Pupils in Year 6 from Rydal Penrhos Prep School were fascinated to discover more about the Islamic religion during a class trip to the Conwy Islamic Centre in Llandudno Junction this week.
Accompanied by Religious Studies teacher, Reverend Nick Sissons, the pupils were respectful of the Centre’s rules and removed their shoes before entering.
The group were welcomed by Sian Messamah, organiser of the visit and Imam Mohammad who leads the local Muslim community in prayers.
The Imam told the pupils about the Five Pillars of Islam, including their central beliefs, their prayer, fasting, charitable giving and once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage, the Hajj, before Mrs Messamah shared her amazing experiences of being in Mecca with 3 million other Muslims.
The boys and girls were then separated, with the girls going into the basement with Mrs Messamah where the ritual washing – wudu – takes place before prayers. 
The boys heard about the origins and importance of the Qur’an, before the groups swapped around. The day ended in a upstairs large prayer room where the Imam demonstrated the different positions required for the five daily prayers.
Visiting the Mosque provided the children with a better understanding of the religion and also raised further questions with some of the girls wondering why Muslim women wear headscarves and why they hide away their beauty, while one pupil wanted to know how long Friday prayers last.
The topic will be discussed and followed up during the Religious Studies lessons over the coming weeks, with children able to ask further questions and increase their understanding of the World’s religions.
Children at Rydal Penrhos Prep School are educated on the six major world religions during their Religious Studies lessons.
Visiting local places of worship enables children to fully comprehend the concepts of religion taught in the classroom and helps develop a greater understanding of the subject.