A Middlesbrough mosque has been praised for fostering understanding and community spirit during its open day, which drew more than 200 visitors seeking to learn about Islam and challenge misconceptions.
Masjid Maryam in Acklam, which opened its doors last year, invited people from all backgrounds to attend an event designed to promote dialogue and openness. The mosque encouraged attendees to “ask questions with no fear of being labelled,” an initiative that resonated deeply amid a rise in misinformation and online hostility.
Event coordinator Zak Mahmoud described the day as “really positive,” noting that visitors represented a “real mix of people,” including those who had previously felt apprehensive about entering a mosque. “We had some people who were genuinely apprehensive of the mosque, but they engaged and we walked out shaking hands,” he said. “Some had travelled from as far as Whitby, while for others it was their first time stepping inside a mosque.”
Mahmoud added that one of the most inspiring aspects of the event was the willingness of visitors to confront stereotypes and rumours about Islam directly. “We also had people who had read certain things online, they dared to come in and ask those questions and find out if it was true,” he explained.
The discussions were open and wide-ranging, covering sensitive topics such as terrorism, Islamic law, and the role of women in Islam. According to Mahmoud, the mosque aimed to create “a safe space” where such questions could be raised without judgment. “Islam often gets put into the headlines with misinformation, and we wanted people to come in and ask those questions,” he said.
The open day took place against a backdrop of heightened tension in parts of the UK following the July 2024 riots, which were fuelled in part by misinformation online. The unrest, sparked after the tragic murders of three girls in Southport, spread to Middlesbrough and several other towns and cities.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke had previously acknowledged “a big increase in the amount of misinformation and hate involving Middlesbrough on social media,” underscoring the importance of initiatives that promote understanding and dialogue.
Despite the challenges, Mahmoud said the community had shown resilience and unity in the months since the riots. “Outside of the riots, Middlesbrough has always been tight-knit,” he said. “The open day was a reflection of the fact that people came together, asked questions, and left with a better understanding of one another.”
The organisers of Masjid Maryam now hope to hold more open days in the future, continuing their mission to bridge divides and strengthen community bonds. For many attendees, the event was more than just a tour of a mosque; it was a step toward empathy, education, and shared humanity.
Source: BBC News
