Soyful Alam, Imam of Southport Mosque, welcomed a party from Meols u3a Local History Group on 7 April. His hospitality was, to say the least, overwhelming. What for most people was a fairly nondescript red brick building at the corner of St Lukes Road and Sussex Road shot to prominence during the disturbances of July last year. The response from the people of Southport during the aftermath of the riot was positive and brought credit to the people of Southport.
Originally a Methodist chapel and then a workshop, the building was acquired by the local Muslim community around 30 years ago for conversion to a mosque.
Opposed by some neighbours at the time but, happily, approved of by others, the Mosque has become a vital part of the local interfaith community. There are regularly more than 200 worshippers from the wider Sefton and West Lancashire area. The main feature appeared to be the carpet, which was acquired during conversion of the premises for the sum of £15,000! It comprises individually woven prayer mats seamlessly stitched together to provide the focus for daily prayers.
Mr Soyful gave an interesting and amusing account of the development of Islam, its traditions, and connections to Judaism and Christianity, dispelling some of the misconceptions around their beliefs and attitude to women and children.
Interesting facts:
- did you know that Jesus is mentioned 27 times in the Qur’an, to Mohammed’s 4?
- which way is Mecca? Well, just check out the Sky satellite dishes. In the UK, they all point in that direction.
The Imam’s talk was followed by refreshments and the opportunity to ask further questions and to collect various pamphlets on Islam and the Koran.