What is Interfaith Dialogue?

Interfaith dialogue, to put it simply and succinctly, is a way of communication among religious communities that helps the dialogue partners understand each other’s beliefs, values and concerns. This dialogue is aimed at creating a better and more tolerant environment in pluralistic societies.

It is a nice, decent and civic way of reaching out to one’s neighbors who may not follow the same religion(s) but building bridges with them is necessary.

Contrary to what many people think or suggest, the goal of this dialogue, however, is not to eliminate differences of opinion and create a new religion, nor is it meant for seeking ways to defeat or silence others, rather, its purpose is to create mutual understanding among the adherents of different faiths and traditions so that peaceful and meaningful co-existence becomes not only a reality, but also enhanced to the fullest extent.

(Source:http://theindependentbd.com/faith/32175-interfaith-dialogue.html)

My Dawah

Asalamu Alaikum to everyone.

This writer wants you to know that she wishes you well wherever you are during this month of Ramadan.

My responsibility as a Muslim resumes once again to share more thoughts from the internet that can supplement your readings. Most of these thoughts are not mine, but they need to be properly reviewed before I re-post them for all the great people reading and following my blog.

As a Muslim writer, to be exact, a writer for peace, I have imposed it upon myself not to share articles that focus on war or to provoke such because even if some will not agree with me, Islam is a religion that teaches peace as revealed in the Holy Quran and can be based also on the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad.

It is a must that we do not highlight verses that will sound the call for discrimination nor against interfaith co-existence.

One Hadith of Prophet (saws) also underscores this point: “Souls are like recruited troops. Those who get to know one another will develop mutual understanding, and those who are strangers to each other are more likely to dispute.”(Bukhari)

The Holy Quran is the only source of moral foundation for all Muslims but it does not contain codified information on which acts are permissible or not. It is the Sunnah or the works and life of Prophet Muhammad, after the Holy Quran was revealed to him for his being the chosen one, that details those acts as basis for all Muslims around the world.

This is one of the reasons why misunderstanding on one hadith prevails because usually personal interpretations become corrupted.

My responsibility as a writer is to present Islam in its objective stand and not slant it to provoke misunderstanding or instill fear in the hearts of Mumin and non-Mumin alike.

It is my sincerest mission to unite the Muslim Ummah for peace and heighten respect for one another and instill interfaith tolerance towards international peace.

What is Mawlid an-Nabi?

Mawlid an-Nabi is a special holiday for many in the Muslim faith. It is celebrated to mark the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, who entered the world in 570. It is celebrated on the 12th day of Rabi al-Awwal, the fifth month of the Islamic Calendar. (In 2010, this holiday falls on February 26 on Western calendars.)

On this day Muslims celebrate by focusing on the life and teachings of Muhammad. They sing songs and say special prayers. A special part of this remembrance is on how he forgave even his most bitter enemies. As with other holidays, Muslims also give to the poor.

This holiday was first celebrated in the 13th Century and was the end of a month of celebration. The holiday was then celebrated more heavily, with huge gatherings of people in one place, special gift giving, and a monstrous feast. Celebrations are more subdued now. In fact, Muhammad urged his followers not to make a big deal out of his birthday, like Christians do for Jesus (Christmas). Following this directive, many Muslims do not celebrate Mawlid an-Nabi, considering it not to be a holiday at all.

Source:http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/holidays/mawlidannabi.htm

Islam forbids swearing, back-biting and slander!

Source: Inspirational-Islamic Statements-of Reflection

In another Hadith he said: “Do not harm Muslims, and do not revile them, nor pursue their imperfections. For verily, whosoever pursues the imperfections of his brother (or sister) shall have his own imperfections pursued by Allah.” [Sunan of at-Tirmidhi]

Islam forbids swearing, back-biting and slander!

I understand that out of anger we maybe saying some unpleasant comments which are un-called for. Let us try and restrain our anger towards the brother, sister or any one of us and direct it in a more constructive way rather than us stooping to a shallow level and accumulating unnecessary sins through swearing, slander & back-biting etc.

Also some of our comments maybe bordering an element of racism. It is distressful and nothing like this should happen to anyone whether Muslim or not, its not about being a Muslim etc rather it is a common human decency & morality to recognize something wrong or any injustice done to anyone or any thing - not matter the creed, color etc and to assist the individual to remove the afflicted harm.