VOICE
OF GLOBAL UMMAH
Volume 237, July 21, 2013
Editors: Mohamed & Rashida Ziauddin
Editors: Mohamed & Rashida Ziauddin
In
the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful
(www.xeniagreekmuslimah.wordpress.com)
EDITORIAL:
Our primary focus in this E-Zine is on issues relevant for this auspicious holy month of Ramadan. In as much as every family usually has its own ups and downs, for the family members to focus on the negatives is not going to be of much help to move forward. In the same way, the GLOBAL UMMAH is but one large Muslim family with its own ups and downs. While it is true that there are lot of unfortunate and sad events occurring in the world that impact our GLOBAL UMMAH, we should not forget that there are also positive events occurring each and every day that may not reach the headlines of the media to get our attention. In this E-Zine, we have made sure to liberally add the positive developments. We need positive energy to move forward. Just harping on negativity and being a participant in the "accusations & blame game" is not going to (in the long run) be of much help, unless the areas of improvement are identified and a sincere and concerted effort is made for positive change. In this E-Zine, we have shared news pertaining to the international trends in terms of a significantly high percentage of Muslims who fast. We have also highlighted news from United States, Australia, United Arab Emirates, Gaza, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Thailand. Inshallah during this holy month of Ramadan, let us all look forward to the future with hope, optimism and move forward in the name of Almighty Allah.
PART I :
INTERNATIONAL:
(Ed Note:
In a world where the practice of one's faith is steadily declining in most religions of the world, while the growth of atheism is fast picking up steam, Islam is uniquely distinct in many ways including but not limited to as per below article, where a median of 93 percent say that they fast during Ramadan and fasting was second most observed among the five pillars of Islam. Despite the complete absence of global "Muslim Missionaries", despite the ongoing venomous hate spewed by anti-Islamic forces in multitude of ways, Islam, the YOUNGEST WORLD RELIGION has stood the test of time and would inshallah continue to stand the test of time till eternity).
Most Muslims say they fast during Ramadan
Fatima Ghani
July 9, 2013
www.pewresearch.org
A survey of more than 38,000 Muslims
in 39 countries and territories found that a median of 93% say they fast during
Ramadan.
Today marks the beginning of Ramadan for many Muslims around the world. (The start of Ramadan varies by locality based on the sighting of the new moon by religious authorities.) The ninth and most sacred month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan marks the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad and is a time of increased spiritual reflection and devotion. Adherents traditionally abstain from food and drink during daylight hours throughout the month, from the first light of dawn until sunset. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, meaning it is among the core rituals of the faith.
A recent Pew Research Center survey of more than 38,000 Muslims around the world shows widespread observance of Ramadan. In the 39 countries and territories surveyed, a median of 93% say they fast during the holy month. Fasting is the second-most observed of the Five Pillars, behind only belief in God and the Prophet Muhammad (median of 97%).
By comparison, a median of 77% of Muslims in those 39 countries say they give zakat (an annual donation of a portion of one’s wealth to the needy). And a global median of 63% of Muslims surveyed say they perform five salat (prayers) a day. A median of just 9% of Muslims say they have already completed the hajj (the pilgrimage to Mecca), although this once-in-a-lifetime obligation applies only to those who are financially and physically capable.
Today marks the beginning of Ramadan for many Muslims around the world. (The start of Ramadan varies by locality based on the sighting of the new moon by religious authorities.) The ninth and most sacred month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan marks the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad and is a time of increased spiritual reflection and devotion. Adherents traditionally abstain from food and drink during daylight hours throughout the month, from the first light of dawn until sunset. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, meaning it is among the core rituals of the faith.
A recent Pew Research Center survey of more than 38,000 Muslims around the world shows widespread observance of Ramadan. In the 39 countries and territories surveyed, a median of 93% say they fast during the holy month. Fasting is the second-most observed of the Five Pillars, behind only belief in God and the Prophet Muhammad (median of 97%).
By comparison, a median of 77% of Muslims in those 39 countries say they give zakat (an annual donation of a portion of one’s wealth to the needy). And a global median of 63% of Muslims surveyed say they perform five salat (prayers) a day. A median of just 9% of Muslims say they have already completed the hajj (the pilgrimage to Mecca), although this once-in-a-lifetime obligation applies only to those who are financially and physically capable.
