30 ladies from Muslim and Christian faiths joined our coffee morning on Wednesday 6th December at Shah Jahan Mosque. We started with a very informative tour of the original mosque which was led by Kawther Hashmi who is also the Imam’s wife so her passion for the mosque really shone through as she explained that it was designed by a Jewish architect and built by a Christian builder, Professor Gottlieb Wilhelm Leitner for the Muslims to worship there and that is why Imam Hashmi and herself are determined to carry on the work of Interfaith relationships. Professor Leitner’s original plan was to build a Mosque, a Synagogue and a Church which makes the interfaith connection even stronger. As the original mosque is far too small, we then toured the large hall which has been built where worship takes place today. Kawther explained that men and women worship separately, not because women are seen as being inferior to men, but as a sign of respect as worship is performed standing shoulder to shoulder and in the prostrate position and any woman would feel uncomfortable being so close to an unknown man. We then went back to the library to enjoy a hot drink and delicious cakes and spent time chatting to each other in an informal and friendly atmosphere.
Date: Wednesday 6th December 2023
Location: Shah Jahan Mosque
Time: 10.30am - 12.30pm