MOSQUES in Bolton and across the country opened their doors to non-Muslims on Sunday to encourage a better understanding of Islam and to dispel misconceptions surrounding the religion.

Between 30 and 40 people visited Zakariyya Mosque on Peace Street, Daubhill, for a tour of the building, and to get to know members of the congregation and the committee.

Ibrahim Kala, chief officer of the Bolton Council of Mosques, said Bolton mosques are open to visitors all year-round but it was still a worthwhile event.

“After some of the tensions that arose after the Charlie Hebdo attacks, we had to show to people that the vast majority of Muslims in Britain are law-abiding, just want to practice their faith and have nothing to hide,” he said.

“Unfortunately, things happen and get into the press — and rightly so — that play into the hands of extreme right-wing groups and influence the general public, so that they have different views of what Islam is all about.”

Gillian Ashcroft, an infant school teacher, went along with her children to show them a different religion to their own.

“My daughter learnt about the five pillars of Islam, the principles of the religion, and was interested to see the practice the Salat – their performance of prayer.

“It helps us all to keep an open mind."

Elaine Ogden, a former religious education teacher of 27 years, was already well-versed in Islam, but said she was delighted to visit the "wonderful" mosque, and feels others could benefit from visiting.

"This type of event could change unfortunate, negative perceptions of Islam,” she said.

“Of course, they are not terrorists. You have only for a tiny percentage of people who are just political. They are not religious.”

Cllr Sufrana Ismail, Bolton Council's cabinet member for community services, said she fully supported mosques opening their doors, educating people in the inner-workings of the mosque and of the Islamic faith.

“Islam is the faith that I was born into and I would choose no other,” she said.

“Anyone who subscribes to a religion will understand tolerance, peace and harmony to all mankind.

“We all aspire to demonstrate those qualities – not just Muslims.”