In the history of Morocco,

When disbelief and polytheism reach their extreme in any corner of the world,

It is a sign that soon there will emerge from that region.

A servant of Allah who will complete the argument against Allah's creation.

In comparison to disbelief, he will be like a shield,

And he will invite towards the invitation of the Most Merciful with the same zeal and
enthusiasm with which Satan invites towards his invitation.

Abdullah Quilliam (10 April 1856 to 23 April 1932) was also among such individuals.

You converted to Islam from Christianity in the United Kingdom,

And the beginning of your invitation to Islam was at a time when the sun never set on the
British Empire.

And most Muslim countries were direct colonies of the United Kingdom.

Your invitation and preaching were so influential and multifaceted.

That you became the first proof of Islamophobia in Europe.

You were born on 10 April 1856 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

Your old name was Henry William.

When you embraced Islam, you changed your name to Abdullah William.

You spent your childhood on a small island called Isle of Man, between Ireland and England.

You were still young when your parents moved to Liverpool.

Family background:

Your family belonged to the nobility and royal houses of Liverpool.

Your father's name was Robert Quilliam,

Who had a clock-making factory.

Your grandfather, John William, was a captain in the Royal Navy in the United Kingdom.

Your mother belonged to a noble family.

Her father, Dr. John, was a famous physician in Liverpool.

Before marriage, she actively participated in religious activities,

But after marriage, she devoted all her attention to the education and upbringing of Abdullah.
She embraced Islam at the age of 63 in 1893,

Despite her deteriorating health, she actively participated in the activities of the Islamic
Institute.

And continued to write columns for the magazine 'Islamic World.'

The local people gave her the title of 'The Mother of the Faithful.'

Education:

You received primary education at the Liverpool Institute and King William College.

When you entered practical life in 1878, you chose law as your profession.

You were so hardworking and successful in your profession.

That soon you became one of the top lawyers in the United Kingdom and an expert in
complicated cases.

In fact, the testimony from a weekly journal also confirms that you were the unofficial
Attorney General of Liverpool.

In addition to that, you pursued journalism, public speaking, writing, poetry,

And you utilized your abilities in various trade unions.

Devotion to Christianity:
Your upbringing was in Methodism, a sect of Christianity, and your association with
Christianity was exemplary.

When the Methodist sect initiated a movement against the prohibition of alcohol, you were
an active worker in it.

Trip to Morocco:

In 1887, it had only been ten years since you started practicing law.

When you visited the Muslim country of Morocco.

You returned with the gift of Islam.

You narrated your conversion to Islam in 1928 during a speech in Egypt.

Due to your selfish lifestyle in Europe and the mutual respect, cooperation, and consideration
among Muslims in Morocco,

When you compared both, you felt compelled to study the Quran and Islamic history.

You studied the translation and interpretation of the Quran and authored the book 'Book of
Heroes' and other books.
Acceptance of Islam:
Your acceptance of Islam was not merely an incident, coincidence, or experiment,

Rather Islam transformed your life from all angles.

And you devoted yourself practically to the work of invitation and preaching of Islam.

You initiated the establishment of a mosque, an Islamic centre, a school, publications, and
books for the purpose of invitation and preaching.

You led a vigorous movement for the propagation of Islam in the United Kingdom.

The establishment of the Islamic Society, Liverpool Islamic Institute, and a mosque became
necessary to make the invitation of Islam in the United Kingdom effective and comprehensive.
Recognizing this need, you promptly acted and laid the foundation of a Muslim society.
Building on this, you purchased Brougham Terrace, Number 8, where you established a
mosque and the Liverpool Islamic Institute. Later, you acquired the remaining parts of the
terrace and initiated a residential school for boys and a non-residential institution for girls who
couldn't afford their educational expenses. You also established a science laboratory and
museum for these schools. In the realm of literature, you led a fulfilled literary life and began
English Islamic literature in the United Kingdom. You established a Muslim community and an
associated literary society that organized weekly programs with the participation of Muslims
and non-Muslims alike. This literary society played a significant role in the acceptance of Islam
by numerous non-Muslims. Your belief in Islam, the initiation of two magazines (Crescent and
Islamic World), and the establishment of a printing press are all part of your valuable literary
contributions. In these magazines, you highlighted the issues faced by Muslims worldwide.
Not only were you a skilled prose writer, but also a talented poet, having written over fifty
poems in both of your magazines. Your poetry collection, 'The Convent's Passion,' has already
been published. Your precious writings have been translated into various languages
worldwide, and many scholars and thinkers have written about you. A poem from your poetry
collection was published in the Crescent magazine in 1895."

1. "Islam: The Religion of Life

2. Oh, Allah: lead me onward,
3. Nor let my footsteps fall,
4. While marching to the graveside,
5. That waited there for all.
6. Smooth thou the rugged pathway,
7. That leads toward the goal,
8. To which each pious Muslim,
9. Directs his heart and soul.
10. Protect me when in danger,
11. In sorrow, comfort give,
12. Al-Hafiz, God Preserver! It is by Thee we live.
 13. And when my life be over,
14. And all my race is run,
15. May Al-Jannah be my portion,
16. Al-Latif, Gracious One.

