OKLAHOMA – The Islamic Council of Oklahoma announced its plan to organize a statewide “Spring Open Mosque Day” on April 8 to extend new bridges with their neighbors of all faiths and groups.

“Islam and Muslims are in the news almost every day, yet many Americans never have a chance to ask a local Muslim what they think about that,” Sheryl Siddiqui, the council’s spokeswoman told News Oklahoma.

The event will be held at six mosques; the Islamic Societies of Edmond, Greater Oklahoma City, Stillwater, Tulsa, Norman, and Masjid Mu’min in northeast Oklahoma City.

These mosques will be open for casual gatherings designed to help non-Muslims get in touch with their Muslim neighbors and know more about Islam.

The senior imam of the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City, Imad Enchassi, will give a presentation on the misconceptions of Islam during the organization’s open house event.

In Tulsa mosque, activities will include a “Kids Ethnic Fashion Show” and a panel discussion.

“We have more than 20 kids that are going to dress up for the fashion show. We also have a panel where we will talk about government, men’s and women’s roles and food,” Siddiqui said.

“Mosques have hosted open houses for years, but this event is different in that it’s a regional or statewide coordinated effort to reach people who might have been misinformed about Islam,” she believes.

According to News Ok, regional open mosque days started in Southern California and other American states have picked up the tradition.

“Over the years, we’ve had great response statewide and every mosque loves to do this,” the spokeswoman of the council informed.