Although fasting during Ramadan is widespread across the countries surveyed, there is some regional variation. Fasting among Muslims is nearly universal in the Southeast Asian and South Asian countries surveyed. By contrast, in several Central Asian and European countries, fewer than half of Muslims report abstaining from food and drink during Ramadan: 44% in Albania, 43% in Azerbaijan and 30% in Kazakhstan.
Pew Research has not asked American Muslims whether they fast during Ramadan, but a 2007 survey found that three-quarters (77%) of Muslim Americans say fasting during Ramadan is very important to them.
PART II-a
(ED NOTE:
Our special thanks to the Internet giant GOOGLE for celebrating Ramadan with live stream of the Islam's most sacred building, the Kaaba and providing "hours of video content for your whole family" in Muslim heavy regions. Should the 1.5 billion plus Muslims spanning the globe vote for Islam friendly google in their preferences?)
UNITED STATES:
Google celebrates Ramadan with live stream of the
Islam’s most sacred building, the Kaabah
Non-Muslims may never enter the city
of Mecca or see the mysterious Kaabah, Islam’s most sacred building. But
Google’s now giving you a sneak peek with a live stream of festivities at Mecca’s
Grand Mosque.
The slow circles of black-and-white
clad worshipers circumnavigating the iconic draped building are almost
hypnotic, along with the voice-only Islamic music:
Google has also set up a special page for Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which Muslims are required to observe by fasting during daylight hours. The page offers “more ways to get together during Ramadan,” which is often a time for post-nightfall family get-together's and communal meals, as well as hangouts with celebrity chefs from Southeast Asia.
(Photo) John Koetsier: Worshippers
reach up to touch the 300-kg solid gold doors
Getting together for meals and laughs, telling stories, and simply spending
time with loved ones—this is what holidays mean to many of us,” Hadi Raad, a
Google marketing chief for “Emerging Arabia,” posted on Google’s blog.
In addition, since people who gather together might want something to do,
Google offers Muslim-heavy regions such as the Middle East and North Africa, as
well as Malaysia and Indonesia, “hours of video content for your whole family.”
Part II-b
(ED NOTE:
Our hats off to the (U.S) Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for below timely article during this special month of Ramadan. There is tremendous and unbelievable amount of ignorance of Islam in most western countries. The anti-Islamic forces have literally worked overtime to portray our own greatest enemies (Muslim terrorists) as the poster child of Islam and with many Muslims being encapsulated in their small little safe zones and their unwillingness to voluntarily & confidently reach out to non-Muslims in a positive way, has resulted in the average non-Muslim in any western country to have no choice but to relay on the mainstream media to learn about Islam and "moooslims". Below article is definitely a much needed long awaited advice from TSA of tremendous educational value to non-Muslims).
TSA to Travelers: Don’t Fear Muslim Practices During Ramadan
09 Jul 2013
A man and a boy during prayers on Madison Avenue just before the annual Muslim Day Parade in New York, Sept. 23, 2012.
The Transportation Security Administration is advising travelers that the
Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins Tuesday, and that devout Muslims may be
seen washing in airport bathrooms, praying aboard planes and constantly
whispering prayers to themselves.
The agency says it also notified
employees – who are charged with ensuring safety at American airports – that
religious practices might be seen.
“TSA has reminded its security
workforce that traveling passengers may be observed at various areas in the
airport – including security checkpoints or on aircraft – engaged in religious
practices and meditations during Ramadan,” according to a statement posted on the
agency’s website. Non-Muslim passengers should be aware
that Muslims “may be more likely to engage in prayer at airports or on
airplanes while traveling than at other times during the year.”
“Before prayer,” the TSA advises,
“Muslims go through ablution, i.e., a cleansing or washing of certain areas of
the body that is usually done in private if possible, but may be observed in
airport restrooms.”
In an apparent attempt to head off
alarm, the TSA says that Muslims “may be seen reading, listening to or orally
reciting the Holy Qur’an at airports and on airplanes” and “may carry prayer
beads and ‘whisper’ prayers constantly.”
The Council on American-Islamic
Relations, an advocacy group, is pleased that the TSA issued the advisory.
“We appreciate that the TSA took the
initiative on this issue and perhaps helped prevent some misunderstandings with
the traveling public and security personnel,” CAIR spokesman Ibrahim Hooper
told U.S. News.
