07/03/2019
Once a year, mosques across the United Kingdom open their doors to welcome people from all backgrounds and walks of life. This is an annual campaign which is facilitated by the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) and its purpose is to help overcome misconceptions and help bridge relationships with fellow community members.
The Manchester Islamic Centre is in the heart of Manchester located on Sidney Street, just off Oxford Road which is flooded with students, business people and commuters on a daily basis, yet most are unaware of the centre and the warm and friendly neighbours within.
The Visit My Mosque Day is a chance to invite neighbours into the centre, get to know one another and promote community cohesion. The banner which graced the front doors of the Manchester Islamic Centre (MIC) summarised the goal of this initiative beautifully; “People are of two kinds, either your brothers in faith or your equals in humanity” (Imam Ali AS). The event was a successful endeavour to promote the essence of the faith: equality and brotherhood.
A team of predominately Muslim youth who are from a range of cultural and professional backgrounds, which reflects the diversity of the faith, were united in their shared faith and passionate goal to welcome the wider community to the Islamic Centre.
The day itself was preceded by online promotion through social media and conversations with people in the community. On the day, members of the centre went out in typical Mancunian weather, rain and grey skies, to help encourage people to come in. Once visitors entered the centre they were met with huge smiles, warm food, and much more.
