On October 19, 2024, Masjid Al Ikhlaas welcomed its neighbors and town officials to a successful Open Mosque Day, organized by the Tawheed Interfaith Dawah Center (TIDC) of ISGM. The event, which ran from 11 AM to 3 PM, was designed to provide an opportunity for the local community to explore the mosque, learn about Islam, and foster meaningful conversations in a warm and welcoming environment.
The day began with a flurry of activities as community members and volunteers came together to make sure everything was in place. Guests were greeted with a welcoming table where they could sign in, receive name stickers, and a program for the day’s activities. From the start, it was clear that the event was organized to encourage participation and engagement at every station.
Community and Town Officials’ Participation
Among the attendees were many curious neighbors, local officials, and even the Hopkinton Police and Fire Department, who added an exciting element for families with children. The Fire Department brought a fire truck to the event, allowing kids to climb inside and explore. It quickly became a highlight for the children, who marveled at the equipment and enjoyed learning about the important role of first responders. The presence of the police and fire departments underscored the spirit of cooperation and mutual support between the mosque and the broader community.
Engaging Stations and Activities
Attendees had the opportunity to explore several outdoor and indoor stations set up for both learning and entertainment. A face-painting station brought smiles to children, while the Health Awareness Booth provided educational resources, offering free blood pressure checks and information on health-related topics. Many visitors also took advantage of the Islam & Science Exhibit, which presented an interactive slideshow and thought-provoking posters linking Islamic history to scientific advancements.
For those interested in the spiritual aspects of the mosque, Guided Mosque Tours were conducted every 30 minutes, giving guests a closer look at the prayer spaces and a deeper understanding of the purpose and practices of the Islamic faith. Alongside this, visitors could participate in Prayer Demonstrations that showcased the significance and steps of the Muslim prayer (Salah).
A special Introduction to Islam Workshop ran throughout the day, giving guests an opportunity to ask questions about Islam, its teachings, and its traditions in an open and respectful environment. Several guests who had recently embraced Islam also shared their personal stories, providing attendees with unique insights into their journeys.
Celebrating Culture and Art
The day also featured a lively Islamic Cultural Fashion Display, where visitors could observe traditional clothing from various Islamic cultures. The station was a visual delight, highlighting the diversity within the Muslim world. In addition, a Calligraphy Name Station allowed guests to have their names written in beautiful Arabic script, a souvenir many proudly took home.
Another interactive highlight was the Charity Art Project, where guests, both young and old, participated in decorating a large tree mural by adding colorful paper circles with messages of peace and unity. The mural symbolized the collective strength and values of the community, creating a lasting memory for those who attended.
Workshops and Q&A Sessions
A dedicated space for Islam 101 and Salah Presentations was set up in Maryam Hall, running hourly. Guests could sit in and learn about the core principles of Islam, the meaning of prayer, and the philosophy behind various Islamic practices. In addition, an Open Q&A Session allowed guests to ask any lingering questions, further promoting the event’s spirit of interfaith dialogue and understanding.
Building Bridges for the Future
In parallel, a booth was set up for Al-Hidayah Islamic School, where guests learned about the mosque’s educational programs for children. The Al-Waahid Social Services Booth also provided information about ongoing initiatives like the blood drive and sandwich drive, illustrating the mosque’s commitment to community service.
The success of this year’s Open Mosque Day, organized by the dedicated volunteers of TIDC and ISGM Youth, showcased the importance of open dialogue, education, and cooperation between the mosque and the local Hopkinton community. As the event drew to a close, many attendees expressed their gratitude for the experience, having gained a deeper understanding of Islam and the work that the mosque does for the community.
For more information on future events and to learn about the Tawheed Interfaith Dawah Center, please visit TIDC’s page.
