Valley Muslims open doors to public to share culture, debunk myths

By Sean Barron

Nearly all Muslims lead peaceful, law-abiding lives and don’t subscribe to extremist philosophies, open-house organizers said.

YOUNGSTOWN - In the eight years since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, much fear and anger toward Muslims have abated, and efforts are under way to repair relations between the United States and millions of Muslims worldwide.

Many Muslim-Americans continue to feel, however, that they’re being subjected to unfair scrutiny at home, especially by law enforcement, and some still report being victims of discrimination and violence.

Understanding the Islamic religion and its practitioners and appreciating what Muslim Americans do and don’t stand for require increased education and awareness, Mahoning Valley Muslims say.

Promoting such awareness was the main idea behind today’s third annual open house, hosted by the Islamic Society of Greater Youngstown, 1670 Homewood Ave., on the city’s South Side. The free four-hour program coincided with Islamic Day in Ohio, which was Saturday.

The event’s offerings included jewelry, food, handmade crafts and activities for children.

It’s imperative to realize that Islam, like every other religion, has its fanatics, but that they are not representative of Muslims, most of whom believe in the sanctity of life, noted Saeeda Ghani, the Islamic society’s president.

“The religion itself does not teach what fanatics are doing,” Ghani explained. “Islam is a religion of peace.”

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.