Grassroots Outreach

Lunch with a Muslim

Bringing ease, clarity, and genuine human connection to our neighborhoods by sharing meals and open dialogue.

• Grassroots Knowledge

The Idea Behind Our Outreach

One of the core driving concentrations of ICNA's energies is the spread and dissemination of authentic Islamic knowledge through grassroots means directly within our local neighborhoods.

Local Farmers Markets & Festivals

The 877-Why-Islam Hotline

Bus & Billboard Campaigns

Outreach booths setup at local farmer markets and festivals, creating welcoming public spaces for casual questions and honest conversation.

A dedicated national helpline providing direct, reliable access to empathetic representatives ready to offer answers and free literature.

High-visibility public campaigns designed to spark curiosity, share core values of peace, and invite neighbors toward open dialogue.

Fostering Heart-to-Heart Connections

By the grace of God, this has led to many heart-to-heart conversations, the clarification of many misconceptions and biases, and a deeper sense of oneness in our communities.

But this is not enough:

Hate crimes are on an all-time high

Bigotry and xenophobia are becoming widespread and normalized

The separation and mistrust between the dominant cultures and 'the others' is increasing, instead of there being a sense of appreciation and welcoming embrace

'Lunch with a Muslim' was started at the end of 2016 to address these very concerns, with the aim of bringing much needed ease and clarity in this stifling climate of manufactured fear and ignorance.

Gathering Together

What Happens at Lunch

We select local parks or community centers and invite surrounding neighbors to break bread over curated discussions and honest Q&A.

Community Setting

Open Discussion

Q&A Session

Share a Meal

Held in local parks, community centers, or neighborhood gathering spaces close to home.

A curated conversation introducing the core aspects of Islam and Muslims in America.

Attendees ask any question on their mind in an open, welcoming, and judgment-free environment.

Breaking bread together builds real human connections and dissolves lingering biases.

Host or Attend a Lunch

Ready to bring 'Lunch with a Muslim' to your neighborhood park or community space? Contact us to get involved.