On 27th June, 9 Year 10 students of GCSE Religious Studies visited the beautiful London Central Mosque in Regent's Park.

This was a very enriching experience, as it allowed students not only to learn about the history of the Mosque itself and its importance in the community, but also to deepen their understanding of key Muslim beliefs and practices.

For example, we learnt about the key role the Mosque plays not only as a place of worship, but also as a community hub that delivers many services to the community, such as support to those in poverty or facing hardship of any kind, and also a huge library containing books (many of which are ancient) about various topics, ranging from Muslim theology to jurisprudence and history.

We also visited the prayer hall, a very beautiful and peaceful place, and learnt a lot about its architecture and functions. Did you know that the dome shape within the prayer hall has the capacity to amplify the voice of the Imam so that everyone can hear him?

The exhibition underneath the prayer hall was also very informative, as various topics were discussed, such as Muslim attitudes towards the environment and women’s rights. There, we learnt that women’s rights and equality are actually at the heart of Muslim beliefs, which really challenges the common misconceptions about Islam as oppressive towards women.

Unbeknown to us, we were in for a very special experience: since our visit overlapped with prayer time, we were allowed to go back to the prayer hall and witness Muslims performing Salah, one of the five pillars of Islam. It was very solemn and moving to see all of those worshippers taking part in it together, involved in the recitations and physical movements and facing Mekkah at the same time as millions of other Muslims worldwide.

This trip was incredibly important also to remind us that we have far more in common with each other than that which divides us.

Here are comments from some of the students taking part:

"I really enjoyed hearing information about how the Mosque had been created and founded in the past!"

Christine Gordynska, Year 10

"I really enjoyed learning about the foundation of women’s rights and how much earlier they were established before the rest of the world, despite the fact that people believe Islam oppresses women, which is disproven by this."

Samy Abdelghaffar, Year 10

"I really enjoyed watching the Muslims pray. The prayer room felt calm and peaceful. I was astonished at how many books the library had. Overall, it was a very good experience, and I'm very grateful to Miss Contini for taking us here!"

Joel Barnes, Year 10

"I enjoyed getting to see the call to prayer and watching all the worshippers pray in person."

Jonah Blair-Hicks, Year 10

"I personally really enjoyed observing the afternoon prayer, as I thought it was a very enriching experience that helped me to fully understand Salah and what it means to Muslims.

Additionally, it was very interesting to learn about the Al Aqsa mosque as it’s the third most holy site in Islam, as it’s built next to the Dome of the Rock which marks where the prophet Muhammad is believed to have ascended."

Holly Filer, Year 10