"Why can't you look past my beliefs and just talk to me?" Narjis Saleh, a young Muslim woman, said recently after she was called a terrorist and spat on at a train station.
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Her plea for acceptance has been echoed throughout Australia's Muslim community following an increase in religious discrimination and violence since the emergence of the terrorist group Islamic State.
In a climate of increased tension and misunderstanding between some sections of the Muslim and non-Muslim communities, the timing of Saturday's first National Mosque Open Day could not be better.
Lakemba mosque, Cabramatta Mosque and the Islamic Centre of Newcastle are among the 10 mosques around Australia that will open their doors to the public on Saturday.
Samier Dandan, president of the Lebanese Muslim Association, said the open day is the first initiative undertaken on a national platform with the aim of "breaking down the misconceptions and negative perceptions" about Islam.
"We are inviting all Muslims and non-Muslims in particular to share the experience of what goes on in the daily life of a Muslim and what happens inside the mosque," he said.
Iman of Lakemba Mosque Sheikh Yahya Safi, who has held open days at Lakemba, said he was "looking forward" to welcoming visitors into the mosque once again.
"I expect [the visitors] will be very happy," he said, "because there is no barrier."
"It's a very interesting event and I think everyone will benefit from it."
Several panels would be held throughout the day giving visitors the chance to ask questions of Islam scholars and to "clarify their understanding" of Islam.
The open day is part of the National Day of Unity, which incorporates the pro-refugee Walk Together marches which are also taking place in cities across Australia on Saturday.
Mr Dandan said the decision to combine the events under the banner of a National Unity Day was about "showcasing the strength that exists between different religious groups and social groups".
The National Day of Unity has been endorsed by faith leaders from across the Muslim, Christian and Jewish communities.
Pastor Brad Chilcott, director of Welcome to Australia, which is co-ordinating the Walk Together initiative, said he had been encouraging his congregation to visit a mosque before attending the rally.
"This is a really important opportunity to learn more about our Muslim neighbours and friends and to understand their perspective," he said.
