PRESS RELEASE
More than 200 Mosques welcomed thousands of visitors over the weekend, 3rd and 4th of September, for the seventh annual ‘Visit My Mosque’ (VMM) – the largest coordinated Mosque open day event in the UK.
Mosques opened their doors for tours, exhibitions, food and activities, as well as an opportunity for guests to ask candid questions about Islam and Muslims and explore their sacred spaces. Those participating this weekend were from all over the UK, with notable attendance from local MPs, councillors, interfaith groups and civil society.
It was lovely to be invited to visit
Al-Tawheed Islamic Education Centre, Maidenhead @OfficialTIECM for the annual #VisitMyMosque day
with other dignitaries & invitees.I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the faith which was informative and insightful. #VisitMyMosque pic.twitter.com/P8RqLnozHI
— Gurpreet Bhangra Esq.🇬🇧 (@GurpreetBhangra) September 4, 2022
Many mosques delivered informative exhibitions about the history of Muslims in Britain, like the Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking and Abdullah Quilliam Mosque in Liverpool.
Our heartiest gratitude to @ShahJahanMosque for welcoming in the local community for #VisitMyMosque, alongside 200+ across the country, and delivering a wonderful open day event.
Here's to many such opportunities to develop dialogue, understanding and friendship.
📸 @rooful_ali pic.twitter.com/vcTAbcT30o
— MCB (@MuslimCouncil) September 5, 2022
The Madrasa Taleem ul Islam in Glasgow displayed the ‘Celtic Crescent’ exhibition charting the history of Muslims in Scotland, whilst the East London Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Europe, hosted prominent British academic Professor Muhammad Abdul Haleem OBE, renowned his work on the Oxford classic edition translation of the Qur’an, along with an exhibition of authentic manuscripts dating back to the 12th century.
It's been lovely to see a steady stream of visitors today for #VisitMyMosque.
Picture credits: @abdulmukith pic.twitter.com/eLlnFZJ4iR
— East London Mosque & London Muslim Centre (@elondonmosque) September 4, 2022
MCB Secretary-General, Zara Mohammed said:
“This year’s Visit My Mosque weekend was truly special. For families in particular, it was a day of fun and celebration.
“During my own visits, guests shared how the experience had changed their previous perceptions of Islam and Muslims and were surprised to learn of the wide range of support mosques provide locally. Others were struck by the beautiful architecture, interior design and the serenity of Mosque halls and Muslim prayer itself.
“The ‘Visit My Mosque’ campaigns continues to carry national significance, helping to challenge misconceptions, and bridge understanding between communities, on Islam and Muslims in Britain. We thank all the incredible Mosque teams, including staff and volunteers, who have worked tirelessly to put on such a fantastic weekend of events.”
[ENDS]
Notes to editors:
- For any media enquiries, contact: media@mcb.org.uk
- Pre VMM 2022 press release can be found here.
- For more information on Visit My Mosque, visit: visitmymosque.org
- The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) is the UK’s largest and most diverse Muslim umbrella organisation with over 500 affiliated national, regional and local organisations, mosques, charities and schools.
Feature image credit: Rooful Ali