Mosque day turnout ten times usual

PRAYERS at the European Islamic Centre, Werneth, during open day

IT WAS a chance to break down misconceptions and bridge divides, according to organisers of a mosque open day.

The European Islamic Centre, in Manchester Road, Werneth, threw open its doors as part of a nationwide initiative inviting people to see what is happening in their local mosque.

Visitors took part in the social cohesion event which offered the opportunity of a guided tour, an exhibition, observing call to prayer, henna painting and to see the work of the centre's food hub which is currently putting together cold survival kits for the homeless.

There was also the chance for women visiting the open day to try on the hijab.

"The open day was about ironing out misconceptions to remove this divide that is going on at the moment," said event co-ordinator Nasim Ashraf.

"I think in some ways, the current hype in the media and American president Donald Trump's actions have helped our cause.

"Nationally, we had an unprecedented number of people visiting this time and where we would normally have around 10-15 guests here in Oldham, we had around 100.

"The idea was to get people to have a better understanding of Islam and to not accept the rhetoric of stereotyping.

"Many people have never been inside a mosque and this was an opportunity to show them round. Mosques do not have any restrictions, the doors are always open and people are welcome as they are in a Christian church.

"This was about removing those invisible barriers.

"We had some fantastic feedback."

Guests were given a gift pack on leaving, which included a translation of the Koran.