Town's Muslims to reach out to other religions

The followers of Islam want to tell them more about their beliefs.

Anwar Tarafdar is leading the efforts. He has already met a minister from the town's Baptist church, now called Opengate.

He plans to get in contact with the Churches Together organisation which brings together all the religions to meet its members.

Mr Tarafdar said: 'The Muslim community was so frightened of talking in case they got into trouble.

'I have made my mind up that I will talk and make my religion something to be proud of and not be shy about.

'Our religion takes everything that is beneficial to mankind and the Qur'an (Koran) is not just for Arabs and Asians. It's for all of mankind.

'Islam is not just for Arabs and Asians. It's for all of mankind.'

His mission was to explain about Islam and correct any misgivings about it, explained Mr Tarafdar (38).

'There is so much propaganda against Islam. The media is manipulating it. There is so much publicity against it.

'I want to make good propaganda for Islam and say it is not bad. Islam is not a man-made religion. It's from Gods.'

The Muslim community in Bognor has acted in isolation from other congregations since its worship centre was opened in 1999.

The building has suffered the occasional broken window through vandalism.

Friday prayers at the Spencer Street building attract between 70 and 100 worshippers every week.

'There are probably 30-50 Muslim households around Bognor.'