ICCD hosted Mosque Open House to build bridges, understand each other

After Long Wait, The Islamic Community Center of Des Plaines invited neighbors from all backgrounds to attend an open house at a mosque on Saturday August. 27th, 2022. Major sponsor of this event was Gain Peace, an organization that works to dispel misinformation about Islam to non-Islamic people. Hundreds of visitors showed up on the Open Mosque Day. The event that started at 11:00 am and concluded at 2:30 pm welcomed many members of the non-Muslim community and neighbors with their family to the mosque

The Islamic Center of Des Plaines is the only mosque in the Des Plaines area, has more than 5,000 members, and hosts daily prayer services, weekly services, and a weekend school for children. Members of the mosque greeted everyone in the Mosque as well as other volunteers. About 150 guests from various faiths attended this special event to meet their Muslim neighbors, obtain a tour of the mosque, learn about Islam, and enjoy a delicious meal. Every attendee had the opportunity to tour a mosque, hear a brief introduction to Islam, "Meet Imam and Muslim." Attendees also observed a Muslim prayer service at the end.

The center hosted guests in the space of the Great Hall where the hall was lined with informative posters on Islam and Muslims. "We are grateful to all our neighbors who came to take part in our Open Mosque Day," said Achmar.

The day began with a luncheon, which was very well organized, prestigious, and enjoyed by the participants. Most of the food was Middle Eastern and Indian Pakistani. Master of ceremonies was Farhan Hashmi and the program begins with Tilawat E Quran by Hafiz Muhammad. Welcome and opening remarks were conducted by President Imad Achmar.

Various linguistic versions of the Qur'an, including one in Spanish and one in English, are exhibited as the Islamic Des Plains Society celebrates its Open Mosque Day.

“The ICCD is part of our community, and we will stand strong with our neighbors. We welcome them with open arms.” Fayaiz Fareed Hassan said.

The main speaker Dr. Sabeel Ahmed, director of the Gain Peace outreach program, gave an overview of the religion of Islam, covering such topics as woman's rights in Islam, Jihad, Sharia law, etc.

In a presentation, Gain Peace, Director Sabeel Ahmed touched on some of the similarities between Islam and other Abrahamic religions like Christianity and Judaism also.

Visitors asked questions about the sharia law, role of Imam and wearing the hijab in the Question & Answer session.