Hartlepool mosque celebrating 20 years in town promotes message of peace over division
A Peace Seminar at the Nasir Mosque, on Brougham Terrace, hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was well attended. The mosque has been part of the community since it opened in 2005.
Guests included the Deputy Mayor of Hartlepool, local councillors, MP Jonathan Brash and members of the wider community.The keynote address was delivered by Bilal Atkinson, regional president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, and drew on teachings from the Holy Qur’an to express the importance of harmony within individuals and society.Wadood Daud, president of the Hartlepool Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, gave a presentation about their community work, highlighting the strong partnership with St Aidan’s Church and the Annexe Centre.
Since Covid, the mosque has delivered more than 37,000 meals to the two organisations.The Reverend Becky Reeve, from St Aidan’s Church, and Mr Brash also stressed the need for unity and fighting hatred.The event host and Imam of the Nasir Mosque, Tahir Selby, said: “We love hosting events like this because they open the mosque to everyone and bring people together.
“Promoting peace is at the heart of what we do, and these gatherings help us explore how we can work together to address the challenges facing our world.” Imam Selby also gave an update on Hartlepool’s annual Beacon of Peace charity walk held earlier this year in Ward Jackson Park.It was part of a nationwide series of walks that have collectively raised more than £500,000 for charities.
A donation of £500 was also presented to Hartlepool Deputy Mayor Cllr Quewone Bailey-Fleet on behalf of the mayor’s chosen charities, Alice House Hospice and Hartlepool Baby Bank. Mr Ali, outreach secretary for the mosque, said: “We received wonderful feedback from attendees, who found the seminar enlightening and thoughtful. “Many expressed how much they valued the hospitality and said they looked forward to returning.”
The mosque plans to continue its programme of open events throughout the year to encourage dialogue and strengthen community bonds.
