United Kingdom: when the mosque becomes… a gentle gym

In Bradford, in the north of England, mosques now offer pilates sessions after midday prayers. At the Jamia Usmania mosque, men, mostly elderly and retired, meet every week for 45 minutes of simple exercises, directly on the mosque carpet. The idea was born discreetly, before experiencing unexpected success. A video posted on TikTok to promote these courses quickly went viral, reaching nearly two million views. Since then, attendance has increased significantly, with up to thirty participants per session.

The classes are led by Zafar Kayani, 69, who emphasizes well-being as much as conviviality. The exercises are suitable for all levels and take place in a relaxed atmosphere, often punctuated with humor. Many participants say they feel less pain and feel better, both physically and mentally. For the organizers, the setting of the mosque plays a key role. The men are already present for prayer and can easily continue with the activity, without any constraints regarding attire or registration. This makes the practice more accessible, especially for those who would not attend a gym.

Beyond the sporting aspect, these sessions also help break isolation. They create a space for meeting, exchange and friendship, particularly important for elderly people who are often alone. Faced with this enthusiasm, those responsible are considering going further. Pilates classes for women and activities for young people are being considered. The objective is clear: to make the mosque an open, living place, serving the entire community, well beyond prayer times.