Young Muslims in Dundee are offering a far-right group a meal and a chat as “a peace offering” to tackle misconceptions about their faith.
The Yusuf Youth Initiative (YYI) had wanted to meet the Scottish Defence League when they arrive for their controversial rally in the city centre on Saturday.
The far-right group will vent their feelings about extreme militant Islam, and the protest has sparked a counter demonstration by the Unite Against Fascism alliance.
However, the YYI abandoned their plan after talks with the police because of logistical concerns, but they have kept their offer on the table.
“We would really like to meet them, offer them a meal and have a chat about what the Muslim faith really means,” said senior project manager Faisal Hussein.
“We wanted to welcome them to Dundee in an act of friendship and the police appreciated the idea, but we agreed that it would not be possible.
“But we really would like to sit down with them the next time they are in Dundee.
“We will offer them food and hope we can have a relaxed discussion in which we can promote the Muslim message of justice, tolerance and equality.”
Mr Hussein said his group see the move as part of its efforts to counter Islamophobia prejudice against and hatred or fear of Islam.
The idea fits in with their Taught by Mohammed outreach project, launched this summer to promote the Muslim message through social community projects and adverts on buses and billboards.
Project coordinator Samir Zaveri said: “There are people living in Scotland who have grievance with my faith or my values.
“It then becomes my duty to show them the compassion and love taught to me by Muhammad.”
Graham Walker of the SDL said: “We would be happy to meet this group, if not when we are in Dundee this weekend maybe when we are back in Dundee next year.
“We are not against the Muslim faith many of my friends are Muslims but we are against extreme militant Islam, and that is what we are to protest against in Dundee.
“We would have accepted their offer to meet on Saturday and it is unfortunate that it is not going to happen, but maybe we can get together next time.”
Mr Walker said he was aware of the counter-demonstration planned by the anti-fascist alliance when the rival groups assemble outside the City Churches at lunchtime on Saturday.
He added: “We are not coming to Dundee to cause trouble.”
Police have drawn up plans to deal with the two protests.