The Islamic Society of the Cayman Islands is opening the doors of its mosque to the community for a special day of fellowship on Saturday, which Imam Noor Bhana says is aimed at dispelling any misconceptions about Islam.
Bhana, a local Islamic scholar and head of the mosque, told the Cayman Compass on Tuesday, he is looking forward to meeting members of the community to help share the true message of Islam, which he said is a way of life and not just a religion.
“We understand obviously, speaking plainly and frankly, that the perception of Islam and Muslims, especially in the West is not so positive for a number of reasons,” he said, adding that he hopes the open day will change people’s minds.
The open house, aptly entitled “Meet your Muslim Neighbours,” he said, is an opportunity for the Muslim community to interact and answer questions about Islam.
It will be held on Saturday 11 Feb., at the mosque, Unit C3, Cayman Business Park, 10A Huldah Avenue, George Town from 5:15pm to 7pm.
Bhana said he wants people to come to the mosque and observe the activities they do, their call to prayer and try on traditional Islamic dress.
Bhana said he hopes people will see Muslims as “normal, similar humans,” just the same as others in the community.
“[That] small group of terrorists is not an accurate description or image of what Islam teaches, how the general body of Muslims are. We hope that this kind of mindset changes and that people can learn a little about the beauty of Islam. These are just our main objectives, it is not to convert. It’s not to force people to show them how Islam is better than other religions. It’s just to broaden people’s minds and hope to change perspectives,” he said.
Bhana, who is originally from England, said he is hopeful that the event “opens up ties with the church so we can do these kinds of things more often”.
He said the local Muslim community consists of around 300 people on island, hailing from various countries including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and some are second generation who are born here in the Cayman Islands.
At the open house, he said, there were be discussion, a presentation on the history of Muslims in the Cayman Islands and performances from the children who attend the Islamic school.
All ages are welcome, the invitation from the mosque states, adding that refreshments will be provided.
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