MUSLIMS from Swindon spoke of their pride in their country and their religion when they took part in the UK’s largest Islamic convention.

For three days, worshippers from across the globe gathered at Oakland Farm near Alton, Hampshire over the weekend for Jalsa Salana with the intention of challenging misconceptions.

Exhibitions and talks from MPs and religious figures were on the programme.

Salman Muzaffar, 34, who was among 60 from Swindon to take part, said he enjoyed the spirituality surrounding it. “I believe that Jalsa is like no other event that happens in the UK. People from all over the world are present in unity under the guidance of the Khalifa, loyal to the country.

“This event aims to unite people and dispel extremism. People went there to make a positive change in themselves and the communities they serve.”

He added: “I am proud to be a British man and I am proud to be a Muslim. I hope and pray that this country keeps moving towards unity respecting each other and caring for each other as humans.”

The Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community spoke to an audience of nearly 40,000 people to promote a peaceful message of Islam and challenge widespread misconceptions around the faith.

Salman’s brother, Kamran said: “Jalsa Salana brings the unique opportunity to meet new and old friends from vast backgrounds and religions with the mission to create unity.”

The convention was run by volunteers from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community who cooked, distributed water and guided non-Muslims around it.