DO you know what jihad is? Do you know why a Muslim faces towards Mecca when they pray, why a woman might choose to wear the veil or where the Kaabah is?

If you don't, you are not alone.

Islam has about one billion followers world-wide, more than 1.6 million in the UK alone, but it is still considered one of the most misunderstood religions.

No surprise when media representation of the religion has been dominated by extremes for so long. This is why, and where, Worcester businessman Malik Fayaz steps in.

A father of two grown up children, Mr Fayaz has lived in the city for more than 20 years. He is chairman of the Worcester Muslim Welfare Association and vice-chairman of the Worcestershire Racial Equality Council but he is not adverse to feeling the effects of what has been termed Islamaphobia.

"After the terrible events of September 11, and then in London on July 7, all of these friends that had been around me for 20 years started to look at me with this strange expression," he said.

"I had to find out what was behind those terrorist actions. Was it faith or was it individual personalities? That, for me, is why I started this.

"I realised we had to get together and raise awareness of Islamic faith and of Muslim culture."

What he has started are Islam Awareness Days - informal courses that aim to educate and ease inter-racial integration. He has run a number of these workshops at the Worcester College of Technology, but wants more people to sign up.

Helping him is Ghizlane Lafdi.

Mrs Lafdi said one of the most important things for her is to make people understand, or at least see, the difference between religion and culture. "They run alongside each other," she said. "But they are not the same thing.

"There are many negative aspects about cultures, for example the way women are treated. In some Saudi countries men are violent towards women, but that is not about their religion. A lot of people think Islam is disrespectful of women but the Koran teaches that the man who treats his wife the best is the closest to God."

On one level the course is a basic introduction to Islam - it explains who the prophet Muhammad was, what the five pillars are, what Muslims think of Jesus and other important Christian figures. But it also covers big issues such as polygamy, arranged marriages and terrorism, and the group is encouraged to ask questions and discuss the answers.

What makes it more than just a religious education class for grown-ups is the input of Mr Fayaz and Mrs Lafdi. They aim to educate, but also give an honest account of what it is to be a Muslim living in the county.

"When I tell people I am a Muslim, they look to me to answer those questions. I wish I could meet one of those terrorists, just to speak to them, try to understand what they did," said Mrs Lafdi.

Mr Fayaz said Islam might seem strange in the modern world, but it is a living religion and one that should not be judged so hastily.

To find out more call Mr Fayaz on 078777 16078.

We asked four members of the public the following questions about the Islamic faith: 1. Are there four or five pillars of Islam? 2. Are men and women in Islam equal? 3. Do Muslims celebrate festivals?

Frank Palmer, aged 56, of St John's, Worcester, said:

1. I have absolutely no idea.

2. I'd say that is true.

3. Yes, they celebrate Diwali.

Helen Crump, aged 35, of St John's, Worcester, said:

1. I've no idea.

2. I wouldn't have thought so.

3. Yes, they have their own festivals.

Pat Munro, aged 51, of Rushwick, said:

1. Isn't it the four pillars of wisdom?

2. They are.

3. Yes, they have one day when they can't eat anything.

Jess Roberts, aged 18, of Malvern Link, said:

1. I don't know.

2. No, they are not.

3.Yes, but I'm afraid I don't know what they are.