THE city’s Muslim community is welcoming residents to an open day at Chelmsford Mosque, in an effort to “build bridges” with the public.

Chelmsford Central Mosque, in Parkway, will open its doors on Sunday February 12, from 11am.

Ayman Syed, the general secretary for the city’s Muslim society, told how the event intends to create a better understanding of Islam.

The 41-year-old IT consultant said: “With everything that’s going on around the world, we want to help people see exactly what Islam is all about.

“Terrorism and wars are everywhere right now. We want to create more of an understanding.

“We are trying to be much more active here in Chelmsford, we want to build bridges with the local community.”

The open day will feature displays showing the history of Islam, talks, artefacts, and teachings of how closely linked Christianity and Judaism are with Islam.

Mr Syed believes Islam was tarnished after 9/11, throwing it into the media spotlight with caustic effect.

He continued: “Islam is a peaceful religion. Chelmsford has been understanding of our religion, but I feel in general there is a misunderstanding.

“Sadly Islam was tarnished after the terror attack. People need to remember that there are more than a billion Muslims in the world.

“Don’t judge the religion based on what’s on your TV.

“Judge it by the Muslims around you, the doctors, the teachers, the taxi drivers.”

The open day comes after a spike in reported hate crimes with incidents peaking on the day after the EU referendum result was announced.

Mr Syed, also the chairman of the independent advisory group to Essex Police said it is usually the vulnerable who suffer.

He said: “I haven’t come across it first-hand, but I do know people who it has happened to.

“Sadly it tends to be the vulnerable who suffer, the female in the hijab or the elderly, I don’t know why.”

The open day will also feature a selection of books, food, and gift bags for guests.

All are welcome.