Non-Muslims Get to Learn about Islam As Illinois Mosque Hosts Open House
The Rockford chapter of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) collaborated with religious outreach organization GainPeace for the open mosque day.
The ICNA welcomed neighbors of all faiths to their mosque at 1110 Arthur Ave. in Rockford.
GainPeace Director and guest speaker Sabeel Ahmed said this event was directed toward non-Muslim members of the community who might be curious to see what happens inside a mosque.
“They may have driven past so many times in so many years. They may be curious about what happens inside,” Ahmed said. “I’m curious if I drive by a Church: ‘What happens inside.’ So, we want to invite them and meet with them.”
The community got to learn about the Islamic faith, the history of Muslims in America and their contributions, and the different misconceptions about the religion and what it stands for.
The ICNA’s Rockford mosque is not only a place for people to pray; The location also includes services accessible for all, including a health clinic for those underinsured and a place for food and clothing drives.
“When you are economical deprived, right, they are things that are just not available to you at the same level it is when you are economically well off, and healthcare is one of those things,” Event guest Tamarra Sward said.
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Saturday’s open house also offered a large variety of activities including VR presentations, trying on a hijab, getting their name written in Arabic, and getting henna tattoos.
“The more we know about each other, and about different culture, the more it brings tolerance, it brings community, it brings love that need to be there no matter what your race is, no matter what your religion is,” Sward said.
“At the end of the day, the reason we are here is we get to know our neighbors, they get to know us, so we can live in justice, peace and harmony with God’s guidance,” Ahmed said.
Source: wifr.com
