Open Mosque Day 2016

Oct 24, 2016
2 min read

"I ride my bike past this mosque every day but I've never had the opportunity to come inside. Thank you for inviting me."

As a way to fight stereotypes and misconceptions, many mosques take part in what is known as an Open Mosque Day. On this day, neighbors and community members are invited to come check out their local mosque while also learning about Islam, through presentations and asking questions. Although visitors are welcome every day of the year, this one day is different in the sense that it is publicized more.

For the past three to four years, I have been able to help out this special event at King Fahad Mosque, also known as the Islamic Foundation of Sheikh Ibn Tayymiah. This year, I was given the opportunity to give tours of the mosque, showing the architecture, explaining the artwork, showing the prayer halls, and much more. I got to show all the different part of the mosque, explaining the significance of the rooms or art as we walked through while also answering any questions raised during the tour.

As stated before, one of Open Mosque Day's missions is to help clear misconceptions of Islam. Often times, all people know is what they have been told by others or the media. Sadly, that information may not be accurate, so to be able to actually come to the mosque and speak openly with those who have studied the religion is extremely beneficial. By clearing these misconceptions, we help people truly understand Muslims.

People fear what they don't understand and to have an educational experience like this deal with Islamophobia. If you know of an event like this happening near your home, I would encourage everyone to go. It's a great experience. You get to meet other's and learn more about each other. Only through activities like such will there be understanding and coexistence in our societies.

Our doors are open everyday to anyone who would like to visit. Don't feel as though you will not be welcome because this is not the case. Feel welcome to walk in at anytime if you are curious and would like to check out the amazing architecture or learn about true Islam.