Recent Posts
Culture February 12, 2017
The Islamic Society of Greater Chattanooga encouraged its community to come Meet Your Muslim Neighbor this weekend.
And 3,000 people did exactly that. The turnout delighted hosts, such as Amna Shah, particularly after the controversy surrounding President Donald Trump’s travel ban from seven Muslim-majority countries.
“It’s one God that we’re all bowing down to. So it’s just that people have to remove those misconceptions and come to meet us,” Shah told Chattanooga’s News Channel 9.
The Islamic Society shared the invitation on their Facebook page, along with a video explaining the event. “The world is a better place when you get to know your neighbors,” the video advised.
Visitors were treated to snacks, dessert, coffee and a tour of the mosque in an event meant to educate about Islam and “overcome ignorance and replace hate by creating love among everyone.”
And many came equipped with thoughtful questions. Giselle Palmer was curious about “some of the cultural differences” as well as “expectations.”
All religions were welcome to the event, which the Islamic Society says they would now like to make a monthly occurrence thanks to the unexpected turnout.
The timing comes shortly after a federal appeals court ruled not to reinstate Trump’s controversial travel ban, which prohibited travel from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.
And of course, not everyone was feeling quite as open-minded. Some left harsh comments on Facebook about the inclusive event.
One woman posted, “Not interested! No need to learn more then what we already know! Besides, when you know truth (Jesus) there’s no need for false gods or false religion!”
RELATED: 4 Female Muslim Voices in Hollywood You Should Know
Another felt the event should “focus on condemning the radicals” of the Muslim community. “Any other topic at this point will fall on deaf ears,” SheliaandBill wrote.
Ironically, such posters were the people who could have benefited from the event the most, as it was meant to address the ignorance in this country surrounding Muslims and the religion of Islam.
