Mosque open days to promote unity

MOSQUES in France are organising an open weekend on January 9-10 in a bid to promote unity and address misconceptions about Islam, France's second most-practised religion.

The initiative by the French Council of Muslim Faith, CFCM, will see hundreds of mosques put on special events, inviting members of the community in for a tea and to answer questions about Muslim values, traditions and the Koran.

CFCM president Anouar Kbibech said the event aimed to address the "current climate of suspicion and distrust" towards the Muslim community, reinforced by the November 13 attacks in Paris and Saint-Denis.

He added: "I hope that in 2016 all fellow citizens of all faiths - believers and non-believers - will work together towards unity."

Some mosques have already organised their own open days to show Islam in a positive light, around national events such as heritage weekend and the Fête des Voisins.