 |
 |
KSIMC of Birmingham Welcomes Public as Part of Nationwide #VisitMyMosque Day
On Sunday 7th February 2016, the Mehfil e Abbas Mosque on Clifton Road, Balsall Heath, also known as the KSIMC of Birmingham, opened its doors to welcome people of all faiths and none and provide them with an opportunity to learn more about Islam, the mosque and its activities.
Residents of the local community and faith leaders from across Birmingham attended the Open Day. The day consisted of guided tours around the mosque, followed by an opportunity to ask any questions about Islam or the mosque over a cup of tea and lunch.
One of the organisers, Kazim Sajan, said, "The idea behind the Open Day was for the Centre to reach out to the wider community and give them a flavour of the activities that take place in a mosque, in an effort to build relationships with others. We took great pleasure in welcoming others to our place of worship, answering questions and dispelling any misconceptions people may have had about Islam.”
Last Thursday, Birmingham City Council approved plans for a £7.5 million expansion project at the KSIMC of Birmingham and visitors were keen to know more about this at the Open Day. Shaheed Fazal, chair of the expansion project, commented that they “are hoping that the building of this new centre will serve as our contribution to regenerating Balsall Heath and also increase the interaction between our community and other communities in the local area."
Among the attendees, Jo Bull, a resident of the local area, said the following about her experience: "Thank you so much for the lovely afternoon, I feel uplifted and inspired." Jo Bagby, a community regeneration consultant added “Thank you for all your gifts of welcome, hospitality, conversation, guided tours and my beautiful Hijab! I have learned a lot from all the people I have chatted to.”
In addition to the tours and discussion circle, stations were also set up around the mosque providing an insight into mosque activities and life as a Muslim. These included a ‘Try On a Hijab’ stall where female visitors were able to don a headscarf, a treasure hunt around the mosque answering questions where winners were awarded prizes, and a station where visitors could listen to the recitation of verses of the Qur’an.
Over the course of the day, more than 80 visitors attended the Open Day. The mosque executive committee commented that they look forward to inviting guests to the mosque in future and fostering relationships going forward.
 |
 |