant against these conspiracies, I believe that for unity and solidarity, we must make efforts to ensure that in these gatherings – whether we are hosting them or simply participating as believers or lovers of the Ahlul Bayt (pbut) – we come together regardless of ethnic or racial differences. Our focus should be on religious and human values, and this common ground will strengthen our unity.