The 1970's
1973
The Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Muslim Community (K.S.I.M.C) of Leeds was formed by a handful of families who had migrated from Uganda, East Africa. For the first six years majalis were held at the homes of member families.
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| The founding members of K.S.I.M.C. of Metro Leeds | Early Majalis at the home of a member family. |
1974
The Jamaat formally approved and adopted a constitution for the K.S.I.M.C. of Leeds and elected Mr. Javed Naqvi as its first President.
1979
The K.S.I.M.C. of Leeds was formally constituted.
The 1980's
28 April 1980
The Jamaat purchased an end-terraced house at 168 Beeston Road, Leeds, which was converted into an Imambargah and Alim's residence, thereby, providing a focal point for community members to gather and hold majalis in accordance with the Shia calendar.
During the same year the Jamaat became a full member of the World Federation of the K.S.I.M.C.
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| 168 Beeston Road, Leeds |
6 October 1981
The Jamaat appointed its first full-time Resident Alim, Maulana Khalil Abbas Rizvi, under the presidency of Marhum Anverali Dharas, thereby, expanding its activities to holding regular Thursday evening majalis, Friday prayers, and Madrassa for children.
May 1982
168 Beeston Road, Leeds was registered as a formal place of worship.
July 1983
The K.S.I.M.C. of Leeds was registered as a charity.
1984
The Jamaat purchased 166 Beeston Road, Leeds with a view to extending the Imambargah under the presidency of Mr. Zeeshan Rizvi.
1985
The Jamaat failed to overturn the decision of the Local Authority in connection to an Enforcement Notice that necessitated the Jamaat to relocate to alternative premises.
1987
The Jamaat sold 166 Beston Road, Leeds.
1988
The Jamaat entered negotiations with the Local Authority with a view to relocating to a new site for an Imambargah at Cambridge Road, Leeds
1989
The Jamaat elected Marhum Shabbir Bhamani as President. Under the Presidency of Marhum Shabbir Bhamani the Jamaat agreed to purchase a 1.1 acre plot of land at Cambridge Road, Leeds
The 1990's
1991
The Jamaat decided not to proceed in purchasing the Cambridge Road plot in light of the Local Authority's excessive valuation of the property. The Jamaat appointed Marhum Maulana Haider Naqi Abid as its Resident Alim, under the presidency of Marhum Anwerali Bhamani.
1993
The Jamaat appointed Maulana Gulam Hur Shabbir as its Resident Alim.
1994
The Jamaat acquired a new site at 166 Shadwell Lane, Leeds
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| 166 Shadwell Lane, Leeds |
1996
The Jamaat appointed Maulana Mujahid Abbas Rizvi as its Resident Alim.
1997
Leeds City Council Planning Department granted the Jamaat's application for change of use of 166 Shadwell Lane, Leeds from 'residential' to 'religious centre'. The Jamaat launched its new Imambargah project, Baab-ul-Ilm, under the Presidency of Mr. Haiderbhai Rajvani.
The Millenium
2000
The Jamaat purchased the site at 166 Shadwell Lane, Leeds for the sum of £180,786.00, under the presidency of Noorali Bhamani and appointed William Saunders Partnership (Architects) to draft plans for the Baab-ul-Ilm Centre.
2001
Leeds City Council Planning Department granted full planning permission to extend and develop 166 Shadwell Lane, Leeds.
July 2002
Construction work commenced on site at 166 Shadwell Lane, Leeds
19 January 2003
Baab-ul-Ilm Centre Foundation Ceremony. The President of the Council of European Jamaats, Al-Hajj Mahmood Hooda, laid the foundation stone.
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4 July 2004
Baab-ul-Ilm Centre Opening Ceremon.y