Mosques open doors in bid to combat prejudice

THREE mosques opened their doors to the public as part of a national drive to educate people about Islam and combat Islamophobia.

Leaders at Neeli Mosque, in Deeplish, Madina Mosque, in Newbold and the Golden Mosque in Spotland, invited residents to have a look round them during the Muslim Council of Britain’s Visit My Mosque day.

The day gave people of no faith, different faiths and diverse backgrounds ●●Members and visitors at one of the three Rochdale mosques, which opened their doors as part of Visit My Mosque day the chance to learn about the day-to-day workings of a mosque, sample food and drinks and find out about activities and projects on offer.

Dobir Miah, chief officer of Rochdale Council of Mosques, said: “It was very pleasing to see all three mosques were busy and lots of quality conversations were taking place over delicious food, tea, coffee, biscuits and cakes. There are usually a number of open days, besides this national day as well as school visits.

“So if anyone has missed out, don’t worry there will be more later in the year. If anyone would like to visit at any other time, that can also be arranged – please get in touch. It is our collective duty to dispel myths and misinformation out there.

“We can do this by meeting one another, sharing our faiths, beliefs, cultures and asking questions rather than just going off what is portrayed in the media”