Center announces open house to discuss beliefs of Islam

Cape Girardeau's Muslim community invites the public to an open forum about the Islamic faith from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Islamic Center of Cape Girardeau at 298 West End Blvd.

The forum will be centered around the life and legacy of the prophet Muhammad.

Muslims at the Islamic Center believe open dialogue will build coalition between all faiths, said Rania Roumany, member of the center. "I think a lot of people have huge misconceptions about the Islamic religion."

Roumany believes that people misinterpret the Islamic religion's core message. She thinks people view Islam as a violent religion but that isn't the case.

Actually the prophet Muhammad, who said, "I was sent by God to fulfill and enrich the highest moral standards," serves as a guide for all Muslims, Roumany said. "His life was a perfect example for all human beings," she said. "He taught us how to be kind, merciful and how to be open to others."

Author Michael Hart, who wrote "The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History," chose the prophet Muhammad as the leader of the leaders.

"He understood what the prophet had to offer through Islam," Roumany said about Hart's book. "Michael Hart understood what Muhammad's life was about -- Muhammad was successful on both the religious and secular levels."

Roumany believes Islam doesn't receive proper exposure from the media and people make negative assumptions based on what they see on television.

"Any person with an open mind cannot accept that, because all religions invite the believers to respect, love and be open to the others," she said.

The forum will answer any questions regarding the Islamic beliefs and religious practices.

"It's important to know about the different faiths and beliefs since we are all from the same community," Roumany said.

This is one of several forums the Islamic Center has held in the past few years -- which have proved to be successful as well as educational.

"A lot of people have been coming to our mosque to ask about Islam out of curiosity," Roumany said. "We just want people to know exactly who we are."

jfreeze@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 246