Mosque leaders find moments of hope after violent disorder

Initially set up in 1887, the Liverpool Muslim institute was recently renamed the Abdullah Quilliam Mosque after its founder William Quilliam, a lawyer born in the port city.

While recovering from illness, he converted to Islam after a trip to Morocco and adopted the name Abdullah.

Mr Kelwick told how the mosque faced angry mobs in the Victorian era but Quilliam had an “open door” policy, eager to engage with the wider city through charity and educational efforts.

He said worshippers were still following in those footsteps by being involved in the “ridding of ignorance and bringing people together”.

Dr Hamid said the widely-shared images of the friendly exchanges could help “drown out the negativity”.

“There might be people in that far-right spectrum that will think twice,” he said.

“We’re not going to be able to change everyone’s mind, but that positivity can spread like wildfire.”

Mr Kelwick said some onlookers had been dismissive and sceptical about the mosque’s efforts and dismissed the social media coverage as attention-seeking.

But Mr Kelwick said perhaps they were missing the point.

He added: “Yes, I am doing this for publicity because I want this message of hope and coming together to get out as far as possible.”