MOSQUES in East Lancashire are celebrating Ramadan with an Iftar event for non-Muslims.

The Dar-Es-Salaam Education Centre in Blackburn is among those hosting the dinner to open fasts for Muslims, and Non-Muslims to come together and share the meal. It is part of the Taste Ramadan initiative set to take place May 18 at 8pm.

Non-Muslim guests can attend and listen to a short speech about what Ramadan really is beyond fasting. They will be given tours of the mosques, information on what they do and offer, and finally, everyone will be invited to sit down and eat for opening of the fast.

Mohammed Qureshi at the Dar-Es-Salaam, said they supported the initiative to allow non-Muslims into the Mosque, and give them an insight into what makes Ramadan special.

He said: "We want to open up to the community to join us for the fast opening. We want to introduce our Mosque and the work we do here. Not everyone knows much about Ramadan, except that we don't eat.

"People don't know how Muslims spend the month, but this is a time of reflection and not just abstaining from eating. It's like recharging and coming back to faith and good actions."

The Mosque and education centre are keen to show that they are a family friendly mosque, who allow both children and women to pray at the centre, as well as hold events, such as coffee mornings.

Mr Qureshi added: "Typically, many mosques will not allow women and children, but we want to do this to encourage them to come more often and hold any events."

Other places involved include, Masjid-al-Momineen on Ash Street, Nelson's Jamia Masjid Minhaj-ul-Quran, and Positive Start Dawah Centre in Rawtenstall.