Organisers will have security at a Muslim centre in North Oxford as a woman will historically lead the prayers.

The decision to invite Prof Amina Wadud to lead today’s prayers at the Muslim Education Centre of Oxford, Banbury Road, has split the city's Muslim community, with some welcoming it but others claiming it was against the preachings of the Koran. Mohammed Khan, a founder of the city's two mosques, said yesterday he had not decided if he would be protesting at today's 1pm sermon but said he believed large numbers of people would be going to register their disagreement.

Mr Khan said: "We are telling everyone, if they go, to please behave themselves.

“Nothing should be done against the law and nothing should be done that is nasty — it should be a peaceful protest.

"We are also saying please do not enter the building if Prof Wadud is inside.

“In Islam and the Koran it says women cannot lead the prayer, so it is against the Koran and the saying of the Prophets."

Dr Taj Hargey, who has organised the event, thought to be the first time a woman has led a mixed congregation of Muslims in the country, said for every call opposing the plans, he had received 10 in favour.

Oxford police commander Supt Andy Murray said: "If there is a protest, we are expecting it to be small and peaceful. We will be policing the event proportionately.”