Manchester Central Mosque has apologised after telling a family that women are not allowed to pray in the mosque.

Adam Kelwick a Muslim chaplain from Liverpool shared a post on Facebook saying he was ‘disappointed’ after being turned away from the mosque on November 11 having requested a prayer area his wife, daughters and nieces.

Shaykh Adam said, “Just arrived at Manchester Central Mosque (Victoria Park) with the family only to be told by several people ‘women aren't allowed to pray here today.’ “Apparently there's a special event on to celebrate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. How can you celebrate the one who was sent as a mercy to the universe by preventing people fulfilling their obligations which he ﷺ taught us???

“I explained that we weren't here for the event and that we were from out of town. I even suggested my wife, sister, daughters and nieces could use any room or space to pray in, but that didn't help either... we'll probably head to the Trafford Centre later and pray in the multi-faith prayer room there.

Not Acceptable!”

Following the incident, Manchester Central Mosque responded to Shaykh Adam on their official Facebook page, issuing a formal apology.

“Manchester Central Mosque would like to apologise to Ustadh Adam and his family with regards to their visit earlier on today.

“The management at MCM have been made aware and the president will be carrying out an internal investigation to understand exactly what happened and more importantly the reasons why sisters were refused the ability to pray.”

The Imam of Manchester Central Mosque, Irfan Chishti contacted Shaykh Adam directly and said, “I was trying to ring you earlier to express my sadness and disappointment also as to your family's poor experience of our Masjid. I have been serving there for the past three years and alhamdulillah its progressed a little.

“Generally speaking the women's access and facilities are pretty good.

“The people who refused your family access really shouldn't have and for that I want to personally apologise.

“I have been in touch with the president also this evening and he too is abhorred and this level of poor service.

“I hope that you will be gracious enough to accept my sincere apology on behalf of the masjid and that at some point we can welcome you and your family back to the masjid.”