Beyond Bin Laden: Mosque Opens Doors To Neighbors

Beyond Bin Laden: Mosque Opens Doors To Neighbors

(Falls Church, Va., 05/3/11) - Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center joins with other faith leaders at this time of global conflict to work for reconciliation and peace.  In a recent statement The Vatican said:

"Osama bin Laden, as we all know, had the very grave responsibility of spreading division and hatred amongst the people, causing the death of countless people, and of instrumentalizing religion for this end," he said. "In front of the death of man, a Christian never rejoices but rather reflects on the grave responsibility of each one in front of God and men, and hopes and commits himself so that every moment not be an occasion for hatred to grow but for peace."

To that end, the Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center will host an "Open House" - featuring the culture, beliefs and traditions of Muslims living in America - to continue building the bonds of understanding with our neighbors. To overcome the fears of a potential backlash from Al-Qaeda, it is imperative that we build closer relations.  

The theme "Know your neighbor - Love your neighbor" invites all of us in this season of renewal to get to know one another beyond the headlines. The event - which is designed to increase our communities' resilience - will feature short films, a "taste of Islam" food bazaar, henna for women, a visual art and photography exhibit as well as lectures and question-and-answer sessions with Muslim scholars.

Dar Al Hijrah executive director, Samir Abo-Issa, said,

"Let people come to the mosque and see for themselves who American Muslims really are, have some food, listen to poetry and get to know their neighbor. That is how we can move beyond fear to faith".

Since 911, our center has consistently denounced terrorism in all its forms.  Imam Johari Abdul-Malik, Director of Outreach, was featured in an "Anti-Terrorism" video and denounced the acts of Osama Bin Laden and Al-Qaeda directly on the "O'Reilly Factor".  Although, Bin Laden no longer lives to spread a message of violence, hate and fear, we are still feeling the effects of the tragic events of that day. 

We applaud President Obama's statement that "America will never be at war with Islam" and pledge ourselves to work to eliminate the root causes of violence and terrorism.

WHAT: Beyond Bin Laden: Mosque Opens Doors To Neighbors

WHERE: 3159 Row Street NW, Falls Church, VA 22044

WHEN: Saturday, May 7^th, 2011, 11:00am - 5:00pm

CONTACT: Imam Johari Abdul-Malik, Director of Outreach (202) 345-5233 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            (202) 345-5233      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

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Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center is one the largest and most diverse Islamic Centers in the nation. We are committed to service the community as a place of worship, education and social service.

Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center

3159 Row Street NW, Falls Church, VA 22044

Tel: (703) 531-2916 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            (703) 531-2916      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, Fax: (202) 536-1035

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