Pretty cool, we should do this here also. Maybe we can have an official open the mosque day for Non Muslims =)
Muslims in many parts of Switzerland have invited the public into mosques – three weeks before a vote on whether to ban the construction of minarets.
Muslim organizations say they hope their open day will counter what they say are fears and prejudices.
The conservative group that initiated the vote – the largest party in the Swiss parliament – says minarets are a symbol of Muslim political power.
Opinion polls suggest the proposed ban will be rejected by voters.
A Muslim community leader in Zurich, Tamir Hadjipolu, said the proposal – launched by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP) – was “open discrimination”.
Preaching to the converted?
Switzerland is home to 400,000 Muslims, who have about 200 places of worship. Only four have a minaret, local media say.
The open day was held on Saturday in 12 cantons, including Geneva, Vaud and Freiburg.
“We hope these meetings will build a dialogue and better understanding,” said Hisham Maizar, a senior Muslim representative in eastern Switzerland.
The BBC’s Imogen Foulkes, who visited a mosque in Zurich, says the many non-Muslims who came enjoyed themselves.
But the debate is raging outside the building, our correspondent says, and the Muslims inside were likely to be preaching to the converted.
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Hmm
I did not know this. I wonder what the outcome will be.
Masha’allah. I hope we really get to keep those minarets and maybe add more to them. Here in America, our local masjid is trying to raise funds for minarets and a dome. I have to say that few are willing to pay for that because the center is in a business area and the only people who will actually see it or hear the athan are the people who keep filing complaints against us! Allahu al-musta’an. Brother, it’s a wonderful blog, and may Allah help you keep speaking out.