Scandinavia's Oldest Mosque Celebrates 50 Years Amidst Political Scrutiny

Gothenburg, Sweden – The Nasir Mosque, Scandinavia's first purpose-built mosque, marks its 50th anniversary this year. Founded in 1976 by the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, the mosque, with its distinctive dome and minaret, has become a symbol of religious presence and interfaith dialogue in Sweden.

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I usually say that Sweden is the closest thing to paradise a true Muslim can come to on this earth.

Imam Agha Yahya Khan described Sweden as "the closest thing to paradise" for Muslims, highlighting the freedom to practice their faith. The community, which began with about 70 members and now numbers around 600, is planning an open house celebration. Traditionally, they would share dates, but in Sweden, they opt for Marabou milk chocolate, a gesture of local integration.

The Ahmadiyya community's motto, "Love for all, hatred for none," guides their outreach. The mosque actively hosts study visits and interfaith meetings, maintaining dialogue even after events like the October 7th, 2024, attacks in the Middle East strained relations elsewhere. The Jewish community in Gothenburg has continued to hold meetings at the Nasir Mosque, underscoring a commitment to coexistence.

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Traditionally, we Muslims send dates when we invite to a party, but here in Sweden, it becomes Marabou.

However, the mosque's anniversary occurs against a backdrop of heightened anti-Islam rhetoric in Sweden's ongoing election campaign. Politicians from parties like the Christian Democrats and Sweden Democrats have proposed measures such as banning the niqab and even demolishing mosques. Imam Khan stated his commitment to his faith, saying, "I have only Allah whom I follow. I absolutely cannot stop doing that."

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He wants to score a political point. But I have no such thing. I have only Allah whom I follow. So simple it is. I can absolutely not stop doing that.