AT least 50 people made the most of a national initiative and visited Keighley’s Markazi Jamia Mosque over the weekend.

The mosque, in Emily Street, was one of more than 200 mosques in the UK taking part in a scheme called Visit My Mosque on Sunday, run by the Muslim Council of Britain.

Members of the public, church leaders and some Police Community Support Officers were among those given tours of the Markazi Jamia Mosque, led by Keighley Muslim Association education officer Mohammed Nazam and treasurer Tariq Hussain.

Guests were able to hear the call to prayer being delivered and see afternoon prayers performed.

They were encouraged to ask questions about the mosque and Islam, and enjoyed food and refreshments afterwards.

They learned that the mosque has its own well, has a maximum capacity of about 4,000 worshippers and that about 1,200 to 1,300 people attend for the weekly Friday prayers.

They were given an insight into the mosque’s charitable role, its job of arranging funeral services for deceased Keighley Muslims and its Islamic after-school classes for children.

Mr Nazam told the visitors: “Unlike other mosques we’ve never had to go outside of Keighley to raise the money we need for the mosque.

“All the money raised comes from the people of Keighley.

“We’re now seeing younger people getting involved with the running of the mosque as their grandfathers and fathers retire, and they’re bringing with them some great ideas and decisions.”

He stressed that no hierarchy governs where people pray once in the mosque, with people from all walks of life standing next to each other as equals before God.

Commenting after the first tour, he said: “I think it’s fantastic to have seen so many people coming along and taking an interest.

“I’ve had some very positive feedback from visitors.”

Mr Hussain said: “Research has shown about 90 per cent of the population of the UK has never entered a mosque before.

“So today we’re showing people what the mosque is all about. We weren’t sure how many people would come but the turnout has been excellent.

“Our doors are always open and we’re available to people who want to come here and ask questions.”