This year's Ijtema in Preston was hailed another resounding success with thousands attending.

The Islamic conference took place through the night over three days at Noor Hall Mosque, Noor St. This year the message of peace and understanding between different communities was promoted.

The Ladies only event took place place on Friday, August 29. The mens event between 30 - 31 August.

Organised by Sunni Dawate Islami the leaders of Sunni Dawate Islami, Moullana Shakir Razvi and Qari Rizwan both travelled from Bombay to be at the event. Mollana Razvi and Qari Rizwan are currently on a world tour and spoke at similar events in New York and Canada.

Salim Master from the group told us, "The event went very well and, as in years gone by, we had a huge turnout, with people travelling from all over the UK.

"A major message to members of the community was how Islam and religion can have a positive effect on the community."

"Everyday issues affecting the community were discussed from drug abuse to living within a diverse community."

The Sunni Dawate Islami movement aims to promote the propagation of the beliefs of Islam under the teaching of the sect of Ahle Sunnah Wa Jamaah.

It aims to light the beacon of love, admiration and affection of the Beloved Messenger (peace and blessings be upon them) in the hearts of each believer, and through this it endeavours to perfect the body, soul and mind by moulding each Muslim's life according to the Quran and Sunnah.

The most important aspect of Sunni Dawate Islami is the Islamic Educational Visits (Dawra). The Islamic Brothers (Mubalighs) visit other towns, where they share, learn and teach the Sunnah of the Beloved Messenger (peace and blessings be upon them) to other brothers in Islam.