Mosque 'honoured' by community support on open day

Masjid Khadijah and Islamic Centre hosted an open day on Sunday

A city mosque said it was "honoured" to open its doors and welcome diverse groups of people at an event on Sunday.

Masjid Khadijah and Islamic Centre on Cromwell Road, Peterborough, held its annual open day which was "well supported", organisers said.

Attendees had the chance to experience being inside a busy mosque and observe congregation prayers, and ask questions about Islam and its practices.

Nafis Lodhi, from the mosque committee, said they hoped to organise more outreach events to "engage and have a constructive dialogue" with the local community.

The event on Sunday was attended by local city councillors, the city's Labour MP Andrew Pakes and the mayor, Marco Cereste.

Mr Pakes said he was at the event to learn about the mosque's community work.

"Our faith communities are the lifeforce of so many great things in Peterborough," he said.

"The Khadijah Mosque through their charitable venture, Icare, provides invaluable support through their food bank, youth work and activities."

The event was supported by the city's mayor, Marco Cereste (centre, right)

The mosque on Cromwell Road was established in a small house in 1986 and has been expanding since. It is part of the UK Islamic Mission.

Prior to the event, Faisal Mahmood from the committee said: "We aim to act as a place of worship for the Muslims in Peterborough, developing the community through our mosque, education, charitable, sports and social activities, and taking a lead in improving individuals and society in all its dimensions.

"The event is primarily aimed at improving community cohesion and for us all to get to know one another better within the community."

People from diverse backgrounds attended the event