Replace Ignorance with Understanding': Illinois Mosque Invites Community in to Learn about Islam
Islam is often viewed through misconceptions and stereotypes, so to help break down some barriers, the suburban mosque welcomed people from all backgrounds on Saturday to help replace ignorance with understanding.
Organizers said building community is one of the most effective ways to tear down some of those misconceptions, and that’s exactly what they did at the mosque open house.
Carol Pedot was one of several non-Muslims who had never experienced a mosque before Saturday.
“This is my very first time,” Pedot said. “This is all new to me and I’m really learning and appreciating the experience.”
The Islamic Society of Northwest Suburbs is one of close to 130 mosques in Chicagoland.
On Saturday, people of all faiths were welcome in to learn and better understand the Islamic faith, rooted in the Quran, which was gifted to guests before they left.
“We worship the creator and we say the name of the creator is Allah,” Gainpeace Director Dr. Sabeel Ahmed said. “We face the direction of Mecca, we pray five times a day, so like 35 times a week…as a Muslim, I read the Bible. I want to know my neighbors, two billion people, what they believe, what they read.”
Gainpeace is an organization dedicated to educating people about Islam and building bridges through community. On Saturday, Ahmed collaborated with the mosque, sharing the basics of Islam and highlighting myths vs. facts.
“Some misunderstandings or misconceptions people may have…number one is women in Islam,” Ahmed said. “When they wear the hijab, some people may think they are forced to wear it or this is a sign of oppression, subjugation; that’s not the case. That’s a myth. Women are wearing it because they want to be empowered. They want to be free.”
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Along with touring the mosque, guests enjoyed traditional food while Henna artists offered designs next to an Arabic calligraphy station. Women were also invited to wear a hijab.
The open house was held during a time when Muslims continue to face prejudice and nearly 18 months after a man was convicted of fatally stabbing 6-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi and wounding his mother because of their Islamic faith.
“There is a lot of misinformation and disinformation out there and I don’t think we’re going to solve any problems if we don’t talk to each other and learn about each other,” Melissa Hutchison, who attended the mosque open house, said.
Attendees and organizers hope Saturday’s connection serves as a reminder that we have more in common than sets us apart.
“Our practices may look different, but at the core we all believe in very similar stories, and so I think that it’s just so beautiful that if we look deeper into one another, we find so much more love,” attendee Saba Mahmood said.
The next official open house at Islamic Society of Northwest Suburbs will be held sometime next year, but folks of all faith and backgrounds are welcome to visit anytime.
Source: wgntv.com
