The local chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community held an open house at its newly inaugurated mosque on Sunday, inviting the public for tours and a presentation dispelling myths about Islam.

The mosque on 50 St. was inaugurated by the worldwide head and spiritual leader, his Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmed, three weeks ago, when he said there’s no need to fear true mosques, instead calling them beacons of light radiating peace, love and humanity.

Community member Krista Holden was on hand with her husband Christian and son Elliott, and said her family stopped by after hearing about the open house, wanting to see what the mosque was all about.

“We wanted to check it out; we thought it was nice there was an open house that we can come and learn more about the mosque and some of our community members,” she said.

“I think when we don’t understand things, we can be fearful of things and I think this is a wonderful opportunity for people to come and to learn, … because at the end of the day we’re all human beings.”

Tariq Azeem, local Imam and missionary, said the doors of the mosque are always open for anyone who wants a tour or is just curious about the Muslim Community.

In his presentation, Azeem touched on many misconceptions people hold against Islam, including the real meaning behind Jihad and the rights of women within his religion.

“For example, Jihad was covered; the true meaning of Jihad is to struggle to become a better person, to become a person who is always looking to reform himself and save mankind.”

The issue of women’s rights is also something often inspiring accusations levelled at Islam, Azeem said, so he mentioned several versus from the Holy Qur’an that fly in the face of those misguided criticisms.

“Verses from the Holy Qur’an clearly state men and women are equal in the sight of God and it is repeatedly mentioned throughout the Qur’an, so if God does not differentiate between the genders, what gives the people the right to make the differentiation?”

The public is always welcome for a tour of the mosque, all they have to do is drop by the location at 4530-50 St. or arrange a tour by calling 306-825-3002.