(Photo courtesy of Finsbury Park Mosque)

Over 250 mosques from Inverness to Cornwall, and from Belfast to Ipswich, took part #VisitMyMosque day on March 3. The annual event launched (in 2015) by the Muslim Council of Britain saw thousands of Muslim volunteers welcome visitors with food, stalls, calligraphy, henna art and tour guides. The Muslim News presents some of the mosques and centre’s that participated.

ABERDEEN

Masjid Alhikmah & Community Centre, AB24 5ER

Number of visitors: 30
Mosque statement: We are committed to a peaceful co-existence within society with Muslims and Non-Muslims alike. In this spirit, we participated in #VisitMyMosqueDay day and opened our doors to everyone irrespective of their background, religion, race, ethnicity or language. The day was positively received and the visitors felt at home which was evident from their long stay – Mohammad Farhan, Trustee.

BIRMINGHAM

Green Lane Masjid  & Community Centre, B91 1NT

Number of visitor: 500
Feedback: I really enjoyed the Jesus exhibition and the models of the houses. It’s nice to see that we can come together and respect each other – Boguslawa Michota.
Mosque statement: We had a lot of attendees both Muslims and non-Muslims. On the day there were exhibitions, a guided tour around the masjid, a presentation, prayer observation, children activities, food stalls, dress up corner. Everyone gave positive feedback – Kamran Hussain, General Manager.
VIP visitors: The Victorian Society.

CARDIFF
Al Ikhlas Culture & Education Centre, CF24 1NH

Feedback: A real privilege this morning to take a break from duties to attend Al Ikhlas Culture and Education Centre and speak about everything from religion, community cohesion, hate crime to cake. #VisitMyMosqueDay a great opportunity for all to improve understanding and build stronger communities – CI Joe Henderson-Jones, Operational Chief Inspector -Cardiff City Ctr.
Mosque Statement: A lot of people misinterpret our religion. They go to the media rather than come and see what it is about themselves. A mosque is a place of sanctuary, of happiness and safety. This is our first year doing this, but our doors will always be open. – Imam Ahmed Ali.

CORNWALL

Cornwall Islamic community Centre TR3 6LN

Number of visitor: 30

LEEDS

Lincoln Green Mosque, LS9 7LY

Number of visitor: 80
Mosque statement: This is a first time Lincoln Green Mosque participated in such a national event. It had been both positive for us to open our heart/door to our community and a good learning curve for us so we can better prepare in future events! The event had gone really well, we had a lovely food reception which was served by our lovely female volunteers. We had a treasure hunt, Islamic calligraphy, and exhibition. We also had two white Muslim speakers who kindly shared their life stories as British and Muslim converts – Mosque spokesman.

LONDON

Al-Emaan Centre BR2 8HF

Feedback: Felt like I was teleported to Mecca through a virtual reality experience, Gareth John.
Mosque statement: One area was devoted to ‘Women in Islam’ where one could develop a better understanding of the strength, skills and motivation of the leading women in the faith. A number of visitors commented on how their negative preconceptions on this topic had been removed. A beautiful array of books awaited, describing the role Islam has played in the development of architecture over many centuries. Next door was a live calligraphy session where you could request a personal Islamic art to take home – Spokesman.
VIP visitors: David Cartwright, Bromley Deputy Mayor & local police.

East London Mosque & London Muslim Centre, E1 1JQ

Number of visitor: 180
Feedback: I come here every year, I love the exhibitions and the people are so friendly. My colleagues had a great experience and particularly enjoyed the tour of the mosque and learnt so much – Lizi Stewart, MD, SNC Lavalin Atkins.
Mosque statement: It’s heartening that so many people choose to visit the mosque, to find out for themselves what it’s really like and to talk to their Muslim neighbours. This is an important way to bring people together and to challenge anti-Muslim bigotry – Sufia Alam, Mosque’s Maryam Centre Manager.
VIP visitors: Mayor of Tower Hamlets John Biggs, MP Rushanara Ali, Siobhan Benita- Lib Dem –Mayoral Candidate.

Finsbury Park Mosque, HA8 6HH

Number of visitor: 400
Feedback: Thank you to mosques across the country for opening your doors to people of all faiths and none on #VisitMyMosqueDay. It was a great opportunity to see first-hand the great work that so many mosques are doing in their communities – Jeremy Corbyn, Labour leader. Thank you for welcoming us into the mosque which we walk past every day but have never been inside till today – Martin Charlote.
VIP visitors: Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn MP, Diane Abbot MP, Islington Council leader Richard Watts, Mayor of Islington Dave Poyser, General Secretary of TUC Frances O’Grady, Cllr Asima Shaikh, GLA member Caroline Russell (Green Party).

