“The purpose here is to set the record straight, in other words,” said Ali, a spokesman for the Islamic center. “We want to let people know who we are, what we represent, and let them know we are just like your neighbor, your doctors, your teachers, your babysitters, your professors — that’s who we are.”

On Jan. 9, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., the public is invited to meet and greet people of the Muslim faith from across the state during “Meet a Muslim Day,” an event at the Worcester Islamic Center on East Mountain Street.

At a time when they feel they’re facing increased anti-Muslim rhetoric, Tahir Ali and members of the Muslim community want to get out a strong message: They’re people, just like everyone else, and their faith is nothing to fear.


The center will open its doors to the community for a number of family-friendly educational events scheduled that day, Ali said.

Visitors are encouraged to stop by the center and sample ethnic foods, join a pickup basketball game, and have a “chat with a Muslim,” according to organizers.

A tour of the facility and a talk with a Muslim convert are planned. There will also be speaking events focused on separating people of Muslim faith from those who have carried out acts of terrorism, organizers said.

“We are being tested with anti-Muslim rhetoric because of what has happened, unfortunately, in Paris and San Bernardino,” said Ali. “It’s also coming from behind the podium. The [presidential] candidates are spreading anti-Muslim rhetoric.”

Ali said the event at the center is meant to “debunk” myths about Islam, and quell Islamophobia that has festered as a result from the most recent terrorist attacks.

“ISIS does not represent Muslims,” he said. “And it does not represent Islam.”

Earlier this month, a Muslim couple from Duxbury took on a similar initiative.


Mona Haydar and her husband, Sebastian Robins, stationed themselves outside of the Cambridge Public Library for two days, giving out free doughnuts and coffee and inviting the public to “Meet a Muslim.”

The couple said the experience led to a series of meaningful conversations that helped them connect with the community at large.

Ali hopes that the planned event at the Islamic Center in Worcester mirrors Haydar’s social experiment.

“We have to get the fear out,” he said. “The fear of the unknown — the best thing to do is come out straight and meet your fear.”

Steve Annear can be reached at steve.annear@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @steveannear.