Open mosques, open minds
State mosques open doors in an effort to connect with neighbors, regardless of religion
In an effort to engage with neighbors, correct misinformation about Islam, and amplify Muslim voices in the national narrative about their religion, four mosques in Rhode Island greeted the public on Saturday for Open Mosques Rhode Island.
While mosques have individually held open house events in the past, this is the first coordinated Open Mosques Rhode Island day from the Rhode Island Council for Muslim Advancement (RICMA).
“It's important for us to build bridges with our neighbors,” Mufti Ikram ul Haq told dozens gathered in Masjid Al-Islam. “All the people that
“It’s important for us to build bridges with our neighbors. All the people that are in our state — that are in our cities — they are our neighbors.” —Imam Mufti Ikram ul Huq
are in our state – that are in our cities – they are our neighbors.”
He is the Imam of Masjid Al-Islam in North Smithfield. The other mosques that participated in Open Mosques Rhode Island on Saturday afternoon were Masjid AlRahman in Pawtucket, Masjid Al-Kareem in Providence and Masjid Al-Hoda in Kingston. (“Masjid” is the Arabic word for “mosque.”)
Imam Ikram cited a Gallup poll finding that 67 percent of people in America have never met a Muslim.
“Because they've never met a Muslim, all they know about Islam and Muslims is what they see on the cable television,” he said. He added that if he was in their situation, he would have the same perception.
But when news breaks that someone has committed an act of terrorism or other violent crime, Muslims may find themselves thinking: I hope the perpetrator does not associate himself with Islam, as this exacerbates negative stereotypes about the religion.
Imam Ikram said the event was about expelling the false notions “that Islam is radical, that Islam teaches extremism, that Islam promotes violence, that Islam doesn't give any rights to women.”
Rather, Islam is a religion of tolerance, forgiveness and love, he said. It's a religion that promotes the respect of other faiths and is synonymous with being a good citizen.
“Our beloved prophet, peace be upon him, never said help a Muslim and don't help a non-Muslim,” Imam Ikram said. “Islam teaches about humanity. Islam teaches about care and compassion for humanity, not just one religion over another.”
He answered questions from visitors about the differences between Sunni and Shia Muslims, the purpose of a woman covering her head with a hijab and a man with a kufi, how one becomes an Imam and the structure of prayers.
Amjed Kinjawi, a board member at Masjid Al-Rahman in Pawtucket, said that Open Mosques Rhode Island is about Muslims telling their narrative, whereas the case is often that non-Muslims are developing a Muslim narrative.
It's unfortunate, he said, that Muslims have to prove they are part of the fabric of society. But he was pleased with the turnout on Saturday, saying that the attendance of around 100 people exceeded expectations.
As they left Masjid AlRahman, longtime friends Cynthia Hiatt and Barbara Simon, both in their 60s, spoke of how warm everyone was and how amenable they were to answering questions. Hiatt, who described herself as a feminist, was happy that members of the Muslim community answered her questions about women's roles.
In North Smithfield, Imam Ikram was asked why women in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to drive or leave the house alone. He replied that this is not about religion but about culture, and that cultures do change.
As an American example, he cited women getting the right to vote, and more recently, to serve in combat roles in the military.
North Smithfield residents Michael and Leslee Deslauriers, both teachers, heard about the event from Rhode Island Department of Education Commissioner Ken Wagner's weekly report. Michael Deslauriers took Muslim studies in college, and one of his students is Muslim.
Woonsocket resident Anthony DiChristofero heard about Open Mosques Rhode Island because a friend shared it on Facebook, and he went with a friend who has been to five Arab countries.
“I spent a lot of time with Muslims all over the world,” said Melissa Rondeau, 42, “and then I realized I don't even know my Muslim neighbors here in this state.”
She felt the event was an open invitation for people to step outside of their comfort zones and learn what Islam really is instead of just making “judgments on other people based on what you see on TV.”
Both Masjid Al-Islam and Masjid Al-Rahman served Middle Eastern food, such as samosas, chickpea flour salad and chaat. They also had peo- ple applying henna to visitors.