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Young Muslims promote peace

From the archive, first published Monday 22nd Aug 2005.

A group of young Muslims who set up an Islamic educational stand in Oxford earlier this summer are planning to throw open the doors of local mosques to the public.

Tariq Razzaq, a 24-year-old software engineer from Oxford, and six other young Muslims formed a 'dawah group' two months ago to explain the true teachings and principles of Islam.

Sickened by the London bombings they extended the opening hours of their stand in Cornmarket Street to include Saturdays as well as Sundays.

But despite being humbled by the public's response, they say there is more they can do to promote understanding and good relations.

Mr Razzaq said: "Before the bombings we had a lot of people who would stop and talk to us. Some would just pick up the pamphlets, others would ask questions."

"After the bombings we knew it was even more important for us to be there, letting people know that Muslims cannot kill in the name of Islam.

"Some people said we were brave going back straight after the bombings, but people came up to us, some of them clapped us on the back, or shook our hands and said we were doing good work and offered their support.

"We have also found more people are asking questions about Islam and we see it as our job to tell people about our religion, not to try and convert them, but to give them a better understanding of Islam and strive to help peace."

He added: "We're planning a series of open days at local mosques, starting on September 17. We want people to come in, hear the call to prayer, see Muslims in prayer, take a tour, meet people and share food with us."