In an effort to reach out to the community, as well as answer questions and foster mutual understanding, the Chatham Islamic Center welcomed the public to an open house on Saturday.
Despite the mosque opening at 310 McNaughton Ave. W. in February 2021, this was the first time such an event could be organized due to the pandemic.
“(The goal) is to know each other,” said Rizwan Khan, president of the centre. “To know who we are, what we do, how we pray.
“It’s a beautiful day and it’s a beautiful town.”
Several hundred visitors, Muslim and non-Muslim, of all ages were expected to stop by at some point during the day for tours, a barbecue and other refreshments, along with some conversation.
Hassan Elkhodr, president of the Chatham-Kent Muslim Association, said the warm temperatures in late October made a great day even better.
“We are hurt all the time,” he said. “We were praying for this kind of weather and God answered our prayers.”
The Chatham Islamic Centre, which formed in 2016, had previously rented other facilities to provide programs for local Muslim families until purchasing the former St. James First Presbyterian Church that had been closed.
Noting how Chatham-Kent is becoming more diverse, Khan said Islam itself is also understood of people from many countries and cultures.
He estimates there are about 200 Muslim families living in the municipality and called McNaughton Avenue West the perfect location for the mosque.
With communities everywhere looking to grow their population, Khan said people often move to places which have the amenities they desire, along with various activities and programs for children.
He stressed Islamophobia still exists throughout the world, but believes society’s attitudes overall have “improved a lot” compared to previous years.
Elkhodr said continuing the conversation is important to ensure that trend persists.
“We believe were are one human community. One human family,” he said. “Know your neighbor and know your extended neighbour. We wanted to open the doors and show them what we have.”