U.S. News reached out to the TSA for
comment, but did not immediately receive a response. Original post: TSA to Travelers: Don’t
Fear Muslim Practices During Ramadan
Part II-c:
(ED NOTE:
We deeply appreciate Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson along with Congressman Keith Ellison and Congressman Andre Carson for introducing legislation to recognize the beginning of Ramadan. While Muslims within the US should strive to bring out their best in terms of positive contribution to the society and be model citizens, below Islamic friendly legislative initiative helps to further enhance a better understanding between Muslims and legislators within the US.)
Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Introduces Legislation to Recognize the Beginning of Ramadan
07/09/13
(www.ebjohnson.house.gov)
Washington, DC
Yesterday
evening, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson introduced a resolution in honor
of the commencement of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, in conjunction
with Congressman Keith Ellison (MN-5) and Congressman André Carson (IN-7). The
resolution, H.Res. 289, recognizes Ramadan and commends Muslims in the
United States and throughout the world for their faith. Ramadan began last
night at sunset and will end on August 6th. For many Muslim
Americans and Muslims around the world, Ramadan is a time of heightened
spiritual awareness, family bonding, communal service and worship, and
self-renewal.
Congresswoman Johnson said, “We are blessed to live in a Nation that
protects the right to religious freedom, embraces religious diversity, and
promotes interfaith understanding. Muslim American communities contribute
tremendously to the vibrancy of American society and culture. I strongly
believe that the American ideals of diversity, unity, and democracy are reaffirmed
and strengthened by the everyday contributions of Muslim Americans.”
Congressman Ellison said, "Ramadan is a time for spiritual renewal,
charity and family bonding. I hope it will also be an opportunity for greater
interfaith understanding. People should use this special time to better get to
know their friends and neighbors who are celebrating Ramadan this month.
Ramadan Kareem to all."
Congressman Carson said, “For Muslims all over the world, Ramadan is an
important time of reflection, charity, prayer and fasting. We refocus our
attention to strengthening the bonds of family and friendship and living with
purpose and conviction. But more than that, it is also a time to
recognize our collective journey and to reinvigorate our work to make our cities,
states, and nations stronger and more responsive to the needs of their people.”
The resolution currently has 13 original and 2 additional co-sponsors.
U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice
Johnson is the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation
& Infrastructure and a Ranking member of the Science Committee. She
represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which includes Downtown
Dallas, Fair Park, Kessler Park, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, South Dallas
& South Oak Cliff; all of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Hutchins,
Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Ferris, Glenn Heights, South Grand Prairie,
Oak Lawn, Ovilla, Uptown/Victory Park and West Dallas.
Part II-d:
Department of Defense celebrates Iftar meal at the Pentagon
July 15, 2013
Julia Henning
www.army.mil
(condensed version)
Department of Defense celebrates Iftar meal at the Pentagon
"I would challenge you to think creatively about what you can do on an individual basis to reorient our society one engagement at a time," Ellison said.
Ellison's son serves in the Army. Having that connection to the military, and being a Muslim, makes an Iftar meal at the Pentagon a significant event for him, Ellison said.
"I worry about [my son] and I want him to be around people who care about him," Ellison said. "He's Muslim, like his father is. I want him to be in a good environment. I feel like coming here [to the Pentagon Iftar] is very special."
The significance of celebrating Iftar at the Pentagon is two-fold, said Air Force Col. Shakir Kahn. First, it informs Muslim Pentagon employees that the Department of Defense supports them. Second, it also allows the senior leadership at the Pentagon a view into the Muslim community.
Command Sgt. Maj. Sultan Mohammed said he believes that the yearly Iftar meals at the Pentagon show that the Department of Defense continues to feel solidarity with the Muslim community, and that healing has happened since 9/11.
"It just shows that America is recovering from its wounds and overcoming its fear of the image that's been portrayed of Muslims," Mohammed said. "We [are] all in one Army, and that when we [were] attacked [on 9/11], not only was America attacked, but Muslims [were] attacked. For us to be able to sit down at an Iftar like this shows [we are] healing. We understand and we appreciate each other and it's time to heal. It's actually taken too long."
Those in attendance at the Pentagon Iftar were not all Muslim. Steven Redmann, executive director of U.S. Army Headquarters Services, said that though he is not Muslim, he was able to learn from the congressman's message about service, and find common themes that aligned with his Catholic faith.
