|
Living as Muslims in Britain - Peterborough |
|
Over 100 visitors attended an open day held on Sunday 8 July 2007 at the Husaini Islamic Centre in Burton Street, Peterborough. The event was based on the theme; ‘Living as Muslims in Britain’, and aimed to provide citizens of Peterborough with an insight into our mosque and centre. The event was attended by a cross section of the community ranging from local church vicars and police officers to youth and children.
|
| Chief Executive of Peterborough City Council
in exhibition hall | Visitor Sister Pippa being interviewed
by BBC reporter |
Various local dignitaries including Gillian Beasley, the Chief Executive of Peterborough City Council, were given guided tours of the mosque, viewed exhibitions and a PowerPoint presentation, and had an opportunity to discuss contemporary issues about Islam and Shia’ism. Gillian had the following to say: “I would like to thank all of those who were involved in the open day at Burton Street mosque last Sunday. I visited at around 6pm and was taken on a guided tour of the mosque. Whilst I have been at the mosque on a couple of occasions before, I had no idea as to the extent of the mosque and how it supported both the religious and community needs of this community. The tour was well organised and extremely informative. For example I had no idea how this religious community dealt with those who have sadly died. What struck me most was the huge community spirit based around deep religious beliefs and how this community pulls together and adds to the Peterborough community and city as a whole. I loved the Powerpoint presentation which I think should be shown in the city as a whole, which I think would bridge some of the myths that some sections of British society have. Can I congratulate all those who are involved in the organisation of this event and I very much look forward to visiting the mosque again on events that you think would be appropriate for me to attend”. The main purpose in holding the Open Day (the second one in three years) was to foster greater inter-communal dialogue and help dispel myths about Muslims. Resident Aalim Mullah Muhammad Kassamali said: “For anyone who has ever been curious about Muslims and the Shia faith, this was the perfect opportunity to come and find out more about our way of life and worship. In an era where the word Islam is too closely associated with terrorism and has other negative connotations, we felt that this Open Day helped people to understand more about true Islam and also witness the positive contributions Muslims make to the local community”.
|
|
| Police community support
officers with a tour guide
| Shaikh Muhammad Kassamali
greeting visitor
| Visitor trying on Hijab
|
The visitors were given a gift pack containing two books and a CD at the end of their visit donated by the Islamic Cultural Affairs of the Council of European Jamaats.
|
| | The Hijab room
| Viewing posters
| Volunteers prepare
for the Open Day
|
For further information, email
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
