Mosque leaders find moments of hope after violent disorder

In the city of Liverpool, mosque leaders are discovering moments of hope following a period of unrest. Recently, there were protests that led to some violent actions, but instead of responding with anger, members of the local Muslim community chose to extend a hand of friendship. Imam Adam Kelwick was among those who took part in this initiative. He was seen sharing food with protesters and even fist-bumping one of them, which became a widely shared image on social media. This act of kindness took place outside the Abdullah Quilliam Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in England, during a time when misinformation about attacks in Southport had fueled fears and Islamophobia. The mosque's volunteers, including Imam Kelwick, decided to approach the protesters to engage in conversation and listen to their concerns. Dr. Abdul Hamid, the chairman of the mosque and a family doctor, expressed that there is often a 'fear of the unknown. ' He stated, 'If they don’t get answers, they will try to find any excuse to label you. ' Imam Kelwick observed that many of the protesters were not particularly motivated by specific issues but were instead expressing general frustration. He remarked, 'None of the people who I spoke to mentioned Southport. I don’t think they knew what they were protesting about - I think they’re just angry, fed up. ' This highlights the importance of communication and understanding in times of conflict. The mosque volunteers were able to create a space for meaningful dialogue, leading to what Imam Kelwick described as 'beautiful interactions. ' They shared food, exchanged hugs, and engaged in deep conversations, which were positive moments amidst the chaos. Some of the protesters even visited the mosque for a tour after the demonstration, indicating a willingness to learn and connect. Dr. Hamid, who works as a GP in a challenging area of Liverpool, pointed out that the far-right protesters represent a spectrum of beliefs. He noted that while some individuals hold extreme views, others may simply have personal or political issues they need to express. He emphasized that providing a platform for these discussions is crucial to preventing further unrest. Imam Kelwick, who converted to Islam in 1999, has participated in various open forums at the mosque over the years, discussing topics such as the impact of grooming gangs. He has witnessed how, despite initial anger and shouting, people can come together and find common ground. He recalled a touching moment when a man nearly broke down in tears after being invited to share a meal following an event. 'He said no one had treated him like that before. All we had done was buy him a kebab,' Imam Kelwick shared. The Abdullah Quilliam Mosque was established in 1887 by a lawyer who converted to Islam after a trip to Morocco. Imam Kelwick explained that the mosque has a long history of engaging with the community, following the example set by its founder, William Quilliam. The mosque's mission continues to focus on reducing ignorance and fostering connections among people. Dr. Hamid believes that the widely shared images of friendly exchanges can help counteract the negativity surrounding these events. He stated, 'There might be people in that far-right spectrum that will think twice. ' While it may not be possible to change everyone's mind, he is hopeful that positivity can spread. Imam Kelwick acknowledged that some individuals have been dismissive of the mosque's efforts, viewing the social media coverage as a bid for attention. However, he believes that the message of hope and unity is essential. 'Yes, I am doing this for publicity because I want this message of hope and coming together to get out as far as possible,' he said. This sentiment reflects the mosque's commitment to building bridges and fostering understanding in a time of division.