Studying comparative literature in the 1960s, Hasnain read Dante's Inferno, which places Muhammad and his followers in the eighth circle of hell.

Since then, all Hasnain has ever wanted is more good will toward his people.

That's why he launched the Salt Lake American Muslim Festival four years ago. It's why he has engaged civic and religious leaders in public dialogues. He's always talking about his faith and the way it fits in America.

Why, then, aren't all Utah Muslims supporting next week's festival?

Because it's not just by and for Muslims, Hasnain says.

The two-day celebration includes dancing from Spain, Ireland, China, India and Pakistan as well as Japanese drummers. There will be every kind of ethnic food and exotic art to buy and sample. On top of that, government agencies will have booths providing information on essential services such as employment, housing, legal assistance and health care for low-income residents.

The festival promotes tolerance and openness in a nondiscriminatory way, he says. "It is meant to bring Muslims out of their homes to see others and be seen. They need to get used to the idea that you can be at an event where other communities engage in cultural activities that do not abide by your conventions. That does not injure my faith."

Such diversity and freedom of expression is what living in America is all about, he says. To many Muslims, though, that's a foreign idea they have trouble accepting.

Still, Hasnain will keep pushing.

"I am fighting this battle and I'm not going to give up," he says. "Muslims around the world are in dire need of good will. I feel that doing this festival benefits not only them but the American community. I am proud to be an American Muslim. I cherish both aspects and feel neither needs to be compromised."

---

Contact Peggy Fletcher Stack at pstack@sltrib.com or at 801-257-8725. Send comments to livingeditor@sltrib.com.