London Central Mosque

They come all in manner of shapes and sizes, for an array of worshipful purposes.

Even if you don’t hold a particular faith (I fall into that category), it’s hard not to find these buildings impressive and moving on some level.

They are invariably engaging to capture in photographs, occasionally challenging in the dim of candlelight. In some cases, you are not permitted to use your camera.

This tiny fraction of faith buildings I’ve had the pleasure of visiting encompasses six religions. Each place is arresting in its own way, while they all have a shared mystique.

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: St Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry, Northern Ireland – Catholicism

: Neasden Temple, London – Hinduism

: Russian Orthodox Church, Gunnersbury, London

: Greensted Church, Essex – Anglicanism

: London Central Mosque – Islam

: New West End Synagogue, London – Judaism

: Pennyburn Chapel, Derry, Northern Ireland – Catholicism

: Southwark Cathedral, London – Anglicanism

: Neasden Temple – Hinduism

: New West End Synagogue, London – Judaism

: St Patrick’s Cathedral, Derry, Northern Ireland – Catholicism

: London Central Mosque – Islam

London’s Central Mosque overlooks Regent’s Park in the heart of the city. It has a copper dome – now a little tarnished – and a concrete minaret. The building is modern and functional, but its principal prayer room dazzles with riches.

I visited just in time for Friday lunchtime prayers, one of the most important gatherings of the week. The faithful were thronging to the mosque. I held back and just watched.

The ceremonials are fairly brief, followed by congregating and socialising in the large courtyard. I went in, removed my shoes and marvelled at the opulent gold chandelier beneath a dome decorated with inscriptions and intricate patterns.

Many men remained there, some quietly chatting, others in their own acts of worship. One studied the Qur’an on his iPad. I seemed at ease to quietly take photographs of this place – perhaps my own religion. The faithful were not photographed, that felt like an invasion of their space.

Any unease I felt about being here then melted away. A man approached me, offered me his tray of dates and said: “Welcome to mosque.”

What a touching gesture to cap a memorable visit.

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