Mosque opens its doors to educate (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Mosque opens its doors to educate

10:35pm Thursday 18th October 2007 in

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One of the district's largest mosques threw open its doors to schoolchildren from all cultures during a special event.

The Connecting Cultures open day at the Madni Jamia Masjid, in Thornbury Road, Bradford, was designed to create a greater understanding of Islam in the community.

Children at schools across the district were given a guided tour, including a prayer demonstration.

A number of prominent Muslim artists created a series of dynamic displays about Islam.

Some of the children were given henna tattoos, while others took part in face painting.

There were also demonstrations of Arabic calligraphy, followed by a colourful video presentation on Islam.

Sofia Maskin, who was one of the tour guides, said: "I feel it was a valuable experience for the children. A lot of children who came to the event had never been in a mosque before and they have found it fascinating and they asked some interesting questions.

"The day was an open day for the community and also for schools to come and look at what the function of a mosque is.

"Often, people don't have chance to come and see a mosque from inside and also to look at some Islamic artwork and to learn facts about Islam and Muslims all across the world."

Lucy Williamson, a pupil at Ben Rydding Primary School, said: "I have learned that they pray at different times of day and that they read Arabic."

Classmate Charles O'Hara said: "It has been very interesting and I have learnt that their books are quite precious to them and they pray quite a lot of times a day."

Event co-ordinator Abida Rafiq said: "The main reason we did this was that it's something that has been long overdue: to officially open the mosque and to open the doors to the wider community and non-Muslims.

"People are more than welcome to visit the mosque and to come and ask questions. If people have negative experiences of Islam, this kind of event replaces those experiences with good ones.

"It has been absolutely wonderful and the kids have really enjoyed it."

The open day was organised with help of Education Bradford.

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