HUNDREDS of people took the chance to learn more about the Muslim faith in a mosque during an open day.

The Al-Medinah Mosque in Bedford Square, Brighton, opened its doors to believers and non-believers of the religion yesterday as part of a nationwide initiative.

More than 200 mosques around the country took part in the Visit My Mosque day, where members of the public are invited to come and learn more about the faith.

It was the first time Ratna Jan Bibi, a non-practising Muslim, had been to the mosque – which is the first in the city to host this kind of event.

She attended with her atheist partner Hugh Corley.

Ratna said: “We heard about it on social media.

“It was really nice to see so many different faces in the mosque – it felt very warming.

“I think everyone should try to visit the mosque.

“We need more community cohesion and to raise awareness of other people’s beliefs.

“It should happen with all religions.”

More than 150 people had already visited the mosque by the halfway point of the service, which was from 12pm until 5.30pm.

They were shown around the mosque by its members, and given refreshments along with a hot meal of rice and lamb, if they wanted it.

The initiative is not, by any means, to try to convert people to the faith.

It is to show people inside the faith of another culture.

Imam Uthman, of the mosque, said: “It’s been brilliant. We want to try and do this once a year and have a coffee morning with the public once a month, too.”