This weekend, he and other Utah Muslims will showcase their religion, promote tolerance and honor the state's cultural diversity at the annual Salt Lake American Muslim Cultural Festival slated for the downtown City-County Building.

Since moving to the United States from his native India in 1967 to attend college, Hasnain has been devoted to promoting greater understanding of his religion. During his years in California and later in Washington state, Hasnain had many mentors help him cultivate his interest in community.

When he moved to Utah in 1996, however, he quickly realized there was no real voice for members of the Muslim community. Moreover, Utahns did not know much about the Muslim culture. That's why he founded the Salt Lake American Muslim Cultural Festival - to "foster goodwill between the Muslim and non-Muslim communities in Utah."

This year, the festival will celebrate its fourth anniversary.

A multiethnic and multicultural tradition, the event is dedicated to showcasing and honoring diversity.

"This is a fun, family oriented . . . world-class celebration," Hasnain says. "We can celebrate our common humanity and make a beginning to overcome our differences regardless of who we are in these troubled times."

In the past, Hasnain added, some Utah Muslims have been critical of the festival. They questioned why it was not a festival "for the Muslims and by the Muslims." Hasnain, though, wanted to show that most Muslims are tolerant and respectful of other cultures.

The diverse entertainment slated for the event reflects that desire. All acts are welcome to participate, provided they are authentic and represent a specific culture.

"We are very dedicated to allowing other cultures to exhibit their artistic expression to the extent, in fact, that we take an opportunity to share ethnic cultural expressions even if we do not necessarily practice them ourselves."

Some of the entertainers include Bien Flamenco, Rinceori Irish Dancers, Taiko Drums and the Calvary Gospel Singers. In addition to live entertainment, there will be a rock-climbing wall and booths selling unique, tasty, value-priced food.

A film festival is another highlight of the two-day celebration. On Saturday, festivalgoers will be treated to a 2 p.m. screening of "Bab Al-Sama Maftuh/Door To The Sky" and a 4 p.m. showing of "The Lizard." On Sunday, "The Message" will be presented at 1 p.m. All are scheduled in the downtown Salt Lake City Library's auditorium.