What is ``jihad'' and is it different from ``holy war?'' What does Islam say about polygamy? How do Muslims in South Florida feel about the Taliban and al Qaeda?

A West Kendall mosque that was the target of bullets and window-smashing earlier this year will open its doors on Saturday to answer those questions and others as part of an ongoing effort to deter vandalism and promote understanding of Islam.

``People have had a misconception of our religion,'' said Zakaria Badat, imam and spiritual leader of Masjid An-Noor at 11699 SW 147th Ave. ``If people are having doubts, they can come and talk to us about what Islam means.''

The Islamic Center of Greater Miami in Miami Gardens, another of South Florida's two dozen mosques, also hosted recent open houses. Leaders cite a need for South Florida's 70,000 Muslims to get more involved in their community.

In early July, vandals smashed the windows of Masjid An-Noor, which has 500 members and operates the adjacent Islamic School of Miami. Two teenagers were arrested for the crime, one of whom told police that ``all Muslims are terrorists.'' Six months earlier, unknown assailants sprayed the empty mosque with 51 bullets.

``Had these people attended one of these events, they would know that we love peace and we love our community and our country,'' said Nidal Hozien, an organizer of Saturday's open house. ``Some people have an animosity against us, but usually that is built on a lack of knowledge.''

This year's incidents weren't the first at the mosque. In 2005, vandals shattered its door with a rock; the year before, a sign was defaced with a swastika and profanity. Only the most recent incident resulted in arrests.

Mosque leaders said they want to hold more open houses and organize events with Christian and Jewish clergy.

``If people can't make it this time,'' said Hozien, ``they are always welcome to come.''

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