Naperville mosque to highlight Muslims Around the World

The way Muslims live, eat and worship around the globe will be the focus of an event Saturday at the Islamic Center of Naperville.

The third annual Muslims Around the World fair is set for 10 a.m. at the Islamic Center's mosque at 2844 W. Ogden Ave.

Roughly 60 students from the Al-Falah Academy weekend school will present their research about - and snacks or treats from - 28 countries where Muslims live, said Kashif Fakhruddin, the school's principal.

"It's important that our children are given opportunities to learn about the different cultures, foods, traditions of the many different people God has made in our world," Fakhruddin said. "Food brings people together, so we look forward to a fun-filled day with new snacks and treats to try."

Learning about cultures and presenting their findings heightens a lesson Al-Falah students learn, Fakhruddin said, that no one group is superior or inferior to another - "except by piety and good action."

"It is through education and appreciation of our diversity that we can become more strengthened and united as a community, and therefore stronger in our pursuit of God," Fakhruddin said.

The United States is on the list of featured countries, for students to "recognize that Muslims have very much always been a part of the fabric of our country," Fakhruddin said.

Other nations include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestine, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan and Yemen.

The event will include activities for children and a special needs booth. The Islamic Center's youth program for students in eighth through 10th grade will display a booth about Muslim global awareness, and community groups including American Muslims for Palestine, GainPeace and Sound Vision also will have a presence.