Islamic Society of Tulsa Hosts Open House After Broken Arrow Mosque Vote

The event aimed to address misconceptions and welcome the public for tours, food, and conversations.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A month after a high-profile vote in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma rejecting a proposed mosque, the Islamic Society of Tulsa opened its doors to the public for an open house. The event was intended to answer questions, address misconceptions about Islam and Muslims, and showcase the community programs and services offered at the Islamic Society's midtown Tulsa location.

Why it matters

The Broken Arrow mosque vote drew a packed crowd and widespread attention, highlighting the need for more open dialogue and understanding between the Muslim community and the broader public. The Islamic Society of Tulsa's open house was an effort to foster those conversations and build bridges.

The details

During the open house, visitors were able to take tours of the facility, speak with members, and learn about the day-to-day work of the Islamic Society, including a free weekly medical clinic, a food bank, and other community outreach programs. Leaders said the event was intended to help people feel comfortable asking questions and dispel misconceptions about Islam and Muslims.

  • The open house took place on Sunday, a month after the Broken Arrow City Council rejected a proposed mosque during a highly publicized meeting.
  • The Islamic Society of Tulsa plans to continue hosting similar open house events in the future.

The players

Islamic Society of Tulsa

A local Muslim community organization that hosted the open house event.

Arooj Chishty

Former CFO of the Islamic Society of Tulsa, who said the Broken Arrow vote highlighted misconceptions about Islam and Muslims in the larger community.

Kamran Mohammed

A physician and volunteer at the Islamic Society of Tulsa, who spoke about the free weekly medical clinic offered at the facility.

Sandra Rana

A longtime member of the Islamic Society of Tulsa, who said the open house was intended to help people feel comfortable asking questions.

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What they’re saying

“That kind of opened up our eyes up to kind of the misconceptions that the larger community has about our faith and Islam and Muslims.”

— Arooj Chishty, Former CFO, Islamic Society of Tulsa (KTUL)

“...including a free clinic right over there that happens every Sunday. It's open to the community and we see lots of patients — Muslims and non-Muslims — and we try to help the community.”

— Kamran Mohammed, Physician and Volunteer, Islamic Society of Tulsa (KTUL)

“People can feel comfortable to ask questions that they may not otherwise feel comfortable with. Your neighbor may be Muslim, they may be Christian, they may be Jewish. We're all a part of the fabric of this city, and events like this point that out.”

— Sandra Rana, Longtime Member, Islamic Society of Tulsa (KTUL)

What’s next

Leaders of the Islamic Society of Tulsa said they plan to continue hosting similar open house events in the future to foster dialogue and understanding between the Muslim community and the broader public.

The takeaway

This event highlights the importance of open communication and building bridges between different faith communities. By inviting the public in and addressing misconceptions, the Islamic Society of Tulsa demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity and strengthening the social fabric of Tulsa.