Lost in all the noise and recrimination of modern Islamophobia about mosques and minarets and burkas and whatnot, is the simple fact that the vast majority of muslims, jews and christians are neighbors, and members of the same civic fabric, and act accordingly towards common interests. Case in point:

A project to transform a derelict church has received a £52,000 donation – from the mosque across the road.

The money will be used to fund the restoration of the former United Reformed Church on Stockport Road in a bid to create Levenshulme Inspire, a multi-use community centre.

Bohra Mosque, which opened two years ago as Manchester’s first eco- mosque, made the donation – and religious leaders hope the money will be used to help community and symbolize successful inter-faith relationships in Levenshulme.

Dr Mustafa Abdulhussein, trustee at the Bohra mosque said: “Levenshulme Inspire promises to be the most beneficial project in decades for the youth of the area and certainly deserves the support it has got.

“I am sure it will be a huge asset to Levenshulme and the mosque is pleased to contribute to it.”

Levenshulme Inspire, which will contain apartments, office and worship space, community rooms and a cafe, is due to open in October.

It aims to become the heart of Levenshulme’s community while helping the most disadvantaged people in the area.

I am incidentally very proud to call Mustafa Abdulhussein a dear personal friend of mine for many years.

UPDATE: and here’s a wealthy Jewish philanthropist building a mosque.