A SURFING, martial arts expert and former Sunshine Coast Imam will be the guest speaker at an upcoming event in Toowoomba.

Imam Zainadine Johnson was controversially sacked from his position as Imam after six months because - he claims - he posted a graphic image on Facebook of a bloodied man holding a knife.

But Muslim Organisation Sunshine Coast said he was sacked because there were not enough funds to support him.

Imam Johnson has been outspoken about violence committed in the name of Islam, saying the vast majority of Muslims are peaceful.

Dr Shahjahan Khan, founding president of the Toowoomba Islamic Society and speaker at the event, said Imam Johnson had been chosen because as an Australian-born Muslim he would relate to the wider community more directly than others.

Imam Zainadine will join other guest speakers at the Garden City Mosque's open day this Sunday including the first Jewish guest speaker to attend the religious establishment.

>> BIG READ: Aussie surfer is now the Coast's first Imam

Ariel Heber is the president of Queensland Jewish Community Services and was invited as part of a drive by the mosque to foster religious harmony in the Toowoomba community.

Director of Multicultural Affairs Queensland Julie McDougall, Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio and acting USQ Vice Chancellor Professor Janet Verbyla will also be among the speakers.

The open day is from 11am to 4pm and will feature entertainment and an international food festival.

BIG READ: Aussie surfer is now the Coast's first Imam