Hundreds attend open day at Wimbledon Park Mosque

Guests were given a guided tour through the history of Islam, which included Islamic art and models of world famous mosques, writes Laurence Dollimore.

Talat Malik, secretary at the Wimbledon Park Mosque, said the event came about as a thank you to local residents for being patient with them during their Ramadan celebrations.

He said: "Everyone was really happy to come, a lot of them had not been to a mosque before so it was really nice to open the door and let them in."

Visitor Margaret Stevens admiring the handmade Islamic art

Those attending were from a diverse range of backgrounds, which pleased Mr Malik. He said the mosque has done a lot of work within the Merton community.

The 300 visitors were asked to fill in a questionnaire and the response was overwhelmingly positive, with around eight in 10 saying they would return according to Mr Malik.

Speaking about the recent Baitul Futuh Mosque fire in Morden, Mr Malik said events such as the exhibition have become increasingly important for the community.

"I think it is a lot to do with the unknown, most people just don’t know what’s inside so they have their own preconceptions, but once you actually come inside you will be able to have your own perspective of it.

"These sort of events help to create understanding between communities," he said.

Jan Vincent-Rudzki looking at the exhibition.

The exhibition was run in partnership with Exhibition Islam and Mr Malik is looking into running similar events in the future at the Durnsford Road mosque.