COVER STORY
Shoulder-toShoulder Campaign Hosted Seminarian Interfaith Group
The Shoulder-to-Shoulder Campaign, for which ISNA provides ongoing support, organized an interfaith seminar for emerging religious leaders to coincide with the ISNA convention this year. Ten Christian and Jewish participants, based on their commitment to interfaith efforts and their future leadership potential, were invited to take part in the program. They alternated between attending convention sessions and special workshops about the future of interfaith leadership. The students participated in many ISNA sessions and commented on the vast diversity of thoughts shared and topics discussed throughout the weekend. The Jewish participants, in particular, were moved by the warmth with which Muslim attendees welcomed them and inquired about their attendance there. The group discussed a range of topics, from dealing with anti-Muslim bias in their communities to strategic approaches to interreligious collaboration against hate, bigotry and injustice in the United States. The aim of the seminar is to prepare participants for leadership in interfaith efforts, including working to end antiMuslim sentiment. The seminarians have been reflecting on their experiences by writing op-eds and articles for local newspapers and denominational publications as a way to spread the message to others in their communities about the things they learned at the ISNA convention. In an increasingly diverse world, the Seminarian Interfaith Seminar at ISNA plays an important part in advancing the vision of getting religious leaders to know and work with leaders from other faiths.
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of the Huffington Post U.K., Maryam Amirebrahimi, and Mansoor Sabree, director and resident imam of the Atlanta Masjid of AlIslam Community. Haroon Moghul, a fellow at New America Foundation, served as moderator. Hasan discussed how there seems to be a “laziness of the mind.” “Sirat-ul-mustaqeem is a broad path,” he said. “One can follow the path and do it completely different than others.” He discussed the importance of talking about issues and “hashing it out” so that we are collectively stronger after the discussions. Billoo addressed the need to engage in spreading resources wide and within the community to really benefit the community as a whole. “It’s not just about going to protests. They are just one method of bringing about change,” she said. She talked about it being more of a lifestyle change.
Dr. Omar Mahmood addressed the session on “Be Strong Muslims for Allah.” “Being strong in our terms may not necessarily translate into being strong for the sake of God,” he said. “Someone who is very strong is someone who can control himself in a state of anger.” He encouraged people to learn to discipline their nafs (self), citing the story of Taif. “The strength of your character is demonstrated in moments when you have the ability to take your right.” Mufti Hussain Kamani talked about the importance of being healthy and strong as a part of one’s deen. He said a person who seeks to be healthy can fulfill the rights of the Creator, and the rights of the creation around him (children, spouses, etc.). Nadine Abu Jubara stressed the importance of being physically healthy. “The Companions and the Prophet were the epitome of healthy,” she said. “They ate to live, and, in today’s society, we are living to eat.” She talked about the importance of shifting one’s thinking of food as more than a means of taking care of one’s body, and the significance of making this a lifestyle change. “It is a marathon, not a sprint!” she said. “A sound heart lies in a sound body.”
Zahra Billoo
Hasan added, “where things matter, Muslims should be involved!” Amirebrahimi shared the story of her journey to making Islam her priority. She said it was difficult for her in the beginning because a lot of information she was receiving about Islam was not necessarily correct. She learned over time the importance of finding scholars who are well versed in the texts and being able to apply them in right contexts. Sabree, who has traveled and lectured in several different countries, was another key player in sharing the importance of the Muslim American experience. Some important takeaway points included remembering that failures are tests from God and also opportunities to bring one closer to Him. “There is no end point to the journey. What we’re doing is the journey,” Hasan said. All speakers stressed the importance of getting involved and engaging local elected officials on topics of interest and concern.
Zaid Shakir
Imam Zaid Shakir speaking on the “Role of the Muslim Student in the 21st Century” emphasized the importance of being patient. “Victory only comes from God,” he said. “It doesn’t come from us. If God wills it, we win. If God wills it, we lose.” Altaf Husain, new ISNA vice president, talked about the different events that the MSA has worked on over the years and their relevancy, and how Muslims are able to gain and develop the skills necessary to succeed in this world and the hereafter. Shaykh Yasir Qadhi discussed the roles and responsibilities of the MSA. He urged the audience to look at history to educate themselves and understand what is happening in the world today.
ISLAMIC HORIZONS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014