"We need to respect [Muslims fasting during Ramadan] and understand why they do that," Redman said. "If we could all just be more accepting, I think we'd all be better off."
Part III:
(ED NOTE:
Most people underestimate the significant importance of the celebration of Iftar meal at the Pentagon. While thousands of miles away from the US, there are active deviated Muslim extremists trying to (as always) portray this great country of USA in a negative light and trying to garner support of others by emphasizing THEM versus US attitude, below celebration of Iftar at the very heart of the defense department - Pentagon crushes above extremist portrayal of USA. Below celebration of Iftar meal at Pentagon is also a positive development for Muslims within the US.)
Department of Defense celebrates Iftar meal at the Pentagon
July 15, 2013
Julia Henning
www.army.mil
(condensed version)
WASHINGTON (Army News Service, July 15, 2013) -- The Department of Defense celebrated its 15th Iftar meal, July 12, at the Pentagon.
Attending the event were senior defense leaders, White House and congressional staffers, foreign dignitaries, defense attachés, imams, Gold Star families, and Muslims who work in the defense community.
"The month of Ramadan focuses on a lot of things," said Col. Thomas Waynick, the Pentagon chaplain. "Among them, focusing one's heart away from worldly activities, the cleansing of one's soul to free it from harmful impurities, and the practices of self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice and empathy, especially with the less fortunate, and thus encouraging generosity and charity. These things are common to many of the world's religions."
Attending the event were senior defense leaders, White House and congressional staffers, foreign dignitaries, defense attachés, imams, Gold Star families, and Muslims who work in the defense community.
"The month of Ramadan focuses on a lot of things," said Col. Thomas Waynick, the Pentagon chaplain. "Among them, focusing one's heart away from worldly activities, the cleansing of one's soul to free it from harmful impurities, and the practices of self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice and empathy, especially with the less fortunate, and thus encouraging generosity and charity. These things are common to many of the world's religions."
Pentagon Chaplain Col. Thomas Waynick presented Minnesota Representative Keith Ellison with a gift, on behalf of the Pentagon Muslim community, at the Pentagon, July 11, 2013.
Representative Keith Ellison of Minnesota, a Muslim, was the guest speaker at this year's Iftar meal.
The lawmaker spoke about serving humanity. Serving others by tutoring, visiting shut-ins, volunteering time to feed the homeless and building relationships with people less fortunate will help change America, Ellison said.
The lawmaker spoke about serving humanity. Serving others by tutoring, visiting shut-ins, volunteering time to feed the homeless and building relationships with people less fortunate will help change America, Ellison said.
"I would challenge you to think creatively about what you can do on an individual basis to reorient our society one engagement at a time," Ellison said.
Ellison's son serves in the Army. Having that connection to the military, and being a Muslim, makes an Iftar meal at the Pentagon a significant event for him, Ellison said.
"I worry about [my son] and I want him to be around people who care about him," Ellison said. "He's Muslim, like his father is. I want him to be in a good environment. I feel like coming here [to the Pentagon Iftar] is very special."
The significance of celebrating Iftar at the Pentagon is two-fold, said Air Force Col. Shakir Kahn. First, it informs Muslim Pentagon employees that the Department of Defense supports them. Second, it also allows the senior leadership at the Pentagon a view into the Muslim community.
Command Sgt. Maj. Sultan Mohammed said he believes that the yearly Iftar meals at the Pentagon show that the Department of Defense continues to feel solidarity with the Muslim community, and that healing has happened since 9/11.
"It just shows that America is recovering from its wounds and overcoming its fear of the image that's been portrayed of Muslims," Mohammed said. "We [are] all in one Army, and that when we [were] attacked [on 9/11], not only was America attacked, but Muslims [were] attacked. For us to be able to sit down at an Iftar like this shows [we are] healing. We understand and we appreciate each other and it's time to heal. It's actually taken too long."
Those in attendance at the Pentagon Iftar were not all Muslim. Steven Redmann, executive director of U.S. Army Headquarters Services, said that though he is not Muslim, he was able to learn from the congressman's message about service, and find common themes that aligned with his Catholic faith.
"We need to respect [Muslims fasting during Ramadan] and understand why they do that," Redman said. "If we could all just be more accepting, I think we'd all be better off."
