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7:00pm Monday 24th September 2007

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SINCE the terrible events of September 11 and the terrorist attacks on London, Islam has become associated in many people's minds with suicide bombers and fanaticism.

Others have accused Muslim leaders of not doing enough to tackle radical elements that have at times threatened to tarnish the image of its whole community.

But Bournemouth Islamic Centre is aiming to get the message across that their religion is, in fact, a peaceful religion centred around the family and community values.

The Centre is running a series of open days over the next two weeks - during Ramadan - to educate people about the customs and beliefs of Islam and invite people to participate in question-and-answer sessions.

PC Mohammed Khan, Boscombe beat officer and practising Muslim, spoke to the Echo about his religion and its beliefs.

Many people's beliefs about Islam stem from a lack of knowledge about it and from generalisations and misinformation widely reported in the national press, he says.

Like Christianity and Judaism, Islam is one of the Abrahamic religions and believes prophets described in the Old Testament such as Abraham, Moses and Jesus to be important.

One of the main differences is that they believe Muhammad to be the final prophet and the holy Qur'an to be the unchanged word of God.

The holy book of Islam, the Qur'an, also teaches Muslims of the importance of peace and forgiveness, say Muslims.

PC Khan said: "People have many misconceptions about Islam. The media always reports the bad, and the good things about Islam don't sell in the media.

"Generally people associate Islam with terrorism but it is a religion of peace - that's the main thing.

"As Muslims we believe it is wrong to kill innocent people whether it's done by individuals or an army.

"Islam believes that with justice you get peace. You can't say we'll take over a country and then you'll get peace'. Islam says if you take over our country then we'll fight'. If somebody takes over your country you are allowed to fight back."

Islam holds many of the values that decent citizens of Bournemouth would also share, emphasised PC Khan.

"What we are trying to portray across to people is that Islam has the same values and community values. We are encouraged to be part of a family unit and help and assist each other.

"Islam encourages you to involve yourself in the community to assist as part of your public duty. Islam has a strong belief in the family and community life, which unfortunately we are losing in British society."

Muslims do not believe in oppressing women or denying them an education, added PC Khan. In fact one of the prophet Muhammad sayings is that paradise lies beneath the mother's feet.

The Qur'an says that women should dress modestly. The majority of Muslims believe that the wearing of the burkha or the veil is not obligatory, added PC Khan.

"In Islam the woman plays a vital role in the family unit. It is a very honoured and high position. We don't think of women as being only mothers'," he said.

"The other misconception is that women are not allowed any freedom or any work but the first duty of the mother is the nurture of the children.

"That is the most important thing before anything else and that is a very difficult job. Apart from that duty then they can work. Education is very important.

"It is said that if you educate a man you educate a person but if you educate a woman you are educating a nation.

"Islam says it should be loose fitting clothes for a woman which don't reveal the outline of the figure and also she should wear the headscarf. This is compulsory."

The Centre has already received positive feedback from visitors to the open day many of whom said they had learned things they hadn't previously known about Islam and the importance of keeping an open mind about other religions and cultures, said PC Khan.

Anyone interested in attending one of the Open Days can contact the centre on 01202 557072.