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Schaumburg mosque to hold open house to educate about true Islam

A Schaumburg mosque will open its doors and welcome non-Muslim visitors for a special event Saturday aimed at closing divisions and broadening understanding at a time when many who practice Islam feel threatened.

The Midwest Islamic Center's "Open Mosque Day - Know Your Muslim Neighbor" takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the mosque, 1081 Irving Park Road.

Salman Faiz, a board member of the Midwest Islamic Center, said it is the first time the mosque has hosted this kind of event, which he hopes will build friendship and acceptance.

"We're in an unprecedented time when Muslims are having their faith defined by the media and people who are unqualified," he said. "It's caused a great deal of despair for Muslims."

Those who attend the event can see what a mosque looks like and what happens inside, learn about Islam's beliefs, including on the topics of sharia law and the status of women in the faith, ask questions and enjoy a lunch.

The event is especially relevant given the results of last week's election, Faiz said.

President-elect Donald Trump has called for a ban on Muslims entering the country and made other comments widely decried as anti-Muslim.

Despite that rhetoric and the concerns it has raised in the Muslim community, Faiz said mosque members have been "shocked, in a good sense" by the support they've received from the community since the election. One woman even offered to open her home to members if needed, he said.

"It's been really beautiful," he said. "The outpouring of support has been unbelievable."

Before the election, Faiz said, only six to eight people had RSVP'd to attend Open Mosque Day.

After Election Day, that number surged to nearly 90, including local government leaders and educators.

To RSVP, call (630) 650-8266 or email openhouse@masjidalhuda.org.

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