Telford mosque opening doors for public to visit

Telford Central Mosque is inviting residents to the event at King Street Mosque tomorrow, as part of the national #VisitMyMosque initiative.

More than 100 mosques will be open around the UK – and this is the first time an event like this has taken place in Telford.

Shropshire Islamic Foundation (SIF) has been working on the King Street Mosque for nearly 10 years, and hopes that when the building is completely finished it will become a resource for the wider community.

The mosque was built as an extension to the Tan Bank Mosque, which is too small to accommodate the 300-plus people who attend prayer on a Friday. The new mosque also has a women’s only prayer facility.

The event, which will be an informal drop-in for individuals, families and community groups, will run between noon and 5.30pm and aims to give people an insight into the life of the mosque and to promote a great understanding of Islam.

People who attend at 1.15pm, 4.45pm or 5.30pm will also be able to observe prayer, led by Imam Maulana Suleman. Light refreshments will also be provided.

Organisers have said there will be volunteers on hand to help residents feel at ease and answer any questions. There will also be an opportunity to view exhibitions, take a guided tour and take part in activities.

Dr Mohammed Qureshi, founding trustee of SIF and a GP in Madeley for the last 40 years, said: “We wanted to open the mosque up for everyone. We want the mosque to be a community resource, and this event is for people to come and see what is here – and find out more about Islam. Family and community is central to us.

Displays

“It is not a new religion, but we have been tainted. Terrorism exists full stop, you can’t place it on one religion. There might be some bad apples in all walks of life.

“We will have displays about Islam and comparisons with Christianity.”

Yahya Cocker, secretary at SIF, added: “This is an opportunity for people, regardless of their faith, to meet local Muslims at a relaxed drop-in event. This event is for people to ask general questions, for people who are curious and those who are very knowledgeable about the religion already.

“While the building is not complete, our trustees felt it was time to open our doors for the local community to come and have a look at the mosque, its resources and to meet the people involved. It will be a fantastic building for everyone in Wellington.

“We have had a really positive response to the event so far. Lots of councillors, local charities including Age UK, are attending and are really keen to see how we can work together.”

The foundation ask that anyone who attends the event tomorrow to dress modestly, as they will be in a place of worship. For more information about the event, email info@sifuk.org or visit sifuk.org