The Mecca Center in Willowbrook opened its doors recently to the community in an effort to build bridges among faiths.
“We believe the best way to understand each other and work with each other is to listen to each other,” said Hassan Aly, the Mecca Center’s imam and religious director. “Misunderstanding happens when we read or hear about each other, instead of talking to each other.”
Meg Pound, who serves on the board of directors for HCS Family Services in Hinsdale, attended the open house on Sept. 21, said the center regularly supports the HCS food pantry and other social services.
Pound, who lives in Hinsdale, sees value in learning about other religions and cultures.
“It is very interesting that on my block alone, the major religions are represented,” she said, referring to neighbors who are Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Hindu and Buddhist.
Danielle and Paolo Cairoli of Crystal Lake and their children enjoyed the free activities, such as having their hands painted with henna and getting their names written in Arabic.
Danielle Cairoli is involved in an interfaith initiative in McHenry County organized by the Resurrection Catholic Church in Woodstock, the American Muslim Community Organization in Lake in the Hills and Ridgefield-Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church.
“This is a learning opportunity for me,” Cairoli said. “The purpose of the initiative is to build friendship and bridges between the different communities and educate each other about the different faiths.”
More Top Picks Best Battery Powered Lawn Mowers
Paolo Cairoli said their 8-year-old daughter Francesca had asked an interesting question during a tour of the mosque: Why do Muslim men and women pray separately?
The family learned the reasons involved modesty and avoiding interpersonal touch.
Shereen Hussain, a member of the Mecca Center board who was giving tours, explained their worship services involve movements, which might cause people to inadvertently touch each other. Some also may be sensitive about being stared at when they prostrate or bend over bowing, she said.
When the Mecca Center, which opened in January 2017, was being designed, members decided women should be able to pray in the same room as the men and enjoy the beautiful writings and furnishings in the mosque, while being separate, Hussain said. So an alcove was built on the side of the main prayer area where women can see the imam during prayer services.
A balcony was built in the main prayer room for women who are more modest.
“There is a choice because both are acceptable,” Hussain said.
The Mecca Center also has a separate room where those with young children and babies can worship.