MUSLIM leaders at a mosque have apologised to neighbours who were awoken by worshippers shouting and slamming car doors.

Masjid-e-Umer in Queens Road, Walthamstow, hosted nightly prayers and an iftar meal over the long weekend to mark Ramadan, which began on Friday, May 26.

But reports on social media suggest not everyone was happy with the congregation gathering until the early hours of the morning.

The mosque was forced to issue letters of apology to neighbours and appeal to its congregation to be more considerate of the needs of others.

Ebrahim Vawda, one of the trustees of the mosque, said: “Having a good relationship with our neighbours is absolutely vital and we have had great feedback from people living in the area who attended our open day recently.

“They are wonderful neighbours and we take the complaint very seriously. We have taken the steps to prevent this happening again.

“We have marshals making sure that people leave quietly after the prayers and do not linger and chat. We have also sent a letter of apology to neighbours.

“It was a small number of people at the mosque who were inconsiderate but the majority are ok.

“We hope it will be a happy Ramadan for Muslims and non-Muslims in the area.”

The Islamic month of fasting sees Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and having sexual relations from sunrise to sunset.

It will culminate with the Eid Al-Fitr festival on Saturday, June 24, which sees Muslims celebrate with a feast and the exchanging of gifts.

Imam of the mosque Muhammad Shoyaib posted a statement online in response to the matter.

It read: “We have received a complaint about people making too much noise when leaving the mosque after taraweeh prayers by shouting, driving fast down residential roads and making noise by talking loudly.

“Whether you are from Walthamstow or come from out of the area to pray please do not ignore the above complaint/plea.

“We have to rectify this situation and practically show the real teachings of our beloved religion as regards to neighbours.”

The Islamic preacher cited a number of verses from the Quran stating kindness to one’s neighbour is a fundamental part of the faith.

Mr Shoyaib added: “Ramadan is a month of mercy and compassion. Let us not make this month a month of suffering and punishment for our neighbours.

“As from tonight we need to make sure we leave quietly from the masjid and we do not stop to talk, rather go straight home.”