About Us
Our Story
For over 40 years, Masjid-e-Quwwatul Islam has served the Bank Top, Galligreaves and surrounding areas in Blackburn.
Starting from a single terraced property in the 1980s, the masjid has grown steadily over the years, with each expansion responding to the need for more space and better facilities.
1983
The Beginning
The masjid was established in 1983 with the purchase of 86 Stansfeld Street, providing a permanent place for Muslims in the area to perform salah.
Along with the masjid, the madrasah was also established, providing islamic knowledge to children.
As the number of worshippers and madrasah students increased, it was not long before more space was required.
1988
The First Expansion
In November 1988, planning permission was approved to extend the wudhu khana and toilets of 86 Stansfeld Street and build above the wudhu khana.
The development created a new first-floor classroom and office, providing much needed additional space for the madrasah and the running of the masjid.
This was the first of several expansions that would take place over the following decades.
1997
The Second Expansion
By the mid 90s, the masjid had once again outgrown the space available.
In August 1997, the neighbouring property (84 Stansfeld Street) was purchased, effectively doubling the size of the masjid.
The additional space increased the capacity for salah and provided further room for the growing madrasah.
2022
The Third Expansion
In December 2002, plans were approved for a further extension into the rear yard of the masjid.
The extension provided a dedicated kitchen and funeral bathing facilities, allowing the masjid to offer additional important services to the community.
2024 - Present
Our Current Expansion
More than 40 years after the masjid first opened, the need for additional space has once again become pressing.
Significant residential development in the area, together with an increase in Muslim families settling locally and in neighbouring areas, has led to a considerable rise in the number of worshippers and madrasah students.
In December 2024, the masjid purchased the neighbouring Old Curiosity Shop at 88 Stansfeld Street, marking the beginning of the fourth and current expansion.
Bringing 84, 86 and 88 Stansfeld Street together will allow us to increase prayer capacity, provide much-needed madrasah space and improve the facilities available at the masjid.
Over the past 40 years, each stage has been driven by a genuine need for our community, whether for more room for salah, additional madrasah classrooms or essential facilities.
The purchase of 88 Stansfeld Street marks the beginning of the next chapter providing space needed today while ensuring the masjid can continue its work for generations to come.