Area Muslims opened their doors Sunday afternoon and answered a variety of questions like why many Muslim women wear a heijab or scarf on their heads, what their religious beliefs are, particularly about Jesus and Mary, and even talked about jihad, or holy war.

The conversations were part of an open house Sunday afternoon at the Islamic Center, 298 N. West End Blvd., in Cape Girardeau. More than 250 people attended the four-hour event that included conversation, free copies of the Quran and a sampling of ethnic dishes.

Some of the guests included local firefighters and police, university professors and Southeast Missouri State University president Ken Dobbins, Cape Mayor Jay Knudtson and city council members, state Rep. Jason Crowell and area clergy.

Iffat Kahn greeted many of the people as they entered the door, showing them pamphlets or posters printed with the tenets of Islam. Guests were invited to enter the prayer room to see where the members worship and pray each Friday afternoon.

"I'm glad people are coming and are interested about us," she said.

Many were curious

Many of those who came said they were curious about the mosque, which has only been open about four years, and wanted to learn more about Islam.

"I came to understand the world of Islam better," said Helen Stover of Cape Girardeau. "I'm delighted that they are part of our community, and I just wanted to be enlightened about their customs."

Stover works with a Muslim doctor whose family attends the mosque.

"I just wanted to see what are their practices," she said.

During the time she and her husband, Damon, spent at the mosque, they were given tours of the building while hosts explained customs and traditions.

Yusra Abuckhudeir said many people have given her an opportunity to talk about Islam when they ask her about the heijab or head scarf that she occasionally wears in public.

Theodora Zaki, a native of Egypt, does not wear the heijab in public. Yet both women wear head coverings when they enter the mosque for prayers.

Every Muslim country has its own customs about dress and traditions associated with Islam. The Quran only says that everyone should dress modestly; it does not say how.

The members of the mosque have to take differing customs into account because they come from at least six countries.

"You have to do what's right in your heart," said Iffat Kahn. "We don't argue about religion."

Building bridges

Prayers and the Quran unite the small Muslim community in Cape Girardeau -- only 20 to 30 people regularly attend Friday prayers. But holding the open house was a chance to build bridges within the community, the Muslims said.

Stover agreed. With the affairs of the world as they are, it's important that people understand what true Islam is, she said.

Omar Aziz, who attends the mosque, said the same. "Only through knowledge and understanding can we overcome our problems," he said.

What terrorists did in America was a double blow to the American Muslim community, he said. "They used our religion to do this. We have to reach out to people and say that Islam is for peace."

Islam has no central leader like many denominations in Christianity.

People see pictures of women in Afghanistan who weren't allowed to have jobs or go to school and had to wear a covering from head to toe. "That is pure culture, and it's portrayed as Islam," said Dr. Khursheed Zia.

Some countries have different traditions and customs, just as different parts of America do, Aziz said.

Hosting an open house let the community meet its Muslim neighbors. "We want to promote harmony," said Khalid Kahn. "The objective was so people could learn."

Irene Stevens, a member of St. Mary's Cathedral parish, came to the open house with several friends from church. She was impressed with the graciousness and friendliness of the hosts. "What you see on TV is not real Muslim or Islam," she said.

The people she talked with answered questions and were knowledgeable about their faith, she said.

Zia was impressed that the visitors weren't prejudiced against Muslims despite all that has happened in the year since Sept. 11, 2001. "They really wanted to learn something about Islam," he said.

ljohnston@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126