AhlulBayt News Agency: A mosque in Rockford, Illinois, hosted an open house on Saturday, aiming to dispel misconceptions about Islam and foster greater community understanding.
The event was organized by the Rockford chapter of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) in collaboration with GainPeace, a religious outreach organization. The initiative welcomed individuals of all faiths to visit the mosque located at 1110 Arthur Ave. in Rockford.
GainPeace Director and guest speaker Sabeel Ahmed emphasized that the open mosque day was designed for non-Muslims who may have been curious about what happens inside a mosque. “They may have driven past so many times over the years,” Ahmed said. “I’m always curious when I drive by a church—what happens inside? So, we wanted to invite them and allow them to experience it firsthand.”
Throughout the event, attendees learned about the Islamic faith, the history of Muslims in America, and their contributions to society. The program also addressed common misconceptions about Islam and its teachings.
Beyond being a place of worship, the Rockford mosque offers various services to the community. These include a health clinic for individuals who are underinsured, as well as food and clothing drives to support those in need.
Event guest Tamarra Sward pointed out that economic hardship often limits access to essential services, including healthcare. “When you are economically deprived, certain things are simply not available to you at the same level as when you are financially stable, and healthcare is one of those things,” she said.
The open house featured a range of interactive activities, including VR presentations, an opportunity to try on a hijab, Arabic name-writing sessions, and henna tattoos.
Sward highlighted the importance of cultural awareness and interfaith understanding, saying, “The more we learn about each other, the more tolerance and unity we build. Community and love should exist regardless of race or religion.”
Ahmed echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the goal of the gathering was to strengthen neighborly ties and promote peaceful coexistence. “At the end of the day, we are here to get to know our neighbors, and they get to know us. This way, we can live in justice, peace, and harmony under God’s guidance,” he said.
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