PRESS RELEASE
Today, the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) launched Visit My Mosque 2023. A flagship campaign of the MCB’s, Visit My Mosque (VMM) is the biggest mosque open day event in the UK. Now in its 8th year, Visit My Mosque facilitates hundreds of Mosques across the UK opening their doors to local communities, fostering connection and strengthening the ties that bind.
Visit My Mosque 2023 will be held on the 23rd and 24th of September. This year’s theme is ‘faith, food and friendship,’ where participating Mosques and Islamic centres will bring communities together for tea, tours and talks.
Mosques have long-since become a part of the story of Britain, a feature of our multi-faith and diverse cultural landscape. Each visit will present people of all faiths and none with a unique opportunity to learn of the history of local Mosques and Muslim communities through immersive tours and open conversation.
Notable participating Mosques include: Abdullah Quilliam Society, England’s first Mosque, Shah Jahan Mosque at Woking, Britain’s first purpose-built Mosque, and the celebrated Cambridge Central Mosque, Europe’s first eco-friendly Mosque, recognised by numerous 2021 RIBA Awards.
Launching the campaign at the Barakah Khan Visitor Gallery at the East London Mosque, MCB Secretary-General Zara Mohammed said:
“Mosques are more than a prayer space; they are community hubs where diverse Muslim communities convene, institutions that can provide a range of vital services to local communities – from youth clubs and warm spaces to food banks, open to all those in need.
Through Visit My Mosque, we hope people from all walks of life can connect with their local Mosques and Muslim communities, gain a deeper understanding of their history and function and forge lasting bonds of friendship. Through Visit My Mosque, we aim to come together in pursuit of the common good.”
The event brought together leaders from different parts of the country, including interfaith representatives, Mosques, and local authorities.
Keynote speaker Naz Shah MP, said:
“This is an important initiative. I am looking forward to reaching that 10-year milestone and I’m also looking forward to that 250+ [participating Mosques] turning into 1000. Thank you all for joining us today; please continue to be ambassadors of cohesion. I hope you have a wonderful time visiting your local Mosques later this month.”
Also speaking at the Visit My Mosque 2023 launch event, Harriet Crabtree, Executive Director of the Interfaith Network for the UK (IFNET), said:
“Opportunities for people of different faiths and beliefs to experience and learn about places of worship of others and to make positive connections are vital. Visit My Mosque is a hugely important scheme, on the development and leadership of which MCB is to be commended. I look forward to visiting a Mosque myself and am delighted to back in the environment of this one today. ”
This event was made possible through the generous support of East London Mosque (ELM) and Chai Wala, who provided refreshments.
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Notes to Editors:
- For any media enquiries, please contact: media@mcb.org.uk
- Visit the official VMM website: visitmymosque.org
- The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) is the UK’s largest and most diverse Muslim umbrella organisation with membership spanning national, regional local organisations, mosques, charities and professional networks. It is independent, cross-sectarian and democratic with the leadership team accountable to the membership.