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Peterborough Jamaat Open Day in the News |
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Open day proves to be a mosque-see for faiths
Peterborough Today
18 July 2007
http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news?articleid=3037602
VIisitors of all faiths enjoyed an eye-opening peek behind the doors of a city mosque during a day designed to debunk myths and promote harmony.
The Burton Street mosque in Peterborough welcomed more than 100 guests, inviting them to step into the shoes of Muslim people.
The open day, with the theme of Living as Muslims in Britain, allowed visitors from a host of backgrounds, including vicars, police officers and youngsters, to get to grips with the faith's teachings and customs.
Among those who tried on the female Muslim dress of headscarves, known as hijabs, were a group from a King's Cliffe parish and various non-Muslim women.
Chief executive of the city council Gillian Beasley was one of the special guests at the event.
She said: "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."
Marie Turney, from Yaxley, near Peterborough, who is a member of the Interfaith Council, attended the event.
She said: "It aimed to show the way mosques work and get rid of a few misunderstandings about the faith.
"Women had the chance to wear headscarves, and we learnt that men are meant to dress modestly as well.
"Sometimes people think women are forced to wear them, but it is actually their choice.
"Any community should have the opportunity to learn about different beliefs and customs."
Guests were also taken on a guided tour of the mosque and shown a slideshow about what life was like for Muslims living in this country.
There was also an opportunity to find out how Muslims had contributed to Peterborough, including fund-raising activities and in business.
Children were catered for as well, with activities such as henna painting, gingerbread making and colouring.
One of the organisers, Sukaina Manji said: "The aim was to create interfaith dialogue and dispel any myths about Islam.
"Religion is often used as an excuse for terrorist attacks or forced marriage when it is about culture."
Imam Mohammad Kassamali said: "For anyone who has ever been curious about Muslims, this was the perfect opportunity to 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. "
The event was organised with the help of the Husanini youth group.
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