Hyderabad: People of different faiths attended the open mosque event held at the Masjid-e-Quba in Nanalnagar of Mehdipatnam on Sunday.
The programme, first in the city, was organised by the managing committee of the mosque to dispel misconceptions about Islam and mosques in the minds of people of different communities.
Intach member P. Anuradha Reddy, one of the visitors to the mosque, said, “It is a great start by the organisers to promote better understanding between communities.”
She said that as a woman she was never allowed to enter mosques except the historic places. “Now I got an opportunity to see what a mosque looks like from inside and observe the activities there,” she said.
A group of women volunteers explained about the rights of women and girls in Islam including education, property and their position in the families. “The volunteers also explained to us the rights of animals and how one should be kind towards they,” Ms Reddy said.
Another visitor, who wanted to remain anonymous, said she was happy about the decision to hold the event. “We were welcomed, taken around the mosque and allowed to observe the activities. Doubts regarding rights of women and other questions were answered to our satisfaction. Such practices help bridge gaps between communities,” she said.
Printed charts explaining the basic tenets of Islam were put up on the first floor of the masjid for visitors. Dates and sheer khurma was served to visitors at the ground floor.
The idea of the open mosque was proposed by Mr Mohammed Mustafa, who recently embraced Islam. He believes such programme can “help others look at Islam with a clear glass, and untainted perception.”
