Open invite to come and see new Kirkcaldy mosque

The event at Cumbrae Terrace has a host of activities planned which will show what happens in the centre on a day to day basis and help to explain the principles behind the Muslim faith.

One of the mosque’s Imams, Mansoor Mahmood, said the idea was to help debunk some of the myths surrounding his religion and to take a more modern approach to Islam.

“I came here about eight months ago and saw that there wasn’t much community work going on. Part of the reason behind that was that previous Imams had a huge language barrier. They weren’t raised in this country.

“So I want to do as much community work as I can and we thought we would have this open day to let local people know what goes on in the mosque because most don’t know.”
The event will take place in the smaller centre at the site ahead of the opening of the larger mosque which Mansoor hopes will take place next year.

“We thought this is the perfect opportunity to let the locals know why we are building such a large structure.”

On the day there will be a general introduction to the mosque’s activities, a prayer will be performed, ladies can try a headscarf and have a henna tattoo painted. Men can wear the traditional hats and all can try traditional Arab foods.

There will also be books containing an introduction to the principle tenets to Islam and any questions will be answered.

”We have a positive relationship with the local community and I think this will help to strengthen it,” Mansoor said.

“Anyone, Muslim or not, is free to come in any time and when the new building is ready we’re planning to turn this one into a community centre for everyone to use.

“Before I came it was perhaps a bit too serious in here but we’re a more 21st century religion now and I think if you don’t change the fundamentals it’s fine. So this is our first open day. It’ll be fun and I hope it goes well.”

The open day runs from 12-4pm this Sunday at the Cumbrae Terrace mosque.