DUNFERMLINE MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville was the guest speaker at Dunfermline Central Mosque last Friday.

She delivered a speech on Islamophobia at Jummah prayers, reassuring Muslims in Dunfermline that they should not live in fear and let extremists divide the community. 

Sid Akbar, assistant secretary at the Dunfermline Islamic Centre, said: “Our members welcomed her speech as many are feeling vulnerable and scared with the hate (mainly online) and her positive message reassured all that Scotland is still a safe welcoming place for all.

“What the hate preachers do is cherry-pick verses and twist things to promote their own agenda. 

“For example, it’s like me picking up a menu and taking the peanut allergy warning, taking it out of context and declaring this restaurant is advocating murder of innocent people who eat there.”

The committee were also pleased that journalist Yvonne Ridley had recognised their efforts inviting a female politician along to speak on social media. 

Ms Somerville said: “I was pleased to have an opportunity to sit down afterwards with some of the committee members and Imam to discuss issues affecting the community, as well as ongoing work to further open their doors to everyone in Dunfermline. Islamophobia has no place in our society.

"And it is the responsibility of everyone to stand together against prejudice and discrimination wherever we encounter it.”