USA: Imam Muhammad Zafrullah Visits Church, Buddhist Temple

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All enjoyed the tour of ancient cut glass art, solid wooden furniture and an original grand pipe organ. The hosts were very warm and welcoming.

Times of Ahmad | News Watch | US Desk

Source/Credit: Baitul Hameed Mosque
By Staff Report | May 22, 2016

Imam Mohammed Zafarullah and 4 other members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community attended two interfaith functions on Thursday, May 12, 2016,  sponsored by a Southern California Women’s Interfaith Committee. The Committee included members from several faith backgrounds including Catholic, Baha’i, Jewish, Protestant, Church of Jesus Christ and Latter-day Saints, and Islam.

The first stop of the day was a visit to the Pasadena Presbyterian Church in Pasadena, California. This Church, built in 1875, is one of the oldest Churches in Pasadena. All enjoyed the tour of ancient cut glass art, solid wooden furniture and an original grand pipe organ. The hosts were very warm and welcoming.

The next stop was at a Buddhist Temple in Rosemead, California. There, everyone was greeted by the Monk in Charge, the Respected Bhante Chao Chu who wears many caps including President of the Los Angels Buddhist Union, President, Vice President, Executive member and Advisor of the International Association of Buddhist Universities. He addressed the visitors then gave an opportunity to Imam Zafarullah to address the audience.

Imam Mohammad introduced the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to the audience of over 100 people, and explained briefly how they different from other Muslims. He indicated that the Founder of Ahmadiyya came in fulfillment of the prophecies in the scriptures regarding the coming of the Messiah and Mehdi in the latter days to lead the Muslims and to unite all religions. He explained that Muslims must believe in all the prophets and revealed books of all religions and that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community boasts and practices the motto of “Love for All; Hatred for None”

He then left the floor open for questions and responded to all of them with ease and satisfaction to the audience, who cheered him long and loud and several times.

When asked why he and other Muslim men wear caps, Imam Zafrullah gave the brief answer that it’s for respect and that modesty in dressing is prescribed for all believers and the reason for women to wear hijab and Christian nuns to cover their heads.

Responding to the question of why women pray separately in the Mosque, Imam Zafarullah explained that it is for concentration in prayers as mixing the sexes would cause distraction. Also it affords a relaxing atmosphere when women, and men by themselves, observe prayers.

Another person asked “How can we solve the Syrian refugee situation?”  Imam explained that  the refugee crisis that has caused great concern for all, and that the best solution is to establish a just government in Syria so that people can live peacefully and not seek to run away., However because the situation is what it is now, we need to step up and help the needy as recommended in the Holy Qur’an. We must help them in whatever way we can. A follow up question was that why doesn’t Saudi Arabia do more for them to which Imam responded that this is a question for the Saudis as he cannot speak on their behalf but just advise what the Islamic scriptures recommend.

Imam Zafarullah continues to respond to questions regarding equality of women in Islam, the role of mother and father,  the education of children, what Islam teaches about tolerance, justice and peace.
Imam concluded by inviting the attendees to visit the local Ahamadiyya Muslim Mosque in Chino during the month of Ramadan and any other time of their choice.

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With files from Jameel Mohamed, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Los Angeles Inland chapter.


-- USA: Imam Muhammad Zafrullah Visits Church, Buddhist Temple


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