Two London Muslim leaders from the Ahmadiyya community have warned that the world is in its "last phase," while dismissing online conspiracy theories about a Muslim "takeover" of Britain. In an interview with the Daily Star, Imam Mansour Clarke and Imam Usman Shazad (also known as Usman Butt) addressed topics ranging from Sharia law and aliens to Armageddon fears.
Imams Dismiss 'Takeover' Conspiracy Theories
Imam Mansour Clarke, who serves at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in south London—described as Western Europe's largest mosque—dismissed claims that British mosques are part of a plot to turn Britain into an Islamic state. "What we're doing is in order to make the community that we live in a better place," he told the Daily Star, calling the theories "laughable." He added: "We believe that mosques are not centres just for Muslims. We believe they are centres for the whole community."
Imam Usman Shazad, based at the Fazl Mosque—the UK's oldest mosque, which marks its 100th anniversary this October—backed up that view with practical examples. He noted that their mosques have served as "vaccination centres" and "blood donation" hubs, and are used by local institutions. "It's actually a beacon of peace and a pillar of society," he said.
Sharia Law Explained
The conversation turned to Sharia law, a term that often sparks fear in Britain. Mansour said the panic stems from misunderstanding. "Very quickly after about 30 seconds of pondering, they realise they don't actually know what they're talking about," he said. He explained that "Sharia literally means a way of living… it tells us to be kind… and very importantly it tells us to abide by the laws of the land in which we are living."
Usman added that the word is often linked in people's minds to extremists. "They might have heard it on the media linked to Afghanistan or ISIS," he said, stressing: "That is no way a true representation of Islam or the Sharia law."
Aliens and the End of the World
On the topic of extraterrestrial life, Mansour kept an open mind, pointing to a Quranic phrase describing God as "the Lord of all the worlds." "It would be silly of us to say that we categorically do not believe in aliens," he said. "On a personal level I think that there must be something out there." Usman agreed, adding that Islam teaches humans are God's "best creation," but said it's still possible there could be life elsewhere.
When asked about current global tensions and fears of World War 3, Usman warned that the situation is serious but distinguished between earthly wars and the religious "end of the world." "We do believe that the world will come to an end," he said, adding: "There will be a judgment day." He made a dramatic claim: "We're definitely in the last phase of this world." Mansour echoed that idea, saying many faiths predict a figure who appears in the "latter days" to restore justice—and that his community believes that has already happened.
