Finsbury Park Mosque hosted an ‘autism hour’ event this Sunday to help “break down the stigma” of the condition.
The mosque was one of ten across the country to participate in the National Autistic Society’s Autism Hour week, opening its doors to people of all backgrounds to show how autistic people can engage in Islam.
Attendees of the mosque took part in a number of activities including a low volume call to prayer and an introduction to the five pillars of Islam.
The activity for the pillar of Zakat, the obligation of charity, used chocolate to demonstrate how Muslims give away 2.5% of their income.
These activities were supplemented by a tour of the mosque’s madrassa (religious school), alongside videos describing Islam and autism.
The idea for the event came from Sara Mangera, the leader of The Muslim Council of Britain’s Disabilities Campaign and a parent of children with autism.
She said autism is “hidden in the community” and that, with support, she “hopes to hold these events monthly”.
The Chairman of the mosque, Mohammed Kozbar, told attendees that it was “important to make sure there is space” for autistic people in religion.
The organisers are “planning many more events” that cater to those on the autistic spectrum but have yet to provide details.
