Dare to Understand: Islam

A January 2010 Gallup poll revealed that a startling 63% of U.S. respondents “knew little or nothing about Islam.” If you are fearful, confused, curious, or just want to ask questions that you have never had the opportunity to pose — about any faith — now is the right time to take the first bold step toward understanding. Join us in a DARE TO UNDERSTAND campaign!

Young Leaders Teach about Fasting in Islam On September 2nd Walking the Walk Alumni gathered at "Henry Got Crops", a Weavers' Way Co-Op and CSA, to glean the crops that would ordinarily go to waste.  In the middle of the day, those observing Ramadan took time to share about what their fasting means to them. Thanks to youth leader Louis Lesser, the student planning committee, and community partners Philadelphia Green, Henry Got Crops, and Project Share for making this possible!

'Gateway' Program Visits Overbrook Park Mosque The Center's congregational visitation program, "Gateway to Religious Communities", visited the Bawa Muhaiyaddeen Mosque and Fellowship. Participants reported that the visit enabled them to make acquaintances and to become energized and inspired by new a understanding of Islam. View more photos. May 15, 2011 Faith Immersion Worshop for Professionals The Center's new "Faith Immersion Series" will offer a Muslim Intensive on May 15, 2010. This timely and relevant training is designed for professionals in health, faith and social-service settings and will allow participants to gain deeper knowledge of Islam. For more information, download flyer.

"We Can Do Better" Executive Director, Abby Stamelman Hocky, wrote a letter to the editor in the midst of the public response to the Park 51 project in New York and the threatened Qu’ran burning incident. She challenges us to move beyond religious tolerance to religious cooperation and to use our freedom to bring the best of our faiths to serve our city. Read the letter.

Dare to Embrace the Season: November 1: All Saints’ Day (Christianity) – Christian holiday dedicated to honoring the saints who led unusual lives of holiness and devotion to God, or who were martyred for their faith. November 5: Diwali (Hinduism, Jainism) – a significant 5-day festival popularly known as the Festival of Lights. In Hinduism, Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom Ayodhya after triumphing over the Demon King and symbolizes the victory of good over evil. November 5: Bandi Chhor Divas (Sikhism) - a celebration of the safe return of Guru Hargobind, the sixth guru of the Sikhs, and 52 Hindu princes from prison in 1619, after being imprisoned by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. November 12: Birth of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i) – Baha’is observe the anniversary of the birth of Baha’u’llah (born Mirza Husayn-‘Ali) on November 12, 1817 in Tehran, Persia (now Iran). Baha’u’llah, which means the “Glory of God,” is the founder of the Baha’i faith. It is one of the nine holy days of the year when work is suspended. November 15: Waqf al Arafa/Hajj (Islam) – an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and a moral obligation that must be carried out at least once by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so. The Hajj is a demonstration of solidarity of the Muslim people and their submission to Allah (God).

Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia
3723 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-3189
Phone: 215-222-1012
Fax: 215-222-1015
Email: info@interfaithcenterpa.org