A TOUR around two of Bradford’s beloved mosques has served as a symbol of unity and reassurance for the Muslim community.

The Council for Mosques (CfM) led a visit to the Islamic Cultural Education Association (ICEA) on Thornbury Road and Masjid Usman on Upper Seymour Street.

The Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Ed Anderson and Bishop of Bradford Rt Rev Toby Haworth were among the guests.

Other members of the delegation included Rashad Bokhari, chief of CfM, Kamran Zulffkar, the CfM Mosque Engagement & Development Officer, Ishtiaq Ahmed from Khidmat Centres, Dr Sofia Buncy OBE, the Khidmat Centre’s national coordinator, and Ijaz Noorie, a visiting representative from Pakistan’s Pakistan Social Welfare & Human Rights Organisation.

(Image: UGC) The CfM - alongside local authorities and community stakeholders - has been working to create a sense of security and unity in the district.

The Lord Lt wanted to send a message of reassurance and friendship to Bradford’s Muslim community. 

(Image: UGC) The Islamic Cultural Education Association (ICEA) spoke about the mosque’s 20-year journey.

They discussed their hopes for the future such as tackling youth engagement, unemployment, and anti-social behaviour.

The Masjid Usman - which has undergone a remarkable transformation from a humble back-to-back house to a place of worship - greeted Mr Anderson at the gates.

He was welcomed by several mosque representatives, including the Imam.