HUNTER residents have been encouraged to bring all the questions they've ever wanted to ask about Islam and Muslims - no matter how tricky - to the Sultan Fatih Mosque at Mayfield.
Organisers of the mosque's sixth annual open day - Forugh Dorani, Toobah Choudhari and Usman Bhatti - said no questions were off limits at the event, which they said was an opportunity to break down barriers and misconceptions.
Ms Choudhari, a youth lawyer, said despite progress made in recent years, some non-Muslims still held a "fear of the unknown".
"But when you ask questions, you remove that," she said.
"It doesn't matter what the questions are, as long as they are happening."
She said wearing a headscarf made her instantly identifiable as a Muslim and a "flag-bearer" of her faith, a role she said she enjoyed.
"People say it must be frustrating, but it's a sense of responsibility - I want to make sure people do understand so we bridge the gap.
"If they're curious I'm willing to meet them halfway and walk them through the religion.
"A woman came up to me once while shopping and asked 'Why are you wearing that?' and I explained that I saw it as liberating being valued for my intellect and not what I look like.
"I explained that I cover for myself and it's a personal choice.
"Any questions you have you can come and talk to us.
"Maybe you will see our behaviour, values and cultures align more than you think."
Her husband, Mr Bhatti, likened the event to the first day of school.
"It's an excuse to come in and see what's going on in that classroom," he said.
"It's our responsibility as holders of the faith to provide the opportunity to interact. We are part of the broader community.
"This is investing in the future so we can grow together."
The event will be held from 10am to 4pm on October 26 and include a sausage sizzle, pony rides, a petting zoo, traditional sweets, a jumping castle, henna tattoos, face painting and an emergency services display.
Organisers have prepared resources that dispel common myths about Islam, including about sharia principles; treatment of women; jihad; and halal.
Ms Choudhari said the event was also an opportunity to discuss the religion's stance on other issues, such as the environment.
Mr Bhatti said more than facts and figures, he hoped to provide a "authentic human experience".
"Friendship has a more meaningful impact than logic," he said.
"I want people to have felt comfortable, because then it means we've made a human connection and been a good host."
Mr Dorani said visitors may recognise Muslims at the event as "your GP, the lawyer who represents you in court, or the plumber who fixes your tap".
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