The Muslim Association of the Lehigh Valley held its spring open house June 6, allowing people of other faiths an opportunity to understand Islam and meet their Muslim neighbors.

President Kamran Siddiqui said the association holds the open house twice a yearin the spring and again in the fall.

This year's event was attended by 15 visitors, Siddiqui said.

The event featured a wide selection of different foods, along with clothing and crafts of the different Muslim regions throughout the world.

"Our cultural and food stations, an important part of open house, represent various nations and allow visitors a unique opportunity to interact with their local Muslim neighbors as well as enjoy ethnic cuisine," Siddiqui said.

Siddiqui also said the association provides a basic explanation of Islam and the history of Muslims in the Lehigh Valley, as well as a question-and-answer session.

"We discuss similarities and differences based on our religious texts, the Quran. We highlight the similarities between the Abrahamic faith," he said.

Siddiqui noted the association welcomes newcomers openly.

"We are a very diverse community comprised of Muslims from all over the world," Siddiqui said.