Muslim Association of Lehigh Valley (MALV) held a well- attended open house April 27 at its mosque on Schadt Avenue. The event featured a litany of events surrounding Islam and the role of Muslims.

The open house is a semiannual event. Every guest was greeted by a tour guide.

The prayer room featured booths where interested visitors could ask questions about Islam and specifically certain tenets of the faith. The Five Pillars of Islam are the core beliefs and practices of Islam.

A most interesting and friendly conversation could be had with young women and their support for each other. Young Muslim Sisters is a national organization open to women ages 13 to 23. The goal is to address real-life problems affecting Muslim women and their role in society.

Other booths explained the role of Jesus in Islam and the legacy of Muhammad.

There was also a booth explaining the meaning and message of Hajj. A pilgrimage to Mecca, the Islamic holy city, is a life-fulfilling goal in the religion.

After the prayer room, guests were offered food prepared by natives from several of the 15 countries represented at MALV. Those from countries with heavy Muslim populations like Pakistan, Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Syria set up tables alongside native residents of Italy, Africa, Morocco and Bulgaria. Different tastes and flavors were celebrated. Italian tiramisu sat next to Turkish simit sesame and Mediterranean tahini.

Uyghurs were represented and asked for political help for their homeland, which is reportedly under assault from China. Uyghurs are a Turkic people in Central and East Asia. As of 2019, Uyghurs live primarily in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China. They are one of China’s ethnic minorities. It was mentioned that Uyghurs are held in ethnic re- education camps. More information can be found at the Uyghur Human Rights Project.

The interaction at the open house promoted understanding at a personal level and education for all.