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Muslim group serving up openness
KAREN SEIDMAN
The Gazette
Thursday, July 17, 2008
The Islamic Centre of the West Island is hoping to build bridges with other people in the community by opening up its hot meal program to people outside of the Muslim religion.
“We just don’t want to be seen as being closed,” said Izam Qureshi, president of the centre which is located on St. John’s Blvd. in Dollard des Ormeaux. “No other mosque is taking this step. But we really believe we should be open and our neighbours should be included. This service shouldn’t just be for Muslims.”
The centre will serve 50 hot meals each month to the needy people of the West Island community – Muslim and non-Muslim alike.
Qureshi said it is also a chance for Muslims to fulfill some of their religious obligations. For example, he said, Muslims are supposed to give 21⁄2 per cent of their holdings to charity, which is a religious edict. And, Qureshi said, they are supposed to care for their neighbours.
“Muslims are being targeted as a certain stereotype,” Qureshi said. “This is a chance to improve our image.”
He said the centre has also made a decision to open the mosque one day a month to anyone who might want to visit and see how services are conducted.
Now that the service has been set up to deliver 50 hot meals a month to the needy, Qureshi hopes people show up.
“I don’t know how many will be there, but they will be welcome.”
The first hot meal program will be this Sunday, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Dollard des Ormeaux reception hall, 12001 de Salaberry Blvd. People must register in advance by calling 514-421-3893.
good job
Good Job Mr Qureshi , keep it up