Full Breakdown
Controversial Ijtema Planned for Shrubland Hall in Suffolk
4/26/2026, 11:34:21 AM
Planned Ijtema at Shrubland Hall
The three-day Ijtema is scheduled for 10-12 July 2026 at Shrubland Hall, a Grade II listed Georgian manor on a 300-acre estate in Barham, near Ipswich. Organisers identify the event as being run by the Markazi Mosque in Didsbury, described as an ultra-conservative mosque. Sources cited up to 100,000 pilgrims; a later statement lowered the estimate to 10,000.
Background and Context
Markazi Mosque is the European hub of the Tablighi Jamaat, an ultra-conservative Sunni movement. Two of the July 7, 2005 London bombers, Mohammed Siddique Khan and Shezad Tanweer, are reported to have prayed there, though the mosque denies any influence on radicalisation. In 2021 Ofsted reprimanded a school linked to the mosque after a book advocating violence against gay people was found in its library. Shrubland Hall, a Georgian manor built in the 1770s, was sold in 2006 and bought in 2009 by Dr Muhammad Farmer.
Official Statements & Responses
The organisers’ video calls Shrubland Hall a “sanctuary” and an “Amanah, a blessed vessel for dhikr.” It announces the arrival of World Amir Sheikh Saad Hafidhahullah, described as a “beacon of guidance for the entire humanity.” The event is hosted by the charity London to Nizamuddin (Anuman-e-Islahul Muslimeen), which lists “running of a mosque” among its activities. Organisers said estate was chosen over ExCel London and the NEC in Birmingham.
Criticism & Opposition
Residents warn that Barham’s roads, with potholes, cannot handle the traffic and that waste could damage the environment. Robert Stanper, 69, said, “I hope it doesn’t happen because they’re on my doorstep. The environment would suffer because of all the things people leave behind, intentionally or unintentionally.” Unnamed locals called the impact “absolutely horrendous” and “insane.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources report attendance of 100,000 or 10,000 and name organiser as Markazi Mosque in Didsbury or a Dewsbury mosque. No planning response has been reported.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The environment would suffer because of all the things people leave behind, intentionally or unintentionally.” — Robert Stanper, 69, Barham resident
- “May Allah Subhanahu Ta'la make this Ijtema inshallah a means of our islah and a means of the entire world's Islah.” — Organiser, promotional video
- “She said: 'I've been to Shrubland Hall when it was still a health spa and I cannot imagine 100k people on the grounds, let alone the sheer volume of traffic on the roads towards Barham.” — Local critic
- “Another said: '100,000 people, that is two-thirds of the population of Ipswich.” — Local critic
What’s Next
Barham residents have formally requested cancellation. Organisers have not altered the schedule, and the Ijtema remains set for 10-12 July 2026 pending possible legal or planning action.
