Dear Friends,
We are so happy that you have
decided to join our Islam 101 workshop. For those who could not make it last
Sunday, five guests from the new Hadley mosque, led by Naz Mohamed joined us
for a lunch that Ruth Harms and Gerry Harvey had lovingly prepared to be
compliant with Islamic dietary restrictions.
We began our study by
watching excerpts of “Inside Islam” a special by National Geographic, the full
version of which is available on YOUTUBE (see below for full address.)
Afterwards,
our guests added some of their own comments about the Five Pillars of Islam
(the declaration of faith, praying five times per day, fasting, giving to the
poor, and the pilgrimage to Mecca.) Conversation was opened up and we shared
observations of the generosity of the Moslem tithe, which while only 2.5% and
not the Christian 10%, included investments and not just income, and so more
was expected from those rich enough to afford investments. One question
about the meaning of jihad led to an explanation of how the word meant struggle
most often of an internal nature. We discussed the purpose of fasting
(not only cultivating empathy for the hungry and putting one in a spiritual condition
but also allowing individuals to exercise their self-control). One of us
shared the observation that Moslem children she had taught had excitedly anticipated
fasting during Ramadan despite being exempted because they were children and
had great self-satisfaction when they got to the end of the month. We
learned about the dietary prohibitions against pork, and the responsibility for
eating meat prepared in a way in which animals do not suffer, as guaranteed
when the meat is labeled as halal. In
response to a question about how they might respond to the claim that Islam is
a micro-managed religion, our guests spoke of the joy that they experienced by
praying a minimum of five times per day, how it centered them to God throughout
their day and led to a feeling of community with Moslems throughout the
world.
Our guests distributed
gifts of Qurans and small pamphlets about Islam to each of us (we have extra
for those of you who could not make it.)
It was a full hour and I am
sure that many of us left with not yet formulated questions. Your homework over
the next two weeks is to reflect on what you heard, review the video if you
have time, or perhaps pick up and read a few pages of the Quran and record your
thoughts or observations. I am happy to collect your responses by email (pbohara@amherst.edu) OR you
can respond directly by commenting on a link I have setup to an Islam101@Wesley
blog. With your permission, we can share these with Naz
and her group for next time.
A final thank you to Ruth and
Gerry, for our delicious lunch, and a reminder that we won't meet again till Sunday,
October 15th for a conversation about myths of Islam. We are looking for two
more volunteers for a light lunch setup and cleanup. Please let me know
if you might be able to help.
Blessings on all of you,
Pat O'Hara
Lay Leader @ WUMC Hadley
Here is the full address for the Youtube National Geographic Special:
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