Oregon Public Broadcasting

For the last six years, on the anniversary of 9/11, the Bilal Mosque in Beaverton has held an open house. The public is invited to just show up, share some traditional middle eastern food and ask questions.

Mosque Association President, Shariar Ahmed, says no subject is off limits.

For example, he’s been asked everything from: ‘Do all Muslims support terrorism?’ to ‘Why do women have to cover their heads?’

Ahmed and other members of the congregation calmly explain their faith and try to build bridges with their surrounding community.

Kristian Foden-Vencil went out to the Bilal Mosque this morning with a few of his own questions -- and tried not to embarrass himself by eating too many samosas.