“Open Mosque Day” on August 20

Anaheim, CA: The Islamic Shura Council of Southern California announced dedication of Sunday, August 20, 2006 as “Open Mosque Day” for Southern California.
“Open Mosque Day” will invite people of all faiths to visit participating mosques in Southland to interact with Muslims and to learn the basics of Islam. All participating mosques will request churches, synagogues and other places of worship to invite their respective congregations to visit the area mosque and interact with Muslim community.
Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, Chairman of the Shura Council, believes that interaction in a spiritual setting between Muslims and people of other faith groups will foster a better understanding and appreciation of each other. He urged all places of worship to encourage their congregations to visit local mosques and meet their Muslim neighbors firsthand.
In the current climate of unknown fears and baseless misunderstandings “Open Mosque Day” hopes to bridge the religious divide and promote peace, said Shakeel Syed, Executive Director of the Islamic Shura Council.
The Islamic Shura Council of Southern California is an independent organization serving the Muslims of Southern California since 1995. Its purpose is to provide a forum for all Islamic centers, mosques, and Muslim organizations in Southern California. The main purpose of the organization is to promote better communication, understanding, cooperation, and coordination among the leaders representing Muslim communities in Southern California. There are over 60 Islamic centers, mosques and Muslim organizations in Southern California to serve over half a million Muslims in the area. It draws its spirit from the Divine injunctions of “working together and conducting all matters with mutual consultation” (Quran 3:103 & 42:39).

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