Some thoughts after our visit to the Medina Mosque

I thought it would be like a church but it wasn't.

Their religion is quite similar to ours.

I think that Muslims can appear quite scary, but they are actually very nice people. I think that they are incredible people because some of them were very giving. I do not think that if I were a Muslim, I would be able to wake up at that time in the morning to pray.

The people were very friendly and I feel that they are very good people.

Now that I have been to the mosque, my views have changed totally. Before, I went to the mosque, I didn't really understand the community the Muslims live in. Now I know how different their style they live in is.

I was very shocked that from the age of 10 they have to pray 5 times a day.

I thought it was very different from what I expected it to be. It was not like a church and I thought it would be. It was interesting and I learnt lots of things about the mosque on the trip. I was surprised about what I saw and I enjoyed it.

Now that I have visited the mosque, my feelings have totally changed. Before I went, I didn't understand about Muslims and praying but now I have been I understand.

I think it is a bit unfair that girls have to go to the back of the prayer hall or even go in a separate room.

I did not agree with most of their religious theories but I was amazed how much they believed them. Overall, it was very interesting.

Our visit to the Medina Mosque in Southampton

Y6 have visited the Medina Mosque in Southampton many times and two years ago we were joined by the BBC who filmed us for South Today.

We visited the Mosque this year on 23 and 30 March, with 6T being split for the trips.

We split into small groups to explore the Mosque starting with the prayer hall, the women's room and the wash rooms. We also went into the mortuary, the community centre and another nearby mosque. We had lots of questions to ask the Imam and we watched him as he prepared for prayer in the washroom. Some of the year group also wanted to join in the actions of the Imam as he prayed.

After lunch we watched afternoon prayers and had another opportunity to ask questions. We also visited a supermarket in the local community.

We would like to thank the Imam for his hospitality and all th eparents who helped on this visit and and also the Hillier's trip.