Jamia Mosque visit

It was a pleasure to visit Jamia Mosque in Pill last weekend along with our Assembly Member Rosemary Butler, Pill Labour Cllr Omar Ali, John Griffiths AM and Jessica Morden MP. The visit marked the national ‘Visit My Mosque’ Open Day organised by the Muslim Council of Britain.

The women of Jamia Mosque put together information stalls and were on close hand to answer any questions.

The idea of the national open day is to encourage men and women from all backgrounds – including non-Muslims and those of other or no faith – to get a flavour of the way in which Mosques are run. Understanding different faiths and culture is a vital part of our community cohesion.

The Jamia Mosque – like the churches and chapels of Pill – is deeply rooted in the community, and has a distinctive neighbourly ethos. It was a reminder that the Muslim population in Newport has a key role to play in fostering respect and tolerance. Many residents in Newport would have walked past the Mosque many times but not know anyone who goes. Opening their doors was a great way to reach out to the wider community.