OVER 40,000 visitors attended Europe's largest Islamic cultural extravaganza in London.

The five day Islam Expo 2008 event held at Olympia Hall was a huge celebration of Islamic culture, tradition, innovation and art offering both Muslims and non-Muslims a chance to explore best of Islamic heritage.

Islam Expo's vast exhibition space was themed into 14 'zones' over two floors comprising of sport, cookery, family activities, fashion, health and lifestyle, entertainment, arts and education.

Visitors also had the opportunity to relax in the beautiful tranquillity of the Islamic gardens - created by the charity The Religious Education and Environment Programme. The stunning gardens were based upon the Garden of Paradise, as described in the Quran. Visitors also had the opportunity to discover the significant contributions the Islamic world has made to art over the centuries and ancient scriptures of the Quran were also on display.

Over 80 speakers around the world took part in 25 debates around around key issues affecting society and the world today including: How to understand the Quran, Who represents British Muslims? The Islamist Threat: Myth or Reality? and Muslims and the Environment: The Green Jihad.

Interfaith-dialogue was held between rabbis, imams and priests and entertainment was also provided by nasheed singers including Zain Bikha (see clip below) and Junaid Jamshed.

Preceding the event, an 'Ethical Investment in Britain Conference' was held last Thursday, examining how London can become the world leader in Islamic Finance.

Said executive director of Islam Expo, Ismail Patel: "The primary purpose of Islam Expo is to build bridges between Britain’s Muslim communities and the rest of society; Islam Expo brings together a wonderful array of exhibitions and interactive thematic zones; we hope every visitor will leave with new ideas, greater understanding and an appreciation of what Islam has to offer."

- See our picture gallery of Islam Expo. Pictures taken by Emdad Rahman.