Muslim leaders said they would bring the attackers into the mosque in a bid to help dispel any myths and misunderstandings about their faith and followers.

They said the mosque represented a microcosm of the world, with worshippers varying from retired Army veterans, to bus drivers, teachers and hospital chaplains – and they all welcomed others to come and learn more about them.

Retired British Army major Rashid Laher, 61, said: “I wanted to bring them to the mosque and show them around, to show them that in the community there are people involved in public services, or the Army.”

Mr Laher served in the Royal Army Medical Corp for 33 years, including two in Northern Ireland, after coming to the UK from India.

He said when he first moved to Kingston, people were stand-offish until they realised he was a serviceman.

He said: “People were genuinely angry about the poppy burning, but I was angry as well.

“Forgiveness is part of my faith. No conditions.

“My heart goes out to [the attackers], they have ruined their whole lives and careers with some stupid mistake.”

Mohammed Anwar, 65, one of the founders of the mosque, used to work as a bus driver, special constable and flight operations manager for British Airways.

Mr Anwar, who said he was the first Asian person to arrive in Kingston in 1963 from Kenya, said: “I used to get on the bus and people would throw things.

“I can’t say all British or white people are bad. There are racist people, but there used to be skinheads.”

Mr Anwar said while the attack made him feel sad he would still invite people inside the mosque to sit and ask him questions about who Muslims are.

Former Tiffin schoolboy Rizwan Khaliq said the mosque would be open and outward to the wider community in an attempt to clear up any misunderstandings.

He said: “I used to get questions on the street saying ‘What do you do in the mosque? Do you make bombs?’ I would say ‘Come and see’.”

Dr Munir Ravalia, vice-chairman of the mosque, said: “We have got to dispel these myths.”

Women within the Muslim faith

Women’s role within Islam is a matter of debate even at the mosque.

They are segregated during worship, wear the veil and are not permitted to shake hands with men.

Ruby Agha, who lives with her husband in New Malden, said of the veil: “It is not enforced by men. It is what we want to do. Our beauty is valuable to us and only our family or husband can see that beauty.”

But Zuliekha Laher, 59, matron of the Royal Eye Unit at Kingston Hospital, said: “Women are just as intelligent and can do anything a man can do.”

Mrs Laher who unsuccessfully applied to be the first woman to join the mosque’s management committee, pointed to Mohammed’s wife, who was a successful businesswoman.