A mosque invited the community to learn more about Muslim celebrations and traditions.

Mansur Ahmed, Imam of the Baitul Aman Mosque in Royal Lane, Hillingdon, hosted a neighbourhood party to mark the end of the month of Ramadan - a period of fasting - and the celebration of Eid.

Mr Ahmed, who is a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, said he wanted to ‘share the happiness’ with his neighbours.

The celebration, on Sunday August 10, included a tour of the Mosque, exhibitions and a short talk by Mayor of Hillingdon, Catherine Dann.

Prior to the event Mr Ahmed and mosque staff distributed Eid gifts and greeting cards to 70 households in the immediate neighbourhood and invited to them to the event.

“The gifts and cards were well received,” said Mr Ahmed.

Around 55 people including two borough councillors joined in the celebration.

'Love for all, hatred for none' - the mosque's motto

Refreshments including samosas, spring rolls and cake were served.

The guests visited an exhibition and heard a short formal talk.

“It which was very much liked by everyone,” said Mr Ahmed.

“In the exhibition we showcased different translations of the Holy Qu'ran translated by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association and verses of the Holy Qu'ran relating to various topics like Science, Human Rights, Interfaith and Charity.

Mr Ahmed (far right) talks to the mayor of Hillingdon

“Some guests commented that even though they had seen the Qu'ran before, this was the first time that the Quran was open and they could touch it and have a look inside it and were fascinated by the arabic scripture.”

There was also an exhibition of a model village project of the mosque’s community in Africa.

“Its aims are to deliver flowing water, sustainable energy, and enhanced agriculture amongst other sustainable solutions to the poor communities,” explained Mr Ahmed.

Mr Ahmed explained in a speech why he organised the event.

“The Ahmadiyya Muslim community Under the leadership of its head the fifth Khalifa, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, always tries to bring people together and to utilise all ways to promote peace and harmony within a society,” he said.

“The more we know about each other, the better our understanding will be.

“Events like this promote peace, respect and tolerance.

“All the guests left very happy and expressed the desire that more events like this should happen in all places of worship.”

The event also took place in Southall, Feltham and High Wycombe.

“We organise different events throughout the year, on a local, regional, national and international level,” he esplained.

On February 11 the a Conference of World Religions was hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association at the Guildhall in London.

It was attended by 500 delegates, included faith leaders from various countries and politicians.

“We have the desire for a harmonious society, free from war and conflict. And this is our small contribution to achieve this task, and also your contribution with your attendance here today.

“Someone who has been in a mosque will not fear mosques. By inviting each other and visiting each other it helps to establish peace.”