AN ISLAMIC interfaith group has called on the people of North Weald to show tolerance to Islam and think of Muslims as peaceful people.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community held an exhibition at North Weald Village Hall last Saturday to try and change the perceptions of the Islamic community and mark its 100th anniversary in the UK.
Talking at the meeting, Fazal Rehman, regional president of the community, explained that people too often think terrorist when they see a Muslim.
"A handful of people who call themselves Muslims have given Islam a bad name. The majority of Muslims are good, peaceful people. We want to clear up the misconceptions," he said.
"We are not terrorists. In our community we believe in peace, freedom and equality and we condemn the acts of terrorism.
"We want to show you a true picture of Islam rather than what you see in the media."
The event was attended by members of the community and councillor Kay Twitchen, chairman of Essex County Council, who have recently given £9,500 to the village hall.
Nick Dorras, 65, chairman of the village hall, said the event was a success and, considering the snowy conditions, well attended.
"The event was excellent and everyone got involved. I was surprised anyone came when I saw the snow but enough turned up to make it a success.
"This should be the start of a really nice relationship within the community and it may be turning into an annual event.
"From our point of view they fulfilled our charity's aims to provide entertainment and education and, most importantly, they made a perfect cup of tea and laid on free sandwiches."
The Ahmadiyya Community was open to questions throughout the event and locals asked about all manner of things.
Cllr Twitchen and several other attendees were particularly interested in the issues surrounding women in education and head covering.
The Ahmadiyya Community built London's first purpose-built mosque in 1924 after establishing itself in Britain in 1913 and now has more than 90 branches in the UK.
More information about their work can be found at ahmadiyya.org.uk
