Edmond Mosque in Oklahoma Opens Its Door for Public
Visitors to the Islamic Society of Edmond’s mosque, 525 N University, listened to a presentation called “Islam 101” presented by the society’s Imam Qasim Mazhar.
Guests were invited to ask questions during a question-and-answer session, and then were given an opportunity to tour the mosque and talk with Muslims who worship there.
During the meeting with the guests on Sunday, Muslim leaders strongly condemn ISIS, whose followers have used Islam for their own agenda.
They said they consider ISIS members to be terrorists just like other terrorists who are not Muslim.
About 27 people had signed in as visitors at the mosque’s entrance and the come-and-go event, which began at 1 p.m.
From his side, Mazhar said he was pleased with the turnout for the “Building Bridges of Understanding” Open House, particularly since he and other leaders realized belatedly that attendance might be low because Sunday was Mother’s Day.
Dr. Bilal Piracha, a physician at Integris Baptist Hospital who attends the mosque, also was pleased with the turnout.
Piracha, who is also president of the Islamic Circle of North America-Oklahoma City, said members of the Edmond mosque plan to host more open house events, perhaps even quarterly, to build upon the momentum from Sunday’s event.
“It has been a big success because there is a positive response from the community. The people came to bridge the gaps and that’s exactly what we wanted. We want to get the people here to tell them who we are.
The open house came a day before the Islamic Society of Edmond and the North American Islamic Trust Inc. planned to appear before the Edmond City Council for the second time, asking for a permit to build a new fellowship hall.
Sunday, Islamic Society members said it was a coincidence that the open house and the city council meeting were just a day apart.
Piracha, who is president of the Islamic Circle of North America-Oklahoma City, said members of the Edmond mosque plan to host more open house events, perhaps even quarterly, to build upon the momentum from Sunday’s event.
Source: Newsok
