One was outlining the forum ahead and the other was published by a group called ‘Concerned Citizens’ stating ‘Be informed… it is in your best interest’.

That’s exactly what the crowd had gathered to do – to learn more about the Islamic religion from those practicing the faith.

The event – Demystifying Islam – was the third of it’s kind organised by Lithgow resident Usman Mahmood.

The Q&A session was described as a “thought provoking and interactive forum, removing the misconception’s about Islam”.

The large crowd were eager to quiz visiting Imam Mohammad Atae Rabbi Hadi launching straight into the ‘tough questions’ including ‘Do you believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ?’ and ‘What are the leadership roles of women?’.

Imam Hadi was very open and direct with his answers, even making lighthearted remarks throughout the two-hour session, “No-one attended tonight thinking I’m going to blow this place up”.

The question of ‘child-brides’ was raised with Imam Hadi replayed “child brides are wrong”.

When the resident continued to push the question, the organisers moved on saying “we can speak one-on-one after the forum”.

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There was some hostility in the room but those in attendance remained calm, eagerly asking questions and cheering at the end of a response.

Nearing the end of the forum, a resident yelled “make your questions shorter” to allow for more discussion.

The last of the night was in reference to an alleged Mosque application in Mudgee in which Imam Hadi replayed “I was only made aware of this today”.

“This forum has nothing to do with the Mosque application,” he said.

Imam Hadi wasn’t referencing a particular application, he was referring to an online discuss of the alleged application.

Mid-Western Regional Council has confirmed there is no current Mosque application for the region.

Mudgee resident Gabrielle McGuire described the evening as “a wonderful opportunity for the audience to gain an appreciation of the power of religion in the world and the diversity of humanity”.

“I really appreciated the openness of both the presenter and the audience in Mudgee for this opportunity for us all to learn more about the relationship between God and humanity.