Mosque welcomes hundreds of people for Saskatoon open house

Hundreds of people showed up at a mosque open house in Saskatoon Saturday to learn more about Islam.

The Islamic Association of Saskatchewan welcomed more than 700 people at the Copland Crescent mosque.

Visitors had the opportunity to try traditional food, ask questions, and get to know their neighbours.

“We thought the invitation would be a perfect starting point, to invite people to come and see what our day-to-day is like.” Sisters Vice President Hanan Elbardouh, who oversees women’s issues at the mosque, told 650 CKOM.

The main goal was to clear up misunderstandings about Islam, including women’s roles.

“There’s a misconception that women are oppressed in Islam,” she said. “That they have to wear the hijab and they are forced to dress the way they do because their parents or husbands make them.”

Women from the mosque answered those questions and offered more information throughout the event.

Elbardouh also addressed attacks committed by so-called Islamic terrorists.

“It’s a misconception that needs to be cleared up and understood that Islam doesn’t equal terrorism,” she said.

When it comes to living in Saskatoon, Elbardouh says people are welcoming and feel Muslims are part of Canada.

Elbardouah said she loves being Canadian.

“I’m able to practice my faith the way I want, have freedom of speech and freedom of religion,” she said.