The Geelong mosque will open its doors to people of all faiths on Sunday in a show of solidarity after multiple people died in a mass shooting in two New Zealand mosques on Friday.

Geelong Mosque Imam Shaykh Mohammad Ramzan said the attack was a dark moment “not only for the Muslims and people of New Zealand but also for people here in Australia and especially the Muslim community of Australia.”

“The mosque is not merely a place of worship for people within the Islamic community. It is also a symbol of strength and unity for all the community regardless of faith or ethnicity,” he said.

“Muslims around the globe will stand united and refuse to allow this horrific event to break us.”

Despite the horrifying shooting, the Imam will offer guided mosque tours with discussions about Islamic beliefs and the positive role mosques play in Australian society.

Shadow Minister for Defence Richard Marles said it was important to stand with the Islamic community in light of Friday's “terrible” events.

“We need to reject the hate that leads to this kind of horrendous crime,” he said.

“Imam Mohammad Ramzan stood with our community in the aftermath of the Paris attacks, and we are all standing with him and Geelong’s Muslim community today.

“I will also be standing in solidarity with Geelong’s Islamic community at their open day at the Geelong Mosque this Sunday.”

Imam Ramzan said all members of the community were welcome at the open day, regardless of how much they knew about Muslims.

“Everyone is welcome to the mosque regardless of any ethnic background, whether you believe in God or not, the mosque is for everyone,” he said.

“It is a place of God and is therefore a place of hope, friendship and harmony for every single person on earth.”

Islamic Council of Victoria President Mohamed Mohideen said heart, community and family were the backbone of the Muslim community and what Muslims want to give back.

“We want the Victorian community to look beyond what is portrayed of Muslims and build

dialogue and friendships while sharing mutual respect and understanding,” he said.

“We also want them to feel comfortable in asking any questions. Making a friend ... is what we want visitors to achieve.”

Mr Mohideen said “visitors of all faiths and no-faith are welcome to come and ask questions about the Muslim faith directly from ordinary everyday mum-and-dad Muslims”.

The open day is at the Geelong Mosque, 45-47 Bostock Ave, Manifold Heights on Sunday, March 17 from 11.30am-1.30pm.