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CALL FOR UNITY FROM MUSLIM RELIGIOUS LEADERS ING News & Information – Update 10/16/07 In this edition:
Open Letter & Call from Muslim Religious Leaders Last week witnessed the release of an historic letter by 138 Muslim scholars from across the world seeking dialogue and understanding with their Christian brothers and sisters. The document, An Open Letter and Call from Muslim Religious Leaders addressed to the Pope & other Christian leaders emphasizes commonalities between the faiths, and the importance of mutual respect, peaceful dialogue and peace-making. To see the full text of the letter and analysis by Islamica Magazine, visit: http://www.islamicamagazine.com/Common-Word/A-Common-Word.html. ING fully supports this call for unity and collaboration around shared principles among people of all faiths and none. Register Online for ING’s 15th Year Anniversary Dinner on November 3rd, 2007 in Palo Alto For speakers bios and information on the event, go to http://www.ing.org/events/events.asp?num=535 Responding to “Islamo-Fascism Week” on College Campuses From Oct. 22 – 26, a campaign titled “Islamo-Facism Awareness Week” has been organized on campuses across the country. The event is being organized and promoted by David Horowitz and his Horowitz Freedom Center. Mr. Horowitz claims, “During the week of October 22-26, 2007, the nation will be rocked by the biggest conservative campus protest ever – Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week, a wake-up call for Americans on 200 university and college campuses.” While the issues raised are important for Americans to educate themselves about and understand, such discussions should not paint all Muslims with the same brush, nor use this campaign as a forum that rather than sincerely examining critical issues with the aim to reform or promote understanding instead increases intolerance, fear, and bigotry in a climate of prejudice towards Muslims that is already at an unprecedented level. It is documented that campaigns that demonize an entire group of people, as occurred before the Holocaust, and more recently before the Bosnian genocide are one of the many gradual steps towards genocide. (*See below, Six Steps from Discrimination to Extermination.) Freedom of speech is guaranteed by our Constitution and part of what makes this country great, and censoring ideas we disagree with is not the solution. However, it is important to understand that hate speech which vilifies an entire group can have dangerous consequences in the form of hate crimes and violence. Report any such acts to the appropriate authorities on campus. At the same time, responding to this campaign in a reactionary manner merely reinforces the very stereotypes that the campaign seeks to promote. It is commendable that Muslim Student Associations (MSAs) have launched a campaign, “Peace, Not Prejudice” as a means to promoting understanding and tolerance. ING encourages MSA’s to refer to its Start-Up Kit for MSA’s that lays the groundwork for just such an endeavor and describes in detail the steps for outreach and education on college campuses, and strategies for such a program. The Kit is available for purchase on ING’s website at: http://ing.org/speakers/finalsubpage.asp?num=29&pagenum=109 Additionally we remind students to adhere to Islamic principles in responding to this campaign, following the example and manners of the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace be upon him), and not allowing emotions to lead to anything less than the forbearance, compassion, and self control that he displayed in the face of discrimination, and far worse, persecution. Demonstrating Islam in one’s actions is far more important than defending Islam with one’s words. Therefore, people should avoid: - Reactionary behavior - Angry responses - Shouting matches - Engaging people in useless arguments unless they are sincerely interested in understanding, and you are confident in your ability to respond calmly and logically. - Defending the indefensible: acknowledge that not everything Muslims do is right; Muslims do not represent Islam, just as Christians and Jews do not always represent their faith. There are many problems in the Muslim world today, and Muslims need to own up to them. Many of the problems mentioned in the films are due to a misunderstanding and misapplication of Islam, such as honor killings by Muslims which are explicitly forbidden in the Qur’an, domestic violence against women, Female Genital Mutilation, and others. Clarify what is part of Islam, and what is cultural practice or twisting of the faith. * From “The 6 Steps from Discrimination to Extermination” by Bart Charlow, Executive Director of the SVCCJ. They include: 1) Spreading myths or stereotypes about people which result in denigration and social distancing from them; 2) Creating mistrust about a people that isolates that group; 3) Fabricating a threat they pose to the public, which creates agreement with illegal laws or restrictions upon the group; 4) De-humanizing the target group, which prepares the public for suspension of its rights; 5) Isolation & concentration, which ensures that the group is away from the public eye, where it is subject to oppression; and the last step is the resultant atrocities that take various forms. 