Last Sunday I took part in a national initiative set up by the Muslim Council of Britain, called #VisitMyMosque. It was exactly what it says on the tin: visiting a local mosque as part of a nation-wide scheme bringing Muslims and non-Muslims together in our own localities. My experience, in three bite-size words, was enlightening, engaging and, most of all, thought provoking.
#VisitMyMosque was established four years ago as a way to facilitate inter-reaction and therefore build solidarity between Muslims and other members of the British public. It aims to dismantle negative stereotypes and pre-existing ideas surrounding the Islamic community in the media and public discourse by promoting greater transparency and understanding between citizens.
On opening their doors, each Mosque (of which 200 participated this year) hopes to encourage respect and goodwill between themselves, members of other faiths and the non-religious across British communities. Their emphasis on friendship and neighborliness to all who enter is noble, if necessary in our current political climate. Their actions should be noted and commended for helping to cultivate a more tolerant society in Nottingham, and across the UK.
Before last Wednesday, I had never heard of the MCB’s Visit My Mosque initiative. Growing up in a middle-of-nowhere village in the English countryside, where teaching children how to maypole dance is still socially acceptable and local places of worship are strictly Anglican churches, I had never stepped inside a mosque. Alongside 70% of the British population, I only ever entered one-type of church. But, on Sunday, this all changed.
With my friends of the newly formed society at UoN – Immigration Education Nottingham, I strode along Lenton Boulevard to the Majid Ash Sharif Mosque in Hyson Green, connected to a fantastic local organisation – the Karimia Institute.
What I discovered was a diverse and welcoming community, coming together to worship as well as support each other. It was a day of celebration over the their trust-building projects across Nottingham and collective aspirations, all of us looking towards a more harmonious future. The mosque itself operated as both a place of prayer and a community centre, providing a geographical and social space to local Muslim and non-Muslim residents. Rich smells of Dal and Samosas filled its spacious rooms, and there was a constant stream of people, from children to grey-haired grandparents, flowing in and out.
Included within its walls was a room to pray, a large hall, multiple classrooms and even a radio station (Radio Dawn if anyone was curious!) After speaking personally with the radio’s female manager and local volunteer at the Mosque, I learnt about its vibrant range of shows; from health programmes to women’s hour, to inter-faith (including non-faith) debates each week.
I heard about the Mosque’s partnership with the British Army and local Fire and Rescue service as well as its future plans to promote the D of E programme. Evidently, the mosque was modern and innovative, promoting local outreach programmes and mutually supportive relationships, inside and outside of its place of worship.
On the walk home – full-bellied and thoughts provoked – I was struck by one sentiment that had lingered throughout the day’s events and talks; the importance of community. Communities are constructive and compassionate, absorbing individuals into a diverse and growing network of people. They provide a vital source of support and foster a culture of inclusivity. In the world where we so frequently think only and exclusively about ourselves, they encourage us to think and act as part of something bigger, less selfish.
In contrast to the increasingly negative portrayals of Muslim communities in the media, on Sunday I realised how much we can learn and gain from the openness and kindness demonstrated on days like these.
Islamic communities face a growing hostility in the UK, and yet they activate and participate in schemes encouraging neighbourliness and respect. With a 200% rise in anti-Muslims hate crime in the UK (a doubling in attacks against Mosques and places of worship), these trust-building efforts are so important and, crucially, require everyone’s involvement.
A community striving towards inclusion and friendship is one that we must learn from and use as a template in the future. So, thank you to everyone who helped to organise and contribute towards Visit My Mosque last weekend. This is the Britain I hope to be part of. This is why I’m part of IEN at the University of Nottingham.
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Sources
http://www.visitmymosque.org/prime-minister-and-london-mayor-take-part-in-visit-my-mosque-day/
http://www.mcb.org.uk/90-of-people-havent-been-inside-a-mosque-change-that-this-weekend/
https://www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/volunteering/volunteering-opportunities/student-led-projects/ien/