Muslim community to open doors to mosque
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The Islamic Center of Yuma is opening its doors to neighbors and community members, inviting them to learn more about Islam and local Muslims.
During “Open Mosque Day” March 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., guests will be given guided tours and a video presentation followed by an opportunity to ask questions. Refreshments will be served.
The center has sent out invitations to members of other religious institutions, city and county officials, law enforcement, hospital officials and other dignitaries, but the entire community is welcome to attend.
“It's an informal event,” said Dr. Mohammad Soliman, chairman board of directors. “We're inviting neighbors to come meet people of the Muslim community. It's an opportunity to come and see what's inside and tour the facilities.”
It's the first time the center has held such an event. “It's something we've been wanting to do a long time ago,” Soliman explained. “We felt it was time to do it. We want our neighbors to come and meet us and get to know each other.”
The center was first established in Yuma in 1999 but didn't have its own place of worship for many years. In 2005, the center purchased the present building and spent a few years remodeling it.
“We wanted to make it suitable,” Soliman said.
He noted that the community is welcome to the center at any time, but members wanted to make it “easy” for Yuma residents to tour the building and ask questions.
“I know a lot of people from here, in talking to them, have never met Muslims. They don't know what to expect. They want to know what Muslims do when they worship,” Soliman said.
The Islamic Center of Yuma is located at 200 W. 24th St., at 2nd Avenue.
For more information, visit islamiccenteryuma.org or call Anwar Jatoi at 928-304-4742.
Mara Knaub can be reached at mknaub@yumasun.com or (928) 539-6856.