Greenwich Islamic Centre, SE18 7DW

Number of visitor: 200
Feedback: I have really enjoyed my visit here today to the Greenwich Islamic Centre as part of Visit My Mosque Day. I was so warmly received by the Imam and looked after by the brothers and sisters. Open days like these are a great idea to break down barriers and stereotypical attitudes by meeting the Imams and worshippers, and learning more about Islam – Christine May, Mayor of Greenwich.
Mosque statement: We had a lot of stalls including Islam for disabled, Islam for the deaf, youth activities, food bank, scouts, try my hijab and a lot of delicious foods. The event was a success due to support from our partners and stakeholders including the Mayor, MPs, London Fire Brigade, SACRE, Faith leaders and many more neighbours and friends. The mosque became vibrant with people from all faiths and none – Imam Ali Omar.
VIP visitors: Christine May, Greenwich Mayor, MPs Clive Efford & Matthew Pennycook & Cllr Adel Khaireh.

Islamic Association of North London, N12 0DA

Number of visitor: 150
Mosque statement: This is a great opportunity for the mosque to open its doors and showcase the important role it plays in the community – Hamid Qureshi, Director. VIP visitors: Ruben Thomstone, Mayor of Barnet, MPs Mike Freer & Theresa Villiers.

Lewisham Islamic Centre, SE13 6NZ

Number of visitor: 300
Feedback:Thank you, a fascinating visit and wonderful and friendly people – Janet, St Mark’s Church.
Mosque statement: An excellent day with local civic leaders and community members visiting the centre – Imam Shakeel Begg.
VIP visitors: Lewisham Mayor, Demine Egan, MP Vicky Foxcroft, Neil Jameson – Former CEO of Citizens UK, Father Steve Hall – St Mary Church, Cllrs Kevin Benovia, Pauline Morriso, Stephen Penfold & Tauseef Rahman.

Old Kent Road Mosque & Islamic Cultural Centre/Muslim Association of Nigeria UK SE1 5JH

Number of visitor: 100
Feedback: What a warm welcome! The food was lovely, a nice cup of tea, and a lovely atmosphere in the hall. This is my first visit to a mosque. It won’t be my last – Alan Mumby.
Mosque statement: It was a great pleasure to welcome people from other faith and none to the mosque, after 4 years of participating in the event, we are confident that it has brought about better relationship between us and our neighbours – Abdul-Jelil Oladejo, Secretary-General, MANUK.
VIP visitors: Catherine Rose, Mayor of Southwark; Neil Coyle MP, Cllrs Anood Al-Samerai, Maria Linforth, Humaira Ali & William Houngbo and Andrew Moughtin-Mumby, Rector, St Peters Church Walworth.

South London Mosque & Islamic Centre, SW16 6NN

Number of visitor: 45
Feedback: Always a very warm and welcoming atmosphere, with many of the local community organisations were present. Great opportunity to meet many people – Simon Messinger Lambeth & Southwark together. Very informal and friendly and has an easy atmosphere. Informative and information on many aspects of health issues – Chan Bisenger fmr President of Rotary Club of Streatham.
VIP visitors: Church leaders, Councillors, and heads of local community organisations.

OLDHAM

Greengate Jamia Masjid, OL4 1DH

Number of visitor: 60
Mosque statement: Our event was very successful, as we had a good variety of different ages and different backgrounds of visitors attending the event – Faz Afzal, Events Coordinator.

TWEETER FEED

Every year Muslim communities across the country open their doors to people of all faiths and none on #VisitMyMosque Day.

It's a fantastic opportunity to build understanding across communities and educate ourselves about our diverse communities.

Let's build bridges not walls. pic.twitter.com/ZSyNMoGjad

— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) March 3, 2019

“…Sometimes you think that coming to the mosque is all about … men and I was very pleased to hear that there’s quite a lot of organisation and activities available for females as well, which I’m really delighted about…” @True_IslamUK#VisitMyMosque#Ahmadiyya #TrueIslam pic.twitter.com/gHytAOkFPl

— BaitulGhafoor (@BaitulGhafoor) March 3, 2019

Took my son to the #VisitMyMosque event at Belfast Islamic Centre this afternoon. Another warm welcome and lovely hospitality. The Muslim community are making a valuable contribution to NI society and are very much welcome. #GreenMeans Religious Freedom and celebrating diversity. pic.twitter.com/rwSpdArPS8

— Si Lee (Simon Lee) 🇪🇺 🌻🌍 (@SiLeeGPNI) March 3, 2019

#VisitMyMosque is taking place today. When I visited Greenwich, they showed me their mosque is a warm, welcoming place, willing to share with all. I would encourage everyone to visit a mosque and find out for themselves: https://t.co/hS4BgxZRyb

— Lord Nick Bourne (@lordnickbourne) March 3, 2019

250 mosques across the UK opened their doors to visitors as part of this year's #VisitMyMosque day. pic.twitter.com/sqEDGVvM6K

— The Muslim Vibe (@themuslimvibe) March 4, 2019