Houses of worship can — at times — project an aura of tribalism or exclusion, but many strive to demystify their faiths and places of worship within their respective neighborhoods to create an atmosphere of community.

The Islamic Center of Naperville (ICN) will host an Open Mosque Day on Oct. 15, 2017. ICN says the event seeks “to open the doors of our mosque to our neighbors, friends and colleagues of different faiths to give them an opportunity to visit a mosque, something they may never have had a chance to do.” 

People can tour the mosque and ask questions of ICN’s Imam about Islam and Muslim life. Open Mosque Day also features Arabic calligraphy, a multimedia exhibit, and opportunities for women to “get henna on their hands and try on a hijab.”

Joining us from ICN are Rizwan Ali, imam and religious director and Beena Farid, a board member. They’ll discuss why they believe events like Open Mosque Day will aid in lessening tensions in the U.S. towards Muslims.