On the afternoon of Thursday 14th November 2024, the Year 10 GCSE Religious Studies students from Swanmore College embarked on an educational trip to a local Shi’a Mosque. This visit was part of their study of Islam, aimed at deepening their understanding of Islamic beliefs and practices, particularly those unique to the Shi’a branch of Islam. The trip was not only an opportunity to explore different religious traditions but also to experience the warm hospitality and rich culture of the Muslim ummah (community).
As the students from Swanmore College approached the mosque, they were immediately struck by the beautiful architecture. The mosque featured intricate Arabic calligraphy, symbolising the reverence and artistry in Islamic worship spaces. Upon arrival, students were asked to remove their shoes before entering, a customary sign of respect and cleanliness in Islamic culture. The girls were also encouraged to cover their hair with a scarf, reflecting the modest dress code observed in mosques.
The group was warmly welcomed by the mosque’s Imam (Sheikh Fazle Abbas), who introduced himself and provided a brief overview of the significance of the mosque within the Shi’a community. He explained that this mosque serves as both a place of worship and a community centre, where people gather not only for prayers but also for educational and social activities. The Imam then led the students into the main prayer hall (via the wudu wash rooms), a large, open space with beautifully decorated carpets and chandeliers. The peaceful atmosphere allowed the students to experience the spiritual ambiance of the mosque firsthand.
One of the key highlights of the visit was the Imam’s explanation of the differences between Sunni and Shi’a practices. He shared that Shi’a Muslims place a strong emphasis on the leadership of the Ahl al-Bayt (the family of the Prophet Muhammad). The Imam spoke about the significance of the Twelve Imams, especially Imam Ali and Imam Husayn, whose martyrdom is commemorated during the annual Ashura festival.
The visit concluded with a lively Q&A session, where students asked insightful questions about Islamic beliefs, the role of women in the mosque, and the importance of the sanctity of life in Islam.
This trip was a truly enriching experience for the students of Swanmore College, allowing them to engage firsthand with the concepts they will study in the classroom. It fostered a deeper appreciation for religious diversity and the values of tolerance and respect. Students left with a newfound understanding of the Islamic faith, breaking down preconceived notions and embracing the beauty of interfaith dialogue.
Comments on the day from students included…..
- Noreen said: “Really interesting afternoon! I really enjoyed learning about the difference in Shi’a and Sunni Muslims as I didn't know a lot about that and also found it intriguing to learn more about the Prophets and history of the Mosque itself.”
- Theo said: “It was incredibly interesting to visit the Mosque and speak to the insightful Imam in order to compare Islamic views with that of Christianity.”
- Alex said: “The experience of visiting the Mosque was great. I really enjoyed speaking to the Imam who was very clear with his teachings on Islam including the differences and similarities between Sunni and Shi’a Muslims.”
Mr. J. Hughes
Head of RE and Sociology
10R6 tutor
Swanmore College
01489 892256