6) Genocide ING Speaker Addresses Hope Lutheran Church in San Mateo, 10/14/07 Veteran ING speaker, Uzma Husaini took time off from her holiday Eid ul-Fitr (Breaking of the Fast Festival) weekend to visit Hope Lutheran Church in San Mateo on Sunday, October 14th, where she delivered ING’s Orientation on Islam and Muslims presentation. The audience of about fifty worshippers was very appreciative of the opportunity to learn more about a religion they knew very little about, and had numerous questions for the speaker. The organizers were extremely warm and welcoming to Uzma, presenting her with flowers and a copy of the Bible. There will be a follow up presentation in the future to continue the education and dialogue with another ING speaker. ING Speaker Presents Ramadan at Phillip Brooks School, 10/11/07 On Thursday, October 11th, an ING speaker addressed the entire third to fifth graders in an assembly about Ramadan at the Phillip Brooks School in Menlo Park. The prestigious school has hosted ING speakers on various occasions, but for this event wanted the children to gain a better understanding of fasting and Ramadan. The speaker described the Ramadan fast and the reasons for fasting before answering questions from the students, who were eager to relate the fast to their own life experiences. ING Speaker Presents Ramadan at Mills College Fast-a-thon, 10/09/07 Uzma Husaini was the keynote speaker at a Ramadan Dinner and Fast-a-thon hosted by the Mills College MSA on Tuesday, October 9th. More than 50 college students attended the dinner, most of whom had fasted the entire day. When Uzma asked how many people had actually fasted even from water, a significant number raised their hands. More students participated in the fast, but were unable to attend due to classes at the same time. The fast-a-thon raised money for each person fasting and donated it to charity. Uzma voiced her appreciation for their efforts and explained basic beliefs and the goals and rituals associated with the Ramadan and fasting. ING Speakers Visit Bret Harte Middle School in Hayward, 10/09/07 On Tuesday, October 9th, three ING speakers, Imran Maskatia, Ameena Jandali, and Uzma Husaini spoke during different periods to a total of 9 social studies classes at Bret Harte Middle School in Hayward, supplementing their studies of Middle Eastern culture in the context of world history and social studies. Some of the presentations were to a single class, while others paired up two classes in the auditorium. Since it is common for middle schools to have numerous classes in the same grade, ING presenters often address multiple classes in a library or auditorium. The students had numerous questions for the speakers, and were very curios to learn more about aspects of Muslims that they had stereotypes about. There was also a significant number of Muslim students in the audience who were especially happy to have speakers representing their faith in a genuine, American manner which kids could identify and relate to. Upcoming Events at ING “Common Ground Speakers Series,” ING and the East Bay Jewish Community Relations Council, “The ‘December Dilemma’: How Jews and Muslims Cope with a Month Devoted to Christian Events and Holidays? 10/17/07, 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Limited seating – please RSVP to myrna@jfed.org or Yasmine@ing.org. For more information see: http://ing.org/events/events.asp?num=545 “Healthcare for Muslim Patients,” Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, 10/24/07, 10:30 – 12:00. For more information, see: http://www.ing.org/events/events.asp?num=397 “Women’s Rights in Islam,” Women’s Community Center, Stanford University, 10/25/07, 9:30 – 7:00. See: http://www.ing.org/events/events.asp?num=541 Thank You for Your Support! To continue to support ING’s educational outreach and bridge-building, contribute online: https://www.ing.org/donate/ Community Releases Archive . . .  Shana Tova and Eid Mubarak! ING Interfaith Statement for One America A Call to Action: Join ‘Muslim Serve’ National Campaign for Service & Understanding on 9/11 “Muslim Serve”/ING Improves Perceptions of Islam and Muslims Preventing Bullying & Harassment, Back to School and Park51 NYC Mosque ING President participates in meeting with U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan Responding to 'Draw Muhammad Day' ING Participates in Federal Government Meetings ING Condemns NYC Plot and Supports Efforts against Extremism A Conversation about Education Reform with the U.S. Department of Education Can you have religious freedom without limiting free speech? ING Statements on Religious Expression in American Public Life/Church Attacks in Malaysia ING Statement on Church Attacks in Malaysia Thank you for your continuing support! Wishes for a Happy Holiday Season and New Year ING Statement on Religious Extremism Guide to Preventing Hate Crimes and Reporting Harassment ING Condemns Deadly Attack at Ft. Hood Thank You for Making ING's Annual Supporters Dinner a Success ING Breaks Fast with Secretary Clinton ING Accredited by the Better Business Bureau ING Participates in ISNA July 4th Weekend in D.C. ING Reaches Over 20,000 People in 2008-2009 Academic Year ING Welcomes President Obama's Speech in Cairo ING Statement on Alleged Terrorist Plot in NYC ING Hosting Faiths Act Fellows Become an ING Intern or Join ING