The Miami Valley Islamic Association is reaching out to share the Islamic culture with the Springfield community.

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – The Muslim community in Springfield, Ohio, is hosting a special event to celebrate the Islamic Day of Ohio on  Saturday, October 13, inviting their neighbours to share and understand the Islamic culture.

“This is an open invitation to people of all faiths, from synagogues and churches, to hear our presentation,” said Dr. Akber Mohammed, who will do the program introduction, Springfield Sun reported.

The Miami Valley Islamic Association will celebrate its event, 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13 at Bayley Auditorium on the Wittenberg University campus.

It will include refreshments, prayers, a keynote speaker and a guest of honor, Todd Green, author of three books on Islamaphobia who will present a program on the subject.

Islamic Day of Ohio has been recognized by the state to be marked every second Saturday in October for the past 31 years but hasn’t been done locally since 1997.

Imam Mustafaa Islam of Masjid An-Nur Mosque will be the keynote speaker and Imam Yunus Lasania of Masjid Al-Madina Mosque will give a Qur’an recitation.

Mohammed and Samina Ahmed, who will be the closing speaker, previously heard Green speak at Wittenberg and were impressed.

“People don’t realize Islamaphobia is a reality and this is an expert to back it up,” Mohammed said.

“People should know we have good values and this will show the true faith of Islam.”

The program will also include an awards presentation, as the MVIA asked for nominations for a member of the police department, sheriff’s department, and a Springfield Regional Medical Center nurse to be recognized.

Springfield Mayor Warren Copeland will present the awards, which will reflect people dedicated to helping the Springfield community, according to Ahmed.

“We want to build bridges, for non-Muslims to get to know one or all of us in the community,” said Ahmed.