USA: Introduction to Islam will tackle stereotypes

"There's a lot that says all these differences cannot coexist peacefully, but there is so much in common in all the faith groups and very minor differences."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Canada Desk
Source/Credit: Record-Gazette | Local News
By Erin Steele | September 15, 2010

Conversation is a tool that can bring insight to the differences of understanding in this world. When science meets religion, conflict in thinking is inevitable. Especially controversial is the Theory of Evolution. Anybody know the Islamic perspective on Darwin's theory?

On September 25, some of that valuable insight on that specific topic will be shed at the Sawridge Inn, where Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, a group dedicated to promoting peace, tolerance and dialogue about Islam is coming for an introductory seminar on the Islamic perspective of evolution and, most importantly, a conversation.

"It's a chance to satisfy people's curiosity and remove misconceptions," said Basheer Islam, organizer of the conference, while he stopped in at the Record-Gazette's office between handing out posters for the event.


The Ahmadiyya is an international religious organization that was established in 1889. It strongly encourages interfaith dialogue and works to correct misunderstandings about Islam in the western world.

Basheer Islam says conversation between faith groups can serve as a unifying force.

"There's a lot that says all these differences cannot coexist peacefully, but there is so much in common in all the faith groups and very minor differences," he said.

"What we do (at the forums) is share the commonalities and respect the differences and emphasize that we can coexist with our differences."

Islam stressed that the forum is not a debate but rather a dialogue.

"This is a forum where people can come and share different ideas in a very peaceful environment," he said. The free event is part of the Ahmadiyya's community outreach program. The Ahmadiyya has just recently begun forums in smaller communities as opposed to just big cities.

"We believe in providing food for thought," Islam said.

"We also believe people will accept it when they have food for their stomachs. We will provide refreshments," he said with a laugh.

Ataul Lahay, an engineer by profession from Toronto and a national executive with the Ahmadiyya, will be the speaker next Saturday.

Lahay has been with the Ahmadiyya since 1984 after studying various religious doctrines for eight years. He has given lectures in the US, UK and Canada. He is a documentary film maker and has been published in various newspapers and journals.

Town councillor Leslie Ayre-Jaschke will be moderating the conversation.

Door open at 1:30 p.m. on the Saturday and the program runs between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Though there is no charge, registration is recommended which can be done by calling 1-866-208-2683 or online at www.islamevents.ca/peaceriver.

Basheer Islam encourages everybody, including students, and all others who just want to educate themselves, to come to the forum.

"More often than not people who come to these conferences find out a lot of the stereotypes they have of the different faiths. They get a new understanding of each other," he said.

"That empowers the community and brings people together. It gives us a way to share the commonalities."


Read original post here: Introduction to Islam will tackle stereotypes