AUSTRALIA
Aug 18 2013 – SYD – 29th Multicultural Eid Festival and Fair 2013
www.muslimvillage.com
July 18, 2013
Assalamualaikum WRWB
The 29th annual Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair will be held on Sunday
18 August 2013 at Fairfield Showground inshaAllah. As one of the most anticipated
events on the Multicultural calendar, MEFF is the first, largest,
longest-running Eid Festival in Australia!
Check out the MEFF 2013 60sec Promo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8UmODEAIWE&feature=player_embedded
When: Sunday 18th August, 2013
Time: 10.00am -08.00pm
Venue: Fairfield Showground, Smithfield Rd, Prairiewood, NSW Australia
Cost: Registration essential
Rides, Food, Shopping, Cultural Entertainment. It’s going to be amazing!
Stalls 4 more days till Standard Bookings Close! Promote
your business to tens of thousands of people. Apply now to avoid
disappointment! Late fees apply after 13 July 2013. Apply: www.meff.com.au/stall-hire/
30 sec Stall Promo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vWT7k4J4ns&feature=player_embedded
We hope to see you there!
For more information please visit: http://www.meff.com.au
Part IV-a:
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
‘Dress One Million Needy Children’ Campaign Gathers Steam
July 16, 2013
www.iinanews.com
Dubai, Tuesday, 07 Ramadan 1434/ 16
July 2013 (IINA)
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has donated
one million Dirham for providing clothes to as many as 25,000 children, in
support of the campaign launched recently by Vice President and Prime Minister
of UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to provide
clothes to one million deprived children worldwide.
The RTA staged an in-house donation drive for its
employees. The drive will continue till 19th Ramadan, coinciding with UAE
Humanitarian Day, which also marks the ninth anniversary of the death of the
late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board
and Executive Director of the RTA, said: "Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al
Maktoum is a pioneer when it comes to humanitarian aid and giving. He is known
for launching humanitarian and social initiatives reaching out to disadvantaged
people around the world. His initiatives include Dubai Cares, which is aimed at
promoting education in poor countries, and the Noor Dubai campaign for
rekindling the hope in blind people. This recent initiative complements the
giving drive of the UAE set by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Al Tayer said the RTA has placed boxes for collecting donations from employees, and sent e-mail messages urging all staff to interact with the campaign. This campaign will continue till 19th Ramadan when the funds raised will be credited to the account of the Campaign, he added.
Al Tayer said the RTA has placed boxes for collecting donations from employees, and sent e-mail messages urging all staff to interact with the campaign. This campaign will continue till 19th Ramadan when the funds raised will be credited to the account of the Campaign, he added.
HA/IINA
PART IV-b
Emirati Project to aid 30,000 Pakistan families in Ramadan
www.gulfnews.com
June 29, 2013
June 29, 2013
The food assistance worth over $1.5
million will be distributed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province
Swat, Pakistan: Acting upon the directives of the President His Highness
Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the team overseeing implementation of the
UAE project to help Pakistan have announced an initiative to distribute 2,400
tons of food among 30,000 families in the camps for people displaced by floods
and military operations in Pakistan.
According to a statement by the project team, the food assistance, worth
over £1.5 million (Dh5.5 million), will be distributed among displaced families
in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and in North and South Waziristan Agencies in
Pakistan during the holy month of Ramadan.
As part of the initiative, a time frame has been set to distribute food parcels,
each weighting 80 kilogrammes, containing flour, rice, sugar, salt, lentil and
tea, enough to sustain a single family for the whole month.
Part V
GAZA
The Rachel Corrie Foundation for Peace & Justice
(The Palestinian Chronicle)
July 15, 2013
6th Annual Rachel Corrie Ramadan Football Tournament Fundraiser
This is a grassroots, locally organized effort that needs
support
Dear Friends,
Preparations are underway in Gaza
for the 2013 Rachel Corrie Ramadan Football tournament. As our supporters may
know, friends of Rachel in Rafah have held the tournament these past five years.
The month-long, amateur tournament's goal is to celebrate Ramadan by providing
a festive tournament as a safe place for people to have fun. It is an act of
resistance to occupation and siege; an event that builds community and honors
Rachel.
