Kaashif Qaderi, top row left, welcomes Stephanie Contreras, top row right, and Martha Contreras, from left, bottom row, Gonzalo Cervantes Jr. and Lees Contreras to the Naperville Starbucks on Show Place Drive for “Coffee, Cake and True Islam,” a weekly gathering organized to dispel fears and misconceptions about Muslims. (Diane Moca / Naperville Sun)
Whether they are reaching out to a few individuals each week at a Naperville coffee shop, or gathering with dozens of religious leaders of different faiths in Glen Ellyn to denounce President Trump’s travel ban, local Muslim leaders are trying to dispel fear and misconception through peaceful dialogue.
“I don’t think there’s anything we can do by yelling and screaming, but having these types of forums, giving examples of stuff we do in the community that’s positive, will rid stereotypes,” said Kaashif Qaderi, director of outreach for Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Chicago Southwest region.
Qaderi invites anyone who wants to discuss current events, ask questions about Islam or just get to know their Muslim neighbors to join him for free food and drink from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Tuesday at the Starbucks at 2936 Show Place Drive in Naperville.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community launched these weekly informal gatherings, called “Coffee, Cake and True Islam,” at all 74 U.S. chapters of the sect last fall.
“I love basketball. I used to play sports in high school. I went to Michigan State,” said Qaderi, whose position with the mosque is… read more at source.
