The Muslim Association of Lehigh Valley, 1988 Schadt Ave., Whitehall, held an open house Oct. 26 that offered spiritual information and potential sustenance. The event also offered culinary delights.

The well-attended event included welcomes and hospitality shown to the attendees. Daniel Abdullah Hernandez, imam and religious director, and other MALV members provided tours and presentations for attendees hoping to stimulate future members to the mosque and its association. Hernandez had his own table to meet with attendees and answer their questions about Islam and the activities held at the Islamic center and mosque.

The event’s goals were for visitors to meet and learn about Muslims living in the Lehigh Valley. There were free international foods, question-and-answer opportunities, guided tours of the mosque, free literature and much more. The event’s focus was on non-Muslim neighbors. It also was an outreach effort to have neighbors gain a better understanding of Islam.

Young volunteer Umer Rizwan, from Easton, assisted wherever he could. The Easton High School junior plans to attend a university after high school graduation at possibly Carnegie-Mellon University or Lafayette College to study computer science.

Muhammad Abbas, Nagi Latefa, Hayri Tarkochev, Muhammad Al and countless other volunteers at the mosque staffed the welcome stand, sign-in area and food tables and provided tours and information.

Tables and chairs were set up in the food hall, which allowed attendees to relax, dine and socialize with others and MALV members. The variety and quality of the food offered was impressive, it was mentioned. There were foods found in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United States, Morocco, Syria, India, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Iraq, Africa and Bangladesh. Some attendees struggled with what to choose to eat because of the amount and the diversity of foods. Dessert offerings were also popular.

It appeared everyone appreciated the fellowship on display throughout the event and the rich hospitality, acceptance and welcoming feeling. All attendees were offered a free Quran to take with them.

Visit malv.org for more information.