Worshippers filled the Monroe-Woodbury Islamic Center for their annual Eid al-Fitr service Friday.

As the center’s members end their month of daylight fasting meant to test their religious devotion, officials are also doing some outreach.

Imam Abdul Wahid says he wants local non-Muslims to know that their core message is as peaceful as any other religion.

"We're in the community. So, we welcome everybody,” he said. "They have their own way of belief. We have our own beliefs. But still, we live together in harmony, peace and tranquility.”

Officials say community outreach is especially important as the center’s leaders just applied for a permit to build a new mosque that would hold 500 worshippers.

The center welcomed the mayors of Monroe and Harriman, along with many other non-Muslims, to discuss their plans for expansion.

Film student Thasnia Akhter hopes to document the forward-thinking nature of worshippers at the center, which she says fights against the marginalization of women in less progressive communities.

"I also want to make a film to honor them, because I think they endure a lot more than what a traditional woman would have to,” she said.