AUSTRALIAN MOSQUES WELCOME VISITORS

Melbourne, 18 Muharram 1437/31 October 2015 (MINA) –   Aiming to demystify Muslim worshipping places, mosques across Australia will host a national open day this weekend to show the true image of Islam, amid growing anti-Muslim sentiments in the country.

“Anyone who has any doubt about what we do and what we teach is welcome to the mosque,” Sheik Nawas Saleem of Hoppers Crossing Virgin Mary Mosque told ABC on Friday, (10/30).

Saleem was inviting people to visit mosques during the open day organized by the Lebanese Muslim Association,Onislam quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reprting.

In a bid to dispel misconceptions surrounding Islam, members of Australian mosque will welcome visitors’ questions and curiosity on Saturday,(10/31).

“The mosque is a place which is very open  there is only one room, we have our books on display, there is no hiding space or hidden chambers,” Saleem said.

Being regular attendees of mosques, many Australian Muslims deem them as a place for community, teaching and prayer.

From my perspective, the mosque is the most important thing for every Muslim,” said Ismail Baig, Hoppers Crossing Virgin Mary Mosque member.

This is the place you find yourself belonging, and you find something you need all the time; it’s essential for my life.

It is just like any other mosque, temple, or synagogue, to learn you have to go to the institution, and this is my institution.

A recent national survey has found that a quarter of Australian population has a negative attitude towards Muslims, amid increasing racial attacks against the religious minority.

The survey found that people over 65 and educated to year 11 are the most likely to be highly intolerant towards Muslims, unlike young people, between 18 and 44, who have the least negative opinion. (T/Imt/R03)

Mi’raj  Islamic News Agency (MINA)