A R C H I V E S
Madinat al-Muslimeen Islamic Message Board
| A nervous introduction |
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| Rina |
| 11/10/04 at 10:01:45 |
| By way of introduction, I am going to copy here what I wrote in my profile and perhaps expand it a little. I am nervous, but this seems an understanding community. Religiously speaking I am a Unitarian Universalist. Among other things, we believe that there is spiritual wisdom and inspiration to be gained from the spiritual teachings of prophetic men and women throughout the religious spectrum. With that in mind, I am one of the teachers in a class in which our 7th and 8th grade kids learn about other religions (called Neighboring Faiths). I will be the lead teacher when in mid-January we begin to look at Islam. I was inspired by the writings here and hope that this broad based community would help clarify my understandings so that our young people may better learn as well. (I will be seeking to find local muslims who I can invite into class to share their faith as well.) Just so you know I do this in good faith, let me tell you what my current (pitiful) knowledge level is. I know now that in my childhood we had neighbors who were Muslim; I played with their children, ate roti and witnessed some of their worship rituals. At my church we rent space to a small muslim group which has no mosque. We've done so for several years and I have some contact with their leaders. I do plan on using them as a resource, but want to have a broader perspective as well. I've been doing a little internet surfing CAIR and other places like that. And last, I've just finished reading "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Islam." My hope is that I can pose my questions here (even the ones that expose the depth of my current ignorance) and develop an understanding from you who are living your faith. Sincerely, Rina |
| Re: A nervous introduction |
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| Caraj |
| 11/10/04 at 11:23:54 |
| Rina, Welcome to the board!!!!!!!!!!! I came here approx 3 years ago and the kindness of the people here and the wealth of knowledge, understanding and acceptance is amazing. I'd like suggest a couple sites. www.whyislam.org 1-877-why-Islam will send pamplets free of charge. I found them very informative and useful to clarify the many misconceptions and misunderstandings people have about Islam and Muslims. Pamplets on Fasting, jihad (true meanings) not the media version, women covering (hijab) and much much more. www.islamicfinder.com will assit you in finding local Muslims and Muslim leaders. One can span 10 or 20 or 50 miles out from your home, just enter your zip code. But it sounds like you already have acess to Muslim neighbors. I think it is wonderful you are assiting young people in understanding of other beliefs, with people like you maybe we can prevent a generation of fear and ignorance. When I look back on what I 'thought' about Islam and what I have learned since and 'facts' I now have and know the difference to me is amazing. I pray that in your search for info and your heart to educate youth you will find all you need. When you typed into www.jannah.org and clicked on Medina message board, did you happen to see another click on called Islam101? Jannah did a wonderful job on it and if you have not already seen it, please check it out. Peace |
| 11/10/04 at 11:41:49 |
| Caraj |
| Re: A nervous introduction |
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| workingmuslimah |
| 11/10/04 at 20:01:48 |
| Welcome, Rina! Have a "Bebzi" [] (Arab-type pronunciation of "Pepsi" and a bit of a jannah board in-joke...) No need to feel nervous, there is a great bunch of folks here and I am sure people will be happy to answer your questions. I for one appreciate your reaching out and seeking to learn, and hope we can help. |
Madinat al-Muslimeen Islamic Message Board |