Hawzah News Agency - (New Plymouth - New Zealand) - The Taranaki Islamic Centre in New Plymouth opened its doors on Sunday afternoon to help people learn about their faith.

Yusuf Khan, a member of the Muslim Association of Taranaki, said the event was replicated at mosques around the country for Islam Awareness Week and to share "aroha" with people.

Open from 12pm to 4pm, the mosque on Smart Rd hosted a question and answer session, prayers, tours of the mosque and talks on the Muslim faith.  

"It's to remove the misconception and give the right information," Khan said.

Police and security guarded the entrance to the mosque while the open day took place.

Among those attending were Amelia Donald and her five-year-old daughter, Clara.

Amelia said they had many friends who were Muslim.

"It's quite nice for her to understand a bit more about why her friend's mum wears a headscarf and why she sometimes has henna on her hand," Donald said.