Category: Inter-faith

NYC Mayor Seeks to Ban Jewish, Muslim, & Catholic religious law | The Shalom Center. Mayor Michael  Bloomberg of New York City announced today that he is asking the government of New York State to forbid the use of any religious legal system––for example, Halakha (Jewish law),  Sharia (Muslim law), and canon law of the Roman Catholic Church.

My buddy Eboo Patel had several profiles done on him for his outstanding work in Interfaith community building. It’s a credit to him, his amazing staff, and the vision they are creating. An Effort to Foster Tolerance in Religion For a guy who is only 35 and lives in a walk-up apartment, Eboo Patel has already racked up some impressive accomplishments. A Rhodes scholar with a doctorate in the sociology of religion from Oxford University, he has four honorary degrees. His autobiography is required freshman reading on 11 college campuses. He runs a nonprofit organization — the Interfaith Youth Core…

University Muslim Medical Assn.: Community has been the focus for this South Los Angeles health center – Los Angeles Times. The open bar offered nothing more potent than lemonade. The dinner program included a break for evening prayers. The entertainment was a Farsi rendition of a Sufi prayer by Persian singer Sussan Deyhim.  But the fundraiser for UMMA Community Clinic at Riviera Country Club this spring was no more a Muslim event than UMMA is a Muslim health center.

The Clanzoors? Never! | Life and style | The Guardian. In the event I have only been partly ostracised by my family, but it is not only the issues with my family that persuaded Bridget to take my name. “I think it will be a great conversation opener,” she told me. “I’m going to enjoy having to explain why my second name is so exotic.” I suspect that trying to explain to the grumpy man at US immigration why her surname sounds a bit Pakistani may not be quite as enjoyable as she imagines. Nevertheless, I have to admit that…

Embrace Muslim neighbors; they are not the enemy – San Antonio Express-News. If we do not befriend Muslims for the sake of loving them, then why not at least for the sake of enjoying the experience of learning about someone who might come from an ancient and fascinating culture? Why not befriend a Muslim for the sake of enjoying the company of someone who might prepare food in delicious and unique ways, who views God through a different lens, and who exhibits hospitality, genuine friendship and loyalty in ways that might surprise you?  We have nothing to fear from the vast…

I have a lot of respect for IMAN. This is a good article. Full: Muslim activist puts his faith to work in troubled Chicago – The National. Nashashibi has been cultivating Iman for nearly 15 years. Today the organisation provides just about everything to those in need in Chicago Lawn, a predominantly African-American neighbourhood with a mix of Latinos and Palestinians. Its free clinic serves the sick from across the city. A computer lab offers technical training. Tens of thousands of people go to its annual concert benefit, Takin’ It to the Streets, while its bimonthly music and arts gatherings…