Open Mosque Day shows visitors 'we're all humans'

BOSTON — As worshippers prayed Sunday at Yusuf Mosque in Brighton, dozens intently watched the ritual.

The mosque will often welcome a visitor or two on Fridays -- sometimes a religion student from nearby Boston College -- but this many visitors interested in their culture has them very pleased.

For many, it's their first time stepping foot in a mosque and a chance to ask questions.

The goal was not only to learn about Islam, but for newcomers to simply meet their Muslim neighbors.

“I think it's essential to break down the stereotypes and the negative impressions that people have about Islamic culture and Muslim people,” visitor Madeline McNeely said. “So it's a way to help us understand that we're all humans and we all care about very similar things.”

Eighteen mosques across Massachusetts participated in "open mosque day" Sunday, bringing in families of different backgrounds and faiths.

For 10-year-old Azeza Werfalli, the event was a rare opportunity to show other kids what it means to be Muslim.

“It was kind of cool to see that people actually wanted to learn about my religion and culture, and that it's not just a hidden culture that no one wants to know about,” Werfalli said.

Organizers say the traditions may be unfamiliar, but the people here aren't so different. The invitation to join extends beyond Sunday.

“Our mosques are really open mosques. They're open houses of worship. Our space is not our Muslim space; it's our space,” Imam Ismail Fenni said.

Mosques in Worcester and Chelsea will hold open mosque days next month.

Cox Media Group