The Establishment of KSIMC
There were hardly any known Khoja families settled in Birmingham before 1970. After the exodus from Uganda, families were accommodated in camps across England while resettlement arrangements were coordinated. Many Khoja families undertook their own inquiries, with London, Birmingham, and Peterborough emerging as principal destinations.
Thus, the roots of the Birmingham Jamaat — formally and informally — began to take shape as increasing numbers of families chose Birmingham for resettlement towards the end of 1972.
The first gatherings were held in people’s homes, where religious programmes for Muharram, Safar, and Ramadan took place. Reciters for majlis, nawha, marshiya, and duas were from within the community itself.
As numbers grew, homes could no longer accommodate the congregation. In 1973, a house on Chesterton Road was rented and served as a centre for about two years, mainly for gents’ gatherings, while ladies continued to gather in the homes of Fidahussein Fazal and Asghar Remtulla.
Many elders still recall those days with deep nostalgia. They witnessed the birth of a Jamaat and, rightly so, remain proud of their contributions. The Jamaat will never forget these unsung heroes — named and unnamed — whose perseverance, leadership, and fortitude laid the foundations for the thriving organisation of today.
Forest Road and Early Growth
By 1975, the community had grown enough to justify purchasing a property on Forest Road — a detached house with the upstairs used for ladies’ gatherings and the downstairs for gents. This arrangement continued until 1980. On Sundays and weekdays, Forest Road also served as a Madrasah for Qur’an and Diniyat classes.
The purchase of 6 Forest Road was financially guaranteed by Habib Walji and Fidahussein Fazal. Without their support, acquiring the property would have been difficult. For major events, when Forest Road could not accommodate the congregation, Tindal Hall and Sherborne Hall in Balsall Heath were hired.
By 1977, the community had grown large enough that a purpose‑built centre was seriously considered. Construction on Clifton Road began in 1980.
Construction of the Imambargha and Mosque
By October 1981, the Imambargha buildings were completed, and at the same time, the foundation stone for the mosque was laid. Construction of the mosque was completed in June 1982.
While the mosque neared completion, work began on the flats and offices above the Imambargha, intended for the caretaker, transit visitors, and Jamaat offices. These works were completed in June 1982.
After a five‑year pause, further expansion was required due to the Jamaat’s growing needs. An extension to the ladies’ Imambargha and a hall for the nursery began in November 1987 and was completed in June 1988.
Expansion Through Property Acquisition
A period of strategic property purchases followed, forming part of long‑term infrastructure planning.
- In 1989, a property on Moseley Road was purchased, now housing the Abbasi Flats.
- In 1992, land at the rear of the KSIM (cave) building was acquired.
- In 1995, the building on Runcorn Road — attached to the Syeda Zainab complex — was purchased.
- In 1996, the KSIM (cave) building opposite the centre was acquired.
The Syeda Zainab project began in October 1986, with its opening ceremony held in March 1998.
Continued Growth and Development (1998–Present)
Following the opening of the Syeda Zainab complex, the Birmingham community continued to grow steadily. The Jamaat became a vibrant hub for students, young couples, young families, and established households. Birmingham’s status as the second largest city in England — and home to the second largest Khoja community in Europe — also attracted members from overseas and from other UK cities.
As the community flourished, the need for a comprehensive redevelopment became increasingly clear. Existing facilities were often stretched during major religious occasions and community events. Early discussions began around a long‑term vision to expand and modernise the Jamaat’s infrastructure — a vision that would eventually become the Al Abbas Islamic Centre (AIC) Project.
Early Phase of the AIC Project: 2016 Redevelopment
A significant early milestone in this journey was reached in 2016, when the sports hall within the Syeda Zainab (AS) complex was redeveloped. This phase introduced a new mezzanine hall, effectively creating an additional space for community programmes.
The new hall proved invaluable, providing much‑needed capacity for events and serving as an important resource for Madrasah, supporting the educational needs of a growing number of children and families. This development marked the first tangible step in the broader AIC vision.
Advancing the AIC Project: 2019–2022
As the community continued to grow, the next major phase of the AIC Project focused on essential services. Construction of a new ghusl khana (funeral parlour) began in 2019 and, despite the challenges of the global pandemic, was completed in March 2021.
In preparation for the main phase — the rebuilding of the Imambargha — purpose‑built transition halls were erected opposite the main site. In March 2022, all community activities were relocated to these temporary facilities, enabling the Imambargha phase of the project to begin in earnest.
Looking Ahead
As construction has progressed, the community has continued to demonstrate unity, patience, and commitment. Today, the AIC Project is in its later stages, with steady progress being made. The new centre is expected to be ready to welcome the community by mid‑2027, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the Jamaat’s journey — one built on the foundations of sacrifice, vision, and the collective effort of generations.