This year the tournament features
352 players on 32 teams. Each team will take the names of towns and villages in
historic Palestine destroyed by Israel in 1948. According to co-organizer Adnan
Abu Al-Saud, the theme is "a point of convergence between Rachel Corrie as
a human rights defender and Gaza refugee's legacy of resisting injustice".
Our project partner again this year
in Gaza is Al Basma Club for the Disabled, whose all-deaf team edged higher in
the standings last year, and will be back again to vie for the coveted first
prize cup.
Our goal: $8,000 in the next two
weeks. So far generous donors have donated over $3,500. But we can only succeed
with your participation.
To support this great community
Ramadan event, visit our Donation Page
today. (Make sure to select "Ramadan Soccer Tournament" for
your donation.)
Make checks out to "Rachel
Corrie Foundation" and send to:
The Rachel Corrie Foundation for
Peace & Justice
203 East Fourth Ave., Suite 402
Olympia, WA
98501
203 East Fourth Ave., Suite 402
Olympia, WA
98501
Learn more by visiting the tournament
website at: www.gazalife.org.
Thank you for your kind
consideration and support.
John Harvey, Andrew Ford Lions
Tournament Coordination US/UK
Tournament Coordination US/UK
Adnan Abu Al Sa'ud
Khaled Nasrallah
Tournament Coordination Rafah, Gaza
Khaled Nasrallah
Tournament Coordination Rafah, Gaza
Part VI-a
INTERFAITH NEWS:
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
www.huffingtonpost.com
Paul Brandeis Raushenbush
Paul Brandeis Raushenbush
Muslim Jewish Conference Meets In Sarajevo To Combat Islamophobia And Anti-Semitism
Students and young professionals from around the world have gathered in
Sarajevo, Bosnia to exchange experiences and fight prejudice and hatred. They
represent different cultures and races and speak dozens of languages, but they
share either one of two identities: they are all Muslims or Jews.
As religious tensions flare and Islamophobia and anti-Semitism plague
societies, these courageous young people are determined to forge a future of
greater peace and understanding.
Below photos by Daniel Shaked
Sarajevo Muslim
Jewish Conference
The conference is the fourth organized by The Muslim Jewish Conference
(MJC), a Vienna-based organization whose goal for the conference, according to
their website, "is to provide the next generation with a
learning experience for life and a positive outlook for establishing
intercultural relations and sustaining Muslim-Jewish partnerships."
In three years, the MJC has attracted more than three hundred young leaders
from fifty countries to lead and participate in conferences in Vienna; Kiev,
Ukraine; Bratislava, Slovakia, and now Sarajevo.
Jay Schultz, an American currently living in Israel, and Shanza Ali, who is
from London, spoke to The Huffington Post from the conference. Both explained
how they have taken advantage of this unique opportunity for an open and honest
dialogue with the "other" that seems impossible at home.
"I came to the conference from Israel where I don't get to interact
with Muslims outside the Israel Arab debate," Jay explained. "Butt
for me, the theology is so interesting, what it means to both the be the
descendants of Abraham and work together together to create 'chesed' or
kindness in the world. Being able to discuss how to work hand-in-hand is not
something I get to do with Muslims in Israel because of the conflict."
For Shanza, the university life in the United Kingdsom is where she finds
the divide between Muslims and Jews. "The conference gives me the
opportunity to interact with Jews from so many backgrounds, but most of all I
have made some incredible friends. I am in the gender and religion project at
the conference and we are working together to find solutions to mutual problems
we face on that topic. The conference has proven intellectually and spiritually
beneficial."
Ilja Sichrovsky, founder and Secretary General of MJC, started the
conference in 2009 with 15 volunteers from six countries. It has expanded to
include 30 volunteers from 16 countries.
Sichrovsky explained that each year they look for outstanding applications
from Muslims and Jews who have an important perspective to share, but who are
also interested in listening to the perspectives of others. The conference also
acknowledges that it is not only important to have a good balance between Jews
and Muslims, but also a balance between the more secular and more religious
participants.
One of the surprise benefits of the conference has been the interfaith
conversations that take place alongside the interfaith ones, as well as the interfaith conversations that happen when participants return home to their
family and friends in 39 countries.
When asked about the organizers measure of success, he was quick to mention
the six committees that the participants work on, including conflict
transformation, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia through cinema, hate speech and
its influence on public opinion, introduction to Judaism and Islam, gender and
religion, and education and the effects of historical narratives.
