"Know Thy Neighbor" At Irving Masjid

By Ruqayya Khalifa


Ever since 9/11, America was put on alert for Muslim “terrorism” and still continues to be more than eight years later. On Saturday, October 10, the Islamic Center of Irving (ICI), had its open house themed
“Meet Your Muslim Neighbor".

ICI has been persistent in educating the public-at-large by holding several open houses yearly and making dawah throughout the DFW Metroplex area in an effort to break this kind of stereotype thinking towards Islam and Muslims. In addition, ICI also offers classes on Discover Islam, Islam 101, and Islam 102 for non-Muslims and new reverts. This year the open house was organized differently from previous years. This time, booths were setup displaying different subjects on Islam, the Qur’an, Muslims, and the culture and some traditions of different Middle Eastern countries including some items from these countries. Guests were also free to take any of the literature, pamphlets, CDs, DVDs, and books offered at the booths to fill the gift bag given to them at the registration table. Shortly after the guests were greeted and registered, there was a brief introductory address given in the brothers’ prayer area that started at 10:15 a.m.

The volunteer ushers, I being one of them, then gave the guest(s) a tour of the masjid as they approached their booth and showed them the progress of ICI’s expansion at the entrance off of Esters Road.

The booths guests visited ranged from information on the Qur’an, Ramadan and fasting, the American Muslim, Beliefs in Islam, and Islamic clothing; just to name a few. There was even a henna booth for the female guests to try out if they wished to do so. The ladies also received free hijabs/head scarves which they really enjoyed wearing at the masjid, although it was not a requirement for them, and kept it on when they left. Some Middle Eastern food, soft drinks, water, and coffee were provided as well along with some pastries for dessert. The guests showed delight in having this opportunity to taste food from another country.

The City of Irving’s Mayor, Herbert A. Gears, was also in attendance. The ambiance from this year’s crowd was truly invigorating and they were very eager to observe and absorb all the information they were given about Islam and Muslims in addition to clearing up any misconceptions the news media has portrayed about the religion. Because of 9/11, Muslims and Islam are always under suspicion if not under attack. In conversing with one of the guests about this issue, he mentioned he does not pay much attention to the news’ negativism towards Muslims anymore. He went on to say that he would definitely not want someone of the likes of David Koresh or Timothy McVay in his neighborhood…much less in his home. It was really refreshing to meet so many open minded people with big hearts of understanding. There were even some guests who asked for a copy of the Qur’an if they did not see one at a booth.

The purpose of these open houses is to champion the truth about this beautiful, peaceful religion of Islam and to put the non-Muslims at ease and notraise suspicions which only lead to paranoia and increased hostility. If through continuing to educate the community, increase their knowledge, and making dawah will help in living peacefully with our neighbors, then the never-ending effort is well worth it.