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In an era where billionaires often retreat to tax havens or gated communities, Mohsin and Zuber Issa have doubled down on the streets that raised them. The official opening of Masjid E Vali on Preston New Road is not merely a story about a new building; it is the physical manifestation of a promise kept by two sons to their late father. The £5 million facility, funded entirely by the Issa Foundation, stands on the site of the former Westholme Junior School, transforming a piece of local history into a future-proof community asset.
To understand the magnitude of this donation, one must understand the men behind it. Born in Blackburn to Indian parents who emigrated from Gujarat in the 1970s, the brothers grew up in a terraced house where money was tight. Their father, Vali Issa, worked in the local woolen mills, instilling a work ethic that would eventually spawn the EG Group empire. Before the acquisitions of Asda and Leon, and before the private jets, Mohsin and Zuber bought a single derelict garage in Bury in 2001. They famously cleaned the toilets and manned the tills themselves, a grounding experience that has kept them distinctively humble despite their amassed fortune.
Redefining the Role of Wealth in the Muslim Community
The Issa brothers serve as a rare example within the ultra-high-net-worth demographic. While many possess wealth, few channel it back into the heart of their childhood community with such visible permanence. In the UK Muslim community, they have become figureheads of aspirational integration—demonstrating that holding onto cultural and religious identity is not a barrier to immense commercial success, but rather a driver of compassionate philanthropy.
Masjid E Vali is named specifically to honor the memory of their father, Vali, who passed away recently. Zuber Issa noted that the mosque is a tribute to his father’s values of compassion and humility. Unlike traditional projects that can feel insular, the brothers have mandated that this space reflects the "British Muslim" identity—progressive, outward-looking, and deeply integrated. It is a rebuttal to the narrative that wealth creates distance; here, wealth has built a bridge.
Innovation Meets Tradition in Design
The structure itself signals a new era for Islamic architecture in Britain. Moving away from purely traditional aesthetics, the mosque blends contemporary design with high-quality local materials, ensuring it complements the Blackburn landscape. It is an environmentally conscious marvel, utilizing roof-mounted solar panels to power the facility, reflecting a stewardship of the earth that aligns with Islamic teachings on sustainability.
The site is not just for prayer. It features a crèche, a children’s play area, and an adjacent community building designed for flexible use. This aligns with the brothers' vision of the mosque as a "community hub" rather than solely a place of worship. It is designed to welcome people of all faiths and none, a critical move to foster social cohesion in a town that has historically faced challenges with segregation.
What Comes Next for the Issa Legacy
The unveiling of Masjid E Vali comes at a pivotal time for the brothers. There is significant movement on the horizon regarding their business portfolio. Reports indicate a strategic divergence is occurring, with Zuber Issa looking to focus more on the EG Group's forecourt business while Mohsin continues to helm the supermarket giant Asda. Despite these high-level corporate shuffles, their commitment to Blackburn remains the constant variable.
Looking ahead, the Masjid E Vali is expected to become a central node for community welfare in Lancashire. The management team, under the guidance of the Issa Foundation, is planning a rollout of educational programs and interfaith events that utilize the new community spaces. Furthermore, this project signals a continued infrastructure investment in Blackburn by the family, with whispers of further regeneration projects on the horizon aimed at youth development and healthcare support, building upon their previous multi-million-pound donations to local hospitals.
Council Leader Cllr Phil Riley described the mosque as an "inspiring community asset," noting the ambition to bring residents together. As the doors open to the public, the Issa brothers have provided more than just a building; they have provided a blueprint for how modern billionaires can honor their heritage while investing in the future of their hometowns.
