Open Day Mosque at a Wolverhampton mosque (Photo: Tariq Akhtar)
Aishah Ali
Hundreds of visitors attended the national mosque open day in Wolverhampton, West Midlands, on February 5.
Two mosques in Wolverhampton city took part in the Visit My Mosque initiative organised by the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), the Masjid Al-Aqsa and UKIM Madina Masjid and Islamic Centre.
Visitors were given guided tours, books and leaflets on Islamic topics were on display and were able to view an exhibition about Islam and its history. They had the opportunity to observe congregational prayer, listen to the recitation of the Qur’an, and ask questions.
Community representatives from different faiths and backgrounds attended, including, councillors, police, and church ministers. Leader of the City of Wolverhampton Council, Roger Lawrence said, “I’m really pleased that the UK Islamic Mission has taken this opportunity to demonstrate to the people of Whitmore Reans, and the wider Wolverhampton area, the true nature of Islam, and how to work with communities to promote justice tolerance and peace.”
For many individuals, this was their first visit to a mosque, including Sally Cash, who commented that it was a “wonderful opportunity to visit a mosque” and she was “impressed with the openness and friendly people.”
Some found the event informative. “It’s been a pleasure to come and visit, it’s great to have events which show different faiths, and it was very well presented with lots of useful information.”
A West Midlands police officer, Rani Gundhu, explained that this was an “excellent opportunity, a memorable and educational” experience.
The Bishop of Wolverhampton, Right Rev Clive Gregory, visited both mosques. He said, “A day like this can really help us to understand some of the principles of Islam, some of the wonderful qualities of the religion, and indeed meet many practising Muslims, with whom we have a lot in common.”
UKIM Madina Masjid President, Mahmood Hussain, told The Muslim News that the mosque has been holding open days for a number of years. He explained, “The idea is to have a better understanding of other faiths, to build better community relations, and to highlight all the charitable and social work which the mosque provides, and it allows people to learn about the Islamic faith.”
Record number of Britons show solidarity with Muslims on Visit My Mosque Day