Preston’s first and oldest mosque community is holding an open day, and everyone’s invited.
The mosque community around the Jamea Masjid in Clarendon Street has been the hub for the city’s Muslims since the early 1960s.
The community is hosting the open day – part of the national Visit My Mosque initiative – this Sunday (29 September) from 11am to 3pm.
People of all faiths and none are invited to explore the mosque, learn about its history and significance to Muslim life, and meet those who worship there.
The day will feature tours, refreshments, a chance to observe prayer in the mosque and the opportunity to learn more about the Islamic faith.
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Mayor of Preston Councillor Phil Crowe will be attending, as well as representatives from religious groups, local police, schools and community groups.
Saeed Atcha, one of the mosque’s leaders, said: “We’re excited at the level of interest in the open day and looking forward to welcoming our friends and neighbours.
“People from across Preston and the North West are welcome to visit us. They can drop by at any time between 11am and 3pm.
“We’ve got food available, along with practical demonstrations on worship and tours of the building.
“There are also volunteers at hand to talk to people about the mosque and the Muslim community in Preston. So do come and visit.”
The mosque community in the Frenchwood and Avenham areas of Preston has existed since the late 1950s. The community initially used various buildings as places of worship, and eventually moved into the purpose built Jamea Masjid which was built in 1984 on a mixed Middle East and European Gothic design.
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