This composition and writing have gained popularity worldwide. They had dedicated their half
house to the printing press. Firstly, you published a book titled 'The Belief of Islam,' which was
published in a quantity of 3,000 after 2,001 years. The translation of this book has been done
in thirty different languages around the world. Publishing a book on Islamic beliefs first
emphasizes the importance of their beliefs and places them in the highest regard. Additionally,
in 1993, press work began in the United Kingdom by the organization. They published a
monthly magazine called 'The Muslim World' and a weekly magazine called 'The Crescent.'
These magazines highlighted the issues and events of Muslims in the United Kingdom,
Liverpool, and featured articles on educational topics. These magazines were printed in their
own press and were distributed in approximately 20 countries worldwide. Copies of these
magazines are still preserved in the 'British Library.'

Services for Islam

Your dedication and enthusiasm for the service of Islam were unparalleled. You dedicated day
and night to the promotion and propagation of Islam. In the United Kingdom, you held the
status of an Islamic lawyer. You were a strong supporter of Muslim unity and desired to see
the entire Muslim community united. When the United Kingdom recruited Muslim soldiers to
fight against Sudan, you prevented Muslims from taking up arms against fellow Muslims. The
effects of your invitation were significant and spread across Europe, Asia, and America. By
1889, approximately 20 individuals accepted Islam through your invitation, including
Professor Nasrullah Warren, Professor Haschem Wilde, and Mayor Resched P. Stanley of
Staleybridge. In 1892, under your guidance, the number of people embracing Islam reached
83. Nearly 600 people accepted Islam through your invitation, including many city leaders.
The work of propagation and preaching in Europe continues to this day following your
methods and approach.

Homecoming
In 1895, Amir Abdul Rahman Khan of Afghanistan intended to visit England to meet Queen
Victoria, but due to health issues, he sent his 20-year-old son Nasrullah Khan. The prince also
visited Liverpool and met Abdullah Quilliam at the Islamic Institute, where he contributed
£2,500 to the organization. In 1894, you received a letter from the last Caliph of the Ottoman
Caliphate, Abdul Hamid II. Queen Victoria was also aware of your personality. When you sent
your book about Islam to the queen, she requested additional copies for her children.
Professor Geo writes that there was once a dinner in Liverpool attended by the world's
greatest leaders and generals, and Abdullah Quilliam was also invited. When you arrived at
the hall, you were dressed in a long cloak and a turban. Instead of receiving a British salute,
you were greeted with chants of 'Allahu Akbar.' Three well-known books have been written
about your life: 'Victorian Muslim: Abdullah Quilliam and Islam in the West' by Jamie Gilham
and Ron Geaves, 'The Convert's Passion: Poetry Islam in Victorian Britain, The Life and Time of
Abdullah Quilliam' by Brent D. Singleton.

Nationalism
Abdullah Quilliam faced difficulties in his missionary activities from the very first day. As more
people embraced Islam, the difficulties increased. Incidents of throwing filth and cricket balls
at the mosque's muezzin became common. Glass pieces and fragments were also thrown in
the mosque courtyard to prevent people from offering prayers and create discord. These acts
were widely covered by churches and the media. Sometimes, when you were delivering the
Friday sermon, non-Muslims would interrupt and hurl all sorts of insults and derogatory
remarks, branding you as a servant of Satan on behalf of the church. However, none of these
incidents could diminish your determination and resilience. You often criticized government
policies, and eventually, in 1908, the British government, fearing your missionary activities,
labelled you as the first victim of Islamic phobia and banished you from the country. The
mosque and Islamic centre were seized, and the society crumbled. The properties and assets
were transferred to the Registrar's Office.

Return
You returned to England in 1914 and changed your name from Abdullah Quilliam to Haroon
Mustafa Leon. Instead of Liverpool, you established residence in London. You passed away on
Twyford Street, Bloomsbury, London in 1932. You were laid to rest in the Brookfield Cemetery
in London, M1, Old Muslim Plot. Abdullah Yusuf, Pachtal, and Lord Headley are also buried in
the same cemetery. The establishment of Abdullah Quilliam Society In 1999, a group of
Muslims laid the foundation of Abdullah Quilliam Society to preserve your legacy. The society
includes a mosque, Islamic center, and publishing house among its assets. The society is
striving to renovate and decorate the mosque and Islamic centre and aims to open it for the
public. This heritage holds great significance as it marks the beginning of Islam in the United
Kingdom.

Your extraordinary personality emerged centuries later in the darkness of Europe as a beacon
of light. Moreover, your remarkable life provides a valuable lesson and message for Muslims
worldwide on how to align our lives with the teachings and objectives of Islam. May Allah
bless you with the companionship of martyrs and righteous ones on the Day of Judgment.
Ameen.
Abdul Rahman Ahmed

AREEHA BOOKS

Urdu Bazar, Lahore.