Mosque Expansion Sparks Controversy in London

On March 28th, a mosque in Barking, East London called the Rule Isan, just got the green

light from the local labor council to convert a 1 million pound luxury house, complete

with the swimming pool into a new prayer space and community center.

The spot will double as a gym, crash for kids, education classes, and even a mental health

hub, open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. most days, sometimes.

Later, earlier this month, the council approved it despite the mosque's history of hosting

controversial events.

Back on October 7th, 2023, the day of the Hamas attacks that killed around 1,200 people,

a cleric they're prayed for.

The defeat of Jews he called usurpers and victory for Islamic fighters in Palestine.

They also ran a talk on lifting bans on Hamas and strategies against Zionism.

Jewish community leaders and anti-Semitism watchdogs are furious, calling the rhetoric outrageous,

especially since the mosque sits just minutes from.

To recent agogs, locals worry too, with 23 objections over parking nightmares, traffic,

noise, and privacy on that tight residential street, 81-year-old neighbor called it a

terrible idea.

Council officials pointed to a clear need for more worship and social spaces, adding conditions

like sound insulation and a bike parking plan with 22 spots to ease concerns.

The mosque insists terms like Mujahideen are just spiritual talk, not calls to violence,

and they're now fundraising online for bricks to build it.

As tensions simmer in the area, this expansion raises big questions about balancing community

needs, with calls for tougher scrutiny on extremism, eyes.

Stay glued on how it all plays out.