WASHINGTON – A Muslim couple is inviting strangers to their home as part of an initiative called “Meal with a Muslim.”

Amanda Saab, former contestant on “MasterChef,” and her husband Hussein Saab, have opened their door in Renton to Americans who may have questions about their faith. The couple resides in Renton, Washington. The two had previously resided in Dearborn, Michigan. 

“The idea was let’s just invite people over. They can ask anything they like. We’ll give them the opportunity to understand who we are,” Amanda said. 

The couple does this every few months — inviting people around their Renton community to break bread and break down misconceptions about Muslims.

“To take a few wackos and associate us with them is very unfair,” said Amanda, as she prepared a Middle Eastern mean consisting of  of chicken, tabbouleh and other treats.

The meal began with a traditional Muslim prayer. 

The conversation bounces politely around, eventually turning to Islamophobia. 

One guest named Trudy tells of the reaction she got from a neighbor when she said she was coming to have a conversation with a pair of Muslims.

“My neighbor told me to be careful because if I say the wrong thing you’d put me on a hit list,” said Trudy.

The crowd laughed at the absurdity of the statement, but the seriousness of such a mindset is lost on no one.

“Has she ever met a Muslim?” asked Hussein. “I hear from different people how bad Muslims are. When I tell them I’m Muslim, their eyes open up a little.”

The couple also dispelled misconceptions about ISIS and its ties to the religion. 

Other questions the couple answered included queries about women’s rights and the whether one can be a “good Muslim” and still be a proponent of gay rights?

“Absolutely,” Amanda answered.

There is even an invitation to Trudy’s nervous neighbor to come for dinner.

“Bring her over some time,” smiles Hussein. “We won’t even tell her we’re Muslim!”

For Hussein and Amanda, there is always room at the table for a different point of view. To them, it’s an opportunity to take the fearful and convert them to friends.

“We are the face of Islam, and we’re not going to let anybody else claim that title from us,” said Amanda.