Islam Means Peace - Not Terrorism Says Albany Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
Saratoga Springs, NY – On January 9, 2011, over 150 members from various faith communities attended a dynamic program on Islam, held at Temple Sinai. Sponsoring faith groups included the Saratoga Peace Alliance, Temple Sinai, the Kairos Community, the Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church, and the Saratoga Quakers, the Saratoga Springs Unitarian Universalists and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Albany, New York.
The event offered community members an opportunity to learn about Islam, its laws and its values directly from American Muslims. Qasim Rashid, a National Spokesperson for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, gave a 30 minute lecture on basic Islamic teachings before the diverse crowd. A question/answer session followed the lecture, where attendees asked several questions ranging from the meaning of Jihad to what non-Muslims can do to help moderate Muslims condemn terrorism.
Dr. Hafeez ur Rahman, President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Albany Chapter asked the program attendees to “keep the lines of communication open, and they will effectively help to combat extremism in all its forms.” Temple Sinai Rabbi Jonathon Rubenstien and Rabbi Linda Rubenstien hosted the event with sincere compassion and unmatched hospitality. Attendees also shared a vegetarian pot-luck supper and a discussion of how to build bridges going forward.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Albany will be co-sponsoring another event on “Islam and the Pursuit of World Peace” on January 30th, 2011 at the Albany Hindu Community Center.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic, fast growing international revival movement within Islam. Founded in 1889, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community spans over 190 countries with membership exceeding tens of millions. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, established in 1921, is the first American-Muslim organization. Its journal, The Muslim Sunrise, is among the earliest and longest running American-Muslim periodicals.
On January 10th, the Schenectady Gazette (print edition) reported on the interfaith event on its front page.
Comments
That was a great presentation Qasim, keep up the good work! I hope my clicking was on que.
Qasim Bhai was brilliant. He is such a motivation for all.
nice job. well done alhamdolelaaah
It's a pleasure reading about good Muslims doing great work.
Sabr... keep it up!
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