The Islamic Society of Greater Houston and the AAJP have put forth great effort into bringing the National American Muslim leadership to Houston for a town hall meeting. The purpose of the event is to enlighten the community at large on what Americans of Islamic faith have to say about the current situation and to provide an opportunity to all people that are interested in or have questions about Islam and its teachings in general and about specific views on current world situations. The people coming will consist of distinguished people including members of the National Shura Council which comprises 5 of the largest Islamic organizations in North America like the Islamic Society of North America, Muslim American Society (W.D. Muhammad), Islamic Circle of North America, and others. The event will take place at the University of Houston in the University Center's, Houston Room (large hall upstairs) from 2-6 p.m. Saturday October 20th, 2001. History of Islam: Dr. Sulayman Nyang (Professor/Dean at Howard University) Beliefs of Islam: Dr. Muzammil Siddiqui (President of the Islamic Society of North America; Member of the National Shura Council) Islam in America: Imam Siraj Wahhaj (Member of the National Shura Council; Imam of the Masjid Al-Taqwa in New York) Question and Answer session. This is an invitation open to ALL individuals, organizations, churches, synagogues, temples, schools, corporations, and especially to Mr. Spur, Cohen, Dr. of Dunk, and all people who post on this board on this topic. I hope that everyone takes advantage of a unique opportunities like these to come learn and interact with the larger human family. Events like this can go a long way in bridging the gaps between communities and help promote better understanding of each other through interaction and dialogue rather than second hand information and media biased news of our neighbours. The AAJP or American Alliance for Justice and Peace is a non profit organization that was formed over a month ago to address the current situation by several diverse groups including Islamic, Christian, Jewish, Bhuddist, Hindu, Sikh, Arab, African, Korean, Pakistani, as well as several businesses, interfaith groups, and student organizations. They came together to promote unity in our community and have put together fundraisers and relief efforts for the WTC and Pentagon through the Red Cross, as well as anti-hate campaigns, and informational sessions to the general public on improving community relations and how to deal with the current crisis.
I guess this is something that is happening across the country. Here is a notice I got in my email here at work: Middle Eastern Culture Learning Session In an effort to increase our awareness about Middle Eastern culture, politics, beliefs and values, members of XXXXX Human Resources have scheduled a Middle Eastern Culture Learning Session. Dr. Dina Alsowayel, University of Houston and Dr. Mehdi Abedi, Rice University, will be on-site to give us in-sight on the above topics. Not a bad idea.
RocketScientist, Sounds like a great event to me. My desire to learn more about Islam started years ago. I bought a copy of the Koran, but became disillusioned by the strong words (due to poor translation apparently) against Christians and Jews near the beginning of the book. I know understand the significant translation issues due to some enlightened posters here. I would actually attend an event like this if held in Austin. I possibly would even consider travelling to Houston for it if I where home, but I am in California right now. Thanks for the info, though.
Cohen, Since you can't go, here is a link: <A HREF="http://www.mideasti.org/library/islam/beginning.htm">Islam</A> Mango
Mayor Brown's campaign has a huge Islamic and Asian contingent. I'm sure they are aware of this but I'll let them know again just in case. Good stuff.
Jeff, I believe the mayor and the other 2 prominent candidates have been informed . Thanks for relaying it to him as well though!
