When Maysa Kergaye turns on the television, she sees images that should not be associated with her religion.
"We always have the feeling we're always misunderstood," said Kergaye, with the Utah Islamic Speakers Bureau.
During the holy month of Ramadan, it is customary for Muslims to take their meal after sundown, having abstained from food and water for most of the day. This evening meal, called iftar, is typically a time to invite friends and family to dine together.
During this month of Ramadan mosques and Muslim organizations are being encouraged by the Council on American-Islamic Relations to open their doors to non-Muslims in an effort to spread understanding about their religion amid attacks by terrorists who lay a more dubious claim to Islam.
In that spirit, the Iqra Academy of Utah and the Islamic Society of Greater Salt Lake City will hold an iftar potluck dinner to which the public is invited to attend. The dinner will be held on Sunday, Oct. 31, at the Lone Peak Park Pavilion, 10140 S. 700 East, in Sandy. Dinner will begin at sunset, around 5:30 p.m.
The public is also invited to attend a screening of "Muhammad the Last Prophet" at the Broadway Cinemas, 111 E. 300 South, on Nov. 14 at noon, 2:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. and Nov. 15 and 16 at 7 p.m.
The film, which will debut across the country, is a cartoon depiction of the life of Muhammad.
Kergaye said she hopes both Muslims and non-Muslims will come see the film, "if to just understand and share with others and expand one's horizons."