Team of Volunteers American Muslims Call for Swift Action Against Domestic Violence Silcon Valley Interfaith Leaders Endorse Declaration for Peace on M.E. Crisis Celebrating a Historic Inauguration and Martin Luther King's Legacy Humanitarian Aid in Gaza Blessed Eid, and Interfaith Forums American Muslims Condemn Terrorist Attacks in Mumbai Thank you to our friends and supporters! Action-Alert: Anti-Muslim Film Obsession Mailed to California Residents Back to School at ING & Ramadan Kit ING's Cultural Competency Programming for Law Enforcement Muslim Women Clerics Play Indispensable Role ING "Interfaith Speakers Bureau" Panels Muslim Scholars Back Call for Interfaith Dialogue In Qatar, Muslim, Jewish Clerics Meet New ING Blog ING Recognition Awards for Educators Responding to and Preventing Hate in Public Schools The Bible in Islam: Stories of Shared Prophets Global Warming: Muslim American Responsibility & Response Muslim Professionals & the Not-For-Profit Sector Feminism in Islam Intergroup Muslim and Jewish Conflict Transformation Program Roots of Islam in America through Enslaved West Africans Afghan American Muslim Outreach Saturday, Feb 16th Speakers Bureau Training ING's Outstanding Pen Award for Inter-Religious Understanding ING's Healthcare Cultural Competency Presentations Speakers Training & Women in Religion Dialogue Professional Teacher Staff Development Interfaith Speakers Bureau Training Tonight - 1/23/07 Upcoming Speakers Training Workshops Highlights of Fall Semester Educating for Religious Literacy & Mutual Respect Islam & HIV/AIDS ING Statement on the British Teacher in Sudan Islamophobia and its Affects Coexistence through Art Power of One: How One Person Can Affect Change Thank You to All Our Supporters! Answering Frequently Asked Questions About Islam Feminism & Women in Islam Islamic Contributions to Civilization Responding to "Islamo-Fascism Week" on College Campuses "Outstanding Philanthropist" Awards Keep the Diversity, Seek the Harmony ING Speaks at Antioch Mosque Vandalism March Interfaith Prayer for Darfur & World Leaders Marching Together Against Hate and Violence in East Contra Costa County ING Joins Albany's Peace Day ING Guidelines for Hosting an Interfaith Holiday Event Illumemedia.org Interview with ING's Founder & President ING Presents to Homeland Security ING's Participation in ISNA Convention 2007 10% Increase in Presentations from Previous Year Statement from the Association of Muslim Health Professionals on Events Unfolding in the UK New Hires at ING Cultural Competency Serving Arab and Muslim American Families Preserving the First Amendment Healthcare for Muslim Patients A Call for Moral Leadership: Imagining a New Heroism Advocating Against Violence and For One Nation "Muslim Americans: Mostly Middle Class and Mainstream" Islamic Contributions to Civilization Religion in the Workplace Could Genocide Happen Here? & FBI Meeting Happy Earth Day! An Interfaith Response to a Controversial Speaker Happy Holidays from ING New Speakers Bureau in Columbus, Ohio Interfaith Dialogue Among Laity The Mosque as an American Institution ING Presentations at Bay Area Universities ING and High School Presentations in Spring 2007 Inter-Religious Dialogue in the Bay Area Conflict in the Muslim World ING Adopts an Environmental Policy ING Initiates and Participates in Interfaith Dialogues ING Reaches 25,000 Americans of Other Faiths in Bay Area ING Perspective on Holocaust Conference in Iran Thank You to All Our Supporters! ING's Muslim Mental Health Training Muslim Group Deflates Stereotypes ING Trains Police Officers in Milpitas Share in ING’s Promotion of Interfaith Dialogue and Education ING Founder Invited to U.S. State Department For Annual Iftaar ING Participates in Meaning of Ramadan Open Houses ING Featured in 9/11 Specials on PBS and KGO ING Perspective on Pope's Remarks ING Gears Up for a New School Year After ISNA Convention Organization Aims to Educate Others About Religion End of Year Totals for ING, 7/25/06 ING Responds to Arrests in Miami Spike in Requests for Presentations About Islam & Muslims from High Schools ING Summer Interns Muslim-Jewish Relations in the Bay Area ING Presentations on College Campuses ING Joins "Day of Conscience for Darfur" ING President Meets with Dalai Lama Apostasy in Islam ING Training for UCSF Nursing Department Muslim Scholars' Statement on Danish Cartoons Controversy Opinion on Danish Cartoons Published in San Jose Mercury News ING Training for Healthcare & Hospitals ING Statement Regarding Danish Cartoons Commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King's Day Eid Mubarak & ING Updates in the Bay Area ING President Message to ISNA 2005 Conventioneers ING President Message to ISNA 2005 Conventioneers Role of Nationals in Terrorist Bombings National US Muslim Organizations Condemn Terrorism ING Condemns Terror Attacks in London Celebrating the Fourth of July Mukhtaran Mai's Case Opinion on Danish Cartoons Published in San Jose Mercury News - Frequently Asked Questions on Terrorism ING's Annual Community Support Dinner ING's Response to the War in Iraq ING Parent-Child Workshops: Yaseen Foundation ING Press Conference: Impact of War in Our Schools ING Parent-Child Workshops: SBIA, San Jose ING Commemorates "Day of Remembrance" ING Affiliates Conference |
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