•Monday 10/02/1997: For some time, the local Muslim community felt the need for a place of worship. As there was no formal leadership, institute or even infrastructure available, three members of the respected local Bengali community met at a restaurant to discuss the matter.
A committee of three was formed, The North West Kent Muslim Association (NWKMA) was established, and the journey began.
•Friday 14/03/1997: After a search, the Westgate Secondary School Hall was hired for Friday prayers only and local Muslims were invited to join the prayers.
•Friday 04/04/1997: The Westgate School Hall soon became unsuitable for prayers and the committee decided to move to 3 Hawley Road (rent-free). Four community members contributed to the conversion of the unused garden storage facilities at a cost of £6,000. permission from the council granted the attendance of max. 20 people but due to the growing number of Muslims, this was often breached.
•Wednesday 01/08/2001: The committee then decided to purchase 39 Highfield Road, a residential property at a price of £90,000 (the money
was raised from mass contributions and collections). the property was then converted for daily prayers. the council granted consent for 50-person limit.

•Friday 16/11/2001: Prayers began at the first ever purpose-modified Masjid. With the rising number of worshippers, the limit for the maximum number of people could not be maintained and this was again noticed by the council on several occasions. Together with local
resident complaints this led to court cases and the Masjid committee was fined £2000. This was, however, contested, and a subsequent appeal was successful, and the fine was waived. The Masjid was not spacious enough for the bigger congregations (jamaat). Therefore, alternative arrangements were made at Tree Street Community Hall, Dartford Grammar School for boys and other locations for Jummah and Tarawih prayers.
•Timeline circa 2002-08: The committee made a request to the Council Leader, Mr. Jeremy, for a new masjid allocation but without much success. Then, they contacted the Labour MP, Rt. Honourable Dr. Howard, who advised them to contact the local Parish Council leader. This had been very fruitful as the leader showed very keen interests. He provided good support in finding options and even joined a Friday prayer session to understand and discuss the needs.
The current location, 60 Crayford High Street, Crayford, had eventually been found and The Parish Council leader provided tremendous support in the purchase negotiation. Alhamdulillah, a donor had paid for half of the price, £350,000. The rest was arranged from the exchange
of 39 Highfield Road and other donations, as well as personal loans (Qardan Hasanah). A further £90,000 was spent to renovate the property from a Church to a Masjid.
•Monday 25/05/2009: The Masjid officially moved to the current location of 60 Crayford High Street, Crayford, and both daily and Friday prayers began.

•Monday 19/06/2017: The masjid received severe opposition and abuse when the crucifix was removed from the front wall of the masjid.
Although protests and the abuse continued, this did not last for long because the local interfaith groups were supportive and friendly towards the Muslim community and the Masjid. Soon after the Masjid was renovated externally and now looked like a masjid by the addition of green domes to the rooftop.
•Monday 04/09/2017: The Masjid was renamed to “Masjid Abu Bakr” and signposts were erected outside.
•Thursday 27/12/2018: The growth of the Muslim population led to demands for extensions. The entire first floor was converted to a single hall and the kitchen and ladies’ prayer hall was relocated to the first floor. The balcony terrace was converted into the current dining space.
The multipurpose halls could now accommodate overflow worshippers. Alhamdulillah, currently the masjid can now accommodate over 1000 worshippers.
•Friday 13/09/2019: Prayers started in the new hall areas and are still continuing to this day.

•Monday 22/03/2021 We installed a radio transmission service whereby local households who have purchased a receiver can receive
transmission in their homes of the Azan and prayers held at the Masjid.
•Thursday 13/05/2021 We received planning permission for alteration to create a ghusl area for funeral services.
•Monday 31/05/2021: A full-time Hifz course began, and the course is running successfully.
•Friday 20/05/2022: Following completion of a further small extension, a one call funeral service was opened to the community.
It has been a long journey since day one, Alhamdulillah, as mentioned in the above chronological events, several dedicated Muslim brothers have spent their health, wealth and time to take us to where we are today. May Almighty Allah bless and reward them all.

Our mission is to continue serving the local community whilst providing as many services as possible.