A Wyndham mosque will open its doors this weekend to help the wider community better understand Islam and its traditions.
Virgin Mary Mosque in Hoppers Crossing will join in National Mosque Open Day, which promotes the objective of “living safely together”.
Mosque vice-president Rifai Abdul Raheem outlined the goals of the open day.
“The first is to educate the wider community on who is Muslim, and what Islam is.
“Secondly, we aim to bring the community’s focus to Islam, even for just a day. We also want to break down stereotypes, connect the Muslim and non-Muslim communities and work together through the event.”
Imam Mohamadu Saleem said the open day would provide a friendly platform for visitors to talk to members of the mosque directly and see that stereotypes associated with Islam were untrue.
“There are no hidden chambers here in our mosque. We don’t teach bad things; come and see it for yourself,” he said.
“We’ll have books displayed here; we’ll also have the imams on site, open for a chat. Come and learn about Islam from its origin – not the sensationalised version of our religion that’s in the mainstream media. We are not a violent or radical people.”
Imam Saleem said the mosque welcomed people of all cultures and backgrounds. The open day, this Saturday from 10am to 4pm, offers mosque tours, activities for children, a question and answer forum with young Muslim lawyers, and a free barbecue.
