Thursday, April 23, 2009

Multifaith council of Northwest Ohio's dinner






Held at the Congregation B'nai Israel in neighboring Sylvania, about 300 guests attended, and included tables and presenters from the Muslim community, Christians of various sects, Sikhs, Jains, Hindus and a variety of other religious groups.

It was a very warm environment and enlightening experience, I learned much from discussions with the various leaders.

Now, describing the pictures a bit, from top left is myself giving comments and benediction, the sanctuary of the Synagogue, the flame at the top of the picture is symbolic of God speaking to Moses [ Musa 'Alayhis salaam]. Bottom left, with Miss Ann, one of the organizers, and at the bottom right, with our friends and activists Ahmed Kadri and wife Amirah.


The guest speaker was Peter Adriance, an NGO liason for the U.S.Bahais, who spoke on the relationship between religious communities and efforts for environmental causes.


There is more I could say, but don't know where to begin. Needless to say, these sort of events are good ways to learn about others, but also to share information about Islam. We show ourselves as humans, and not fanatical monsters. That goes a long way.

Peace.

4 comments:

jazain said...

well done shams!! i love interfaith anything. i love to see people of all religions come together respectfully.
jana z

Grégoire said...

This is *very awesome*. People of different backgrounds coming together to raise important issues is always a good thing, but at this particular point in history it might be the most important thing any of us can do.

Thanks for doing your part.

Shamsuddin Waheed said...

salaam,

Thanks for the encouraging words. Below is a link to a slideshow of the program, which also included tables for various communities, a tour of the synagogue, and more.

[url] http://www.flickr.com/photos/jltrautman/sets/72157617270094462/show/[/url]

DrDeb said...

Thank you for this article and the wonderfully uplifting photos -- I added this site to my favorites!

Along these same multifaith spirituality lines, I'd like to share research suggesting that prayer/meditation boosts brain power and slows aging in everyone, regardless of faith or how people choose to pray/meditate:
Prayer and meditation boost brain power, slow aging.

At least from a physiological basis, we all stand on common ground.

Thanks,
Dr. Deb