AN EAST Lancashire Mosque will throw open its doors later this month to show non-Muslims what Islam is all about.

The event, is believed to the first of its kind, has been organised and arranged by Faith for All Seasons and Community Voice.

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Burnley trainee lawyer Quasim Asad and his friend Hamid Chaudry said they wanted to dispel myths about Islam and increase understanding of the religion amongst the non-Muslim community.

The ‘open doors and open arms’ event and exhibition is being held at the Masjid-e-Noor in Saunders Road, Wensley Fold in Blackburn – where Mr Chaudry worships.

The event, which is aimed at non-Muslim men and women, will take place on Sunday, August 16 from 2.30pm to 5.30pm.

It will include an exhibition, a tour of the Mosque, a question and answer session as well as stalls, the chance to read some literature and refreshments.

Mr Asad, 26 from Padiham, said: “There are a lot of myths and sensational stories about Islam.

“We want to show what Islam is all about and throw open our doors and arms to non-Muslims.

“It is a religion of peace and friendship.

“Our Prophet Mohammed said ‘He who harms a non-Muslim harms me’.

“There is nothing to fear from Islam.

“The exhibition aims to show this and increase contact between the Mosques and the non-Muslim community and increase understanding between faiths.

“There are political groups who claim to act in the name of the faith, but they are wrong.

“They may have legitimate political grievances but their actions are illegitimate and not Islamic.

“We hope to draw in a lot of people, so they can see what Islam is all about.”

Blackburn Cathedral dialogue development officer Anjum Anwar, who will be at the event, said: “This is a fantastic idea by two young men who want to increase understanding between faiths and communities.

“As far as I am aware, no Mosque in East Lancashire has ever held an event like this before.”