Sunday took place in Berchem a neighborhood party organized by the Islamic Cultural lady gaga vma a

Sunday took place in Berchem a neighborhood party organized by the Islamic Cultural lady gaga vma awards Centre El Mohsinien. Everyone was there - Muslim or not - enjoy tours of the mosque, Moroccan specialties lady gaga vma awards and children. The intention was to let residents know the habits of the Muslim community. "Progress only comes with openness."
We step into the mosque, at first sight, just a row house in the Rue Saint-Lambert. We reluctantly put our shoes in the closet lady gaga vma awards provided. "Neeje, da doedde wrong", it sounds juicy behind us in Antwerp. A friendly man explains to us that we must stand for the carpet and then have to step out of our shoes, so they do not touch the carpet. "For hygiene." It is a first detail of the long line of new things that we will learn today.
In the prayer house we get a detailed explanation of the function of all ornaments present, the use around prayer, and the five pillars of Islam. Then follows a real demonstration: the call to prayer is sung, after which the imam arises how the prayer goes. Each part is explained lady gaga vma awards and the Koran verses are translated for the mixed audience of Muslims and curious locals.
A special feature of the mosque is that it has its own morgue in the basement. That is a first in Belgium. "Here we take care of the dead in accordance with the Islamic customs," says Mohamed Ben Hadach. "We will focus particularly on disadvantaged families. All too often a child dies and the family does not even have money to leave a funeral continue. That we catch. All our services lady gaga vma awards are free: the morgue runs on donations. "
"Fortunately we have a very good cooperation with the city of Antwerp and the local cemetery," Mohamed goes on. "In Islam excavations example out of the question. The city is about dialogue with us and takes into account our use. Usually we find therefore no problems. That is a golden lady gaga vma awards rule: through cooperation by the boundaries lady gaga vma awards of nationalities look around, you come very far "Negative imaging.
Meanwhile, there is a great chaos outside, where the neighboring party is in full swing. Children can enjoy themselves lady gaga vma awards on the bouncy castles are merrily lady gaga vma awards halal meat thrown on the grill, and mint tea flows freely. But where are the non-Muslims, for whom this neighborhood lady gaga vma awards party is nevertheless also intended? "Really make contact with the 'classic' Belgians, it appears still difficult. I really do not know why that is, "says organizer Houssin Ben Hadach.
"Is that when a Muslim does something wrong, not condemned by public opinion as an individual, but the entire Muslim community blamed. Especially the media responsible. lady gaga vma awards They always bring no nuance, focus on the negative. As a result, non-Muslims are left with a stereotype of our community, "said Houssin. Community Involvement
"Moreover, no distinction is made between orthodox Muslims and extremists," continues Houssin .. "Orthodox Muslims wear a beard and a robe, because it serves to look more like the prophets. Not to hide bombs under! One of the goals of this neighborhood party is counteracting that negative image. "
The organization wants to emphasize lady gaga vma awards its social lady gaga vma awards commitment. "Unfortunately, it remains lady gaga vma awards difficult to lure non-Muslims to our initiatives. This is probably due to the fear of the unknown: people do not know what to expect, the threshold is still high, "says Houssin.
Also on the political side, there are still many prejudices. "Our partnership with the City of Antwerp does run smoothly, but there are still very few politicians who want to be associated with Muslims. That's a shame. With initiatives like this neighborhood party we do everything we can to combat those prejudices. There is still work to be done, but we will get there. If we keep working together, "Houssin concludes.
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