Mosques across Britain host 'open day' to explain faith

Seeking to counter the growing tide of Islamophobia in the UK and across Europe, about 90 mosques in Britain hosted an "open day" today to explain the faith of Islam "beyond the hostile headlines".

The initiative, launched last year by the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), attracted more than double participating mosques this year and is aimed at countering what the MCB describes as "hostile headlines" on the faith.

Mosques in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, Cardiff, Belfast, Plymouth and Canterbury are among those participating in the #VisitMyMosque programme.

"The day seeks to provide a platform for Muslims to reach out to fellow Britons and explain their faith and community beyond the hostile headlines," the MCB said in a statement.

"Local mosques will also be inviting inter-faith leaders as well, and all will be asked to come together to demonstrate unity and solidarity during what has been a tense time for faith communities," it said in its statement last month.

During the open day, introductions to Islam and explanations on Muslim community activities were offered, as well as opportunities to see prayers and guided tours.

The latest census, from 2011, showed there were 2.7 million Muslims in the UK -- about 4.5 per cent of the population. The 'Visit My Mosque' event comes amid rising anti-Muslim sentiments in Britain and all across Europe.

In December 2015, Scotland Yard recorded 158 Islamophobic hate crimes, more than double the figure of December 2014.