Fears have also been floated in recent headlines about a proposed "Muslim registry," which would reinstate a federal government database of immigrants from Muslim-majority countries -- a measure that was first instituted after the Sept. 11 attacks.
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| Photo Twitter: Ijaz Ahmed, PhD @Muslim_Chemist |
Source/Credit: Sentinel and Enterprise
By Elizabeth Dobbins | November 26, 2016
Sharing a meal, message of hope
FITCHBURG -- Dozens came out to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community annual Thanksgiving meal Friday, continuing the show of increased support that leaders say the greater community has displayed since the presidential election earlier this month.
"We've been getting a lot of support from the community, and this is the way to give back," organizer Sabahat Ahmed said.
The annual lunch provided traditional home-cooked Thanksgiving fare for anyone, regardless of belief, who entered the Bait-ul-Zikr mosque on Main Street Friday.
In past years the event has drawn about 50 people, and president of the Fitchburg chapter, Ijaz Ahmed, said the community was expecting a similar number this year.
But other outreach events, such as a weekly discussion over coffee, have seen an increase in interest among people who do not practice Islam.
Furqan Mehmud, local outreach liaison, said the free weekly gathering, "Coffee, Cake and True Islam" is hosted at the mosque every Saturday at 5 p.m. It usually attracts modest numbers, but the weekend after the Nov. 8 election of Donald Trump the group saw the largest turnout yet.
"Actually since the Trump election, that's when it grew. That week we had 10 people," he said.
The president-elect and some of his advisers have been criticized for their comments on the Muslim community.
Gen. Michael Flynn, Trump's pick for national security adviser, has been quoted calling Islam a political ideology and "malignant cancer," The New York Times reported.
Fears have also been floated in recent headlines about a proposed "Muslim registry," which would reinstate a federal government database of immigrants from Muslim-majority countries -- a measure that was first instituted after the Sept. 11 attacks.
Mehmud said he cast his vote in the election. Moving forward, he is following the word of the Quran and putting his trust in God.
"Personally we're hopeful he won't implement any of the crazy ideas that he promoted during his campaign," he said.
"We'll definitely remain loyal to this country as long as it doesn't hinder us from practicing our faith."
Sabahat Ahmed said in the wake of the election, she has received personal comments and emails of support.
"We've been having a lot more interest and people show their support," she said. "On a personal basis they have told us 'Don't worry. We're with you. You're welcome.'"
Ahmed is the current president of Lajna Ima'illah Fitchburg, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community's Muslim women's association. Her group organized the Thanksgiving event, which she described as outreach.
"It's also to help to dispel any wrong ideas about Islam and to make people feel welcome and come in and talk to us," she said. "We tell them a little about our religion, but also we're members of the community."
In addition to food, the event had educational booths including texts about Islam, a slide show that played recordings of sections of the Quran with English translations and free Henna tattoos.
Girls from the junior section of the chapter, ages 7 to 14, made posters of what they were giving thanks for this year. The list included neighbors, Allah, parents and teachers.
The event drew public officials such as City Council President Micahel Kushmerek, School Committee Member Sally Cragin and Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale who described the group as having a "great partnership with the community."
Fitchburg resident Alexander Hutchings was also in attendance. He said he is Christian, but attends events through the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community on a weekly basis.
"They're so kind here so welcoming so generous of what they have," he said. "That's the reason why I come here the hospitality. They create a good table and spread the message of peace."
Follow Elizabeth Dobbins on Twitter and Tout @DobbinsSentinel.
Elizabeth Dobbins, edobbins@sentinelandenterprise.com
Read original post here: USA: Community shows support at Fitchburg Ahmadiyya mosque holiday dinner
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