But when it comes down to it, success is something much more basic.
"It's not always what you can measure, but the fact that young Muslims
and Jews from around the world would journey out of their countries daring to
believe something is possible that everyone says is impossible."
Part VI-b
THAILAND
Southeast Asian Buddhist-Muslim Coalition Strengthens Peace Efforts
www.parliamentofreligions.org
(Meeting of Buddhist and Muslim Leaders in Bangkok to establish new
action on stabilizing interreligious conflicts in the South and Southeast Asian
region.Photo By The International Network of Engaged Buddhists)
A coalition of Buddhist and Muslim leaders from South and South East Asia
met in Bangkok on June 16th to endorse the 2006 Dusit Declaration, and to
commit to act cooperatively with new proposals to stabilize inter-religious
relations in the region. This coalition inspires the hope that conflict
manifesting in violence, like the recent attacks in Bodhgaya, can be prevented.
Highlights of the 2006 Dusit Declaration include efforts to encourage media
outlets to be more evenhanded towards both religions in their broadcasting, the
expansion of unbiased religious perspectives taught in children’s classrooms,
and a new emphasis on inter-religious harmony in politicians’ reforms.
The declarations made in Thailand (found in this International
Buddhist-Muslim Joint Statement) focus on the potential benefits of
tolerance: “We are also deeply aware that if Buddhist and Muslim communities
can overcome the challenges that confront them, there is tremendous potential
for the growth and development of ideas and values that may help to transform
the region.”
The coalition organized by the International Network of Engaged Buddhists
(INEB), the International Movement for a Just World (JUST), and Religions for
Peace (RfP) included representatives from seven countries with the allegiance
of some international participants.
The Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions applauds this
coalition for being a model of cooperation and tolerance in the South East
Asian region.
Burma/Myanmar
Al Haj U Aye Lwin, Muslim, Chief
Convener, Islamic Center of Myanmar and a Founder of Religions for Peace
Myanmar
U Myint Swe, Buddhist, President,
Ratana Metta, and President of Religions for Peace Myanmar
Sri Lanka
Harsha Navaratne, Buddhist, Sewalanka
Foundation
Dr. M.A. Mohamed Saleem, Muslim,
President of Mahatma Ghandi Centre in Sri Lanka
Ven. Professor. Kotapitiye Rahula,
Buddhist, Department of Pali & Buddhist Studies, University of Peradeniya;
Sri Lanka Council of Religions for Peace
Ven. Dr. Divulapelesse Wimalananda
thero, Buddhist, University of Peradeniya
Ven. Kalayanamitta Dhammapala,
Buddhist, Wat Thong Noppakul
Ven. Balangoda Manju Sri Thero,
Buddhist, Senior Buddhist Sangha for Inter-faith Peace
Malaysia
Dr. Chandra Muzaffar, Muslim,
President, International Movement for a Just World (JUST)
Anas Zubedy, Muslim, Secretary
General, JUST
Fah Yen Yin, Program Coordinator,
JUST
K V Soon Vidyananda, Buddhist,
Malaysia Engaged Buddhist Network
Indonesia
Muhammad Habib Chirzin, Muslim,
Islamic Forum on Peace, Human Security and Development
Abdul Mu’ti, Muslim, Central Board
Muhammadiyah
Wintomo Tjandra, Buddhist,
Hikmahbudhi
Thailand
Sulak Sivaraksa, Buddhist,
Sathirakoses-Nagapradipa Foundation
Ven. Phra Bhanu Cittadhanto,
Buddhist, Wat Phra Ram IV (Kanchanobhisek)
Parichart Suwannabuppha, Buddhist,
Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, Mahidol University, Salaya,
Saroj Puaksumlee, Muslim, Leader of
Bann Krua Community, Bangkok
Ratawit Ouaprachanon, Buddhist,
Spirit in Education Movement
Somboon Chungprampree, Buddhist,
International Network of Engaged Buddhists
Patcharee Conmanat, Buddhist,
International Network of Engaged Buddhists
International
Rev. Kyoichi Sugino, Deputy Secretary
General, Religions for Peace
Rev. Shin’ichi Noguchi, Niwano Peace
Foundation
Russell Peterson, American Friends
Service Committee
Prashant Varma, Deer Park Institute,
India
THE END
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