A MOSQUE built on the site of a former synagogue opened its doors to show people of other faiths what they have in common.

Masjid-E-Umer in Queens Road, Walthamstow, held an open day on Sunday (February 19).

The event included exhibitions about the history of the mosque which was built in 1981 where Queens Road Synagogue once stood.

Iqbal Mehtar, one of the trustees of the mosque, said: “Today is about community building and making sure everyone respects each other.

“We have got to open our doors to show people we are no different to others.

“We believe everyone is born a Muslim and depending on the circumstances they are brought up in may not choose it.

“But when someone becomes a Muslim we say they are a revert because they are coming back to the faith.”

Fiona Pouchard of Edinburgh Road, Walthamstow, brought her children to the open day to show give them an understanding of Islam.

She said: “We have to make an effort to get to know our neighbours and so we came to find out more about Islam. The people here are very welcoming, I sound surprised but I shouldn’t be.

“It is really important to understand other cultures and faiths and I want my son to have an understanding of others who are part of the community.”

Daily classes on how to read the Quaran are taught to children of all ages at the mosque’s madrassa.

The mosque also houses a mortuary where volunteers prepare bodies for Islamic funerals.

Nazahah Zahid, 21, and Asraa Mehtar, 21, have attended the madrassa since they were children.

Asraa said: “At home there’s only so much your parents can teach you so it’s important for the children to learn from the people who have studied the Quran.

“Our doors are always open and we want people to come in to our mosque and to know we will welcome them.”

Nazahah added: “They gave us the foundations for our religion and I think it is important for children to have that from a young age.”

Farah Esakji’s two sons Muhammad Yusuf, 10, and Muhammad Umar, eight, attend the madrassa.

She said: “My kids go to a multicultural school and we want them to be involved in everything but it is important for them to learn what Islam really is about.

“My husband is a doctor and we want them to have a good education as well.”

Richard Sweden, councillor for Wood Street ward in Walthamstow, said he found similarities between three Abrahamic religions in the mosque’s exhibition.

He said: “I am Christian by practice and I also have Jewish heritage and I learned a lot today comparing the three faiths.

“We have quite a lot in common and it is interesting to see the similarities.”