Coexistence: An Interfaith Event

Coexist

The weather and the atmosphere were bright and sunny on that Sunday afternoon in Roseville, Michigan.  As we approached the Sacred Heart Catholic church, we witnessed a multitude of diverse people representing many faiths.  We greeted, and were greeted with salutations of peace as we entered.  The first several minutes included a barrage of smiles and handshakes.  Walking into the main seating area, we saw familiar faces and many that we had never seen.  We received our program agendas and right at 2:30, the program began.  “Hello, I am Father…”  “Asalaamu alaykum, I am Imam…”  “Shalom, I am Rabbi.”  “Good afternoon, I am Reverend…”  The respected clergy began to introduce themselves. 

“Where are you from?” I was asked.  “Lebanon,” I answered.  “I’m from Lebanon, he is from Iraq, and he is from Syria.”  The respectful Christian sister behind me addressed me again, “Where is your religious center?”  “I am from the mosque in …” I answered.  “Oh, so you are a Muslim?”  “Yes” I replied.  I was a bit worried at what response to expect from her after clarifying my religious affiliation.  Then she smiled and told me that she was happy to meet me and was glad I attended.  I smiled back and thanked her for her kindness.  She put out her hand to shake mine.  “Sorry my dear sister, please don’t take offense, but in Islam, we are prohibited to shake the hand of a woman unless she is a close relative, please understand.”  Then I put my hand on my heart and said, “You are in my heart.”  Once again she smiled and said, “I’m sorry, I was unaware.  God bless you.”  I replied in the likewise.  She asked, “Is your mosque open to non-Muslims as well?”  I said, “Yes.  We welcome people of all faiths and schools of thought.  In fact, our doors are always open.”  I then handed her the brochure of my mosque and the religious organization I direct.  She was very pleased.  The smile she ended our conversation with set the tone for what was to come.

The Emcee of the event was a Muslim girl wearing hijab (the traditional Islamic dress).  “To begin the event, we will recite Amazing Grace.”  I have never recited this song.  However, I quickly caught on with the rest of the congregation.  It was amazing sight.  All of us had come together, not seeing each other as Muslims, Christians, and Jews, but as human beings, united in peace as God had intended.  Certain words from the recitation lingered in my mind, “peace,” “love,” and “hope.”  The church echoed with the voices of the people, it was not the voice of the elderly man, it was not the voice of the young girl, it was the voice of all, synchronized in harmony which reverberated for all to hear.  I remember feeling like this was a revolution, a victory even, against those who harbor hatred for those of other faiths out their stubborn arrogance.

The Father approached the podium first.  He was the Archdiocese of our area.  He spoke about our common values.  “God loves the Palestinians and He loves the Israelis,” he so eminently declared, “God loves us all.”  He then paused for a moment because he wanted to read the mission statement of the newly created coalition of religious dialogue.  The group was called, “One People, Same Needs.”  However, he was not able to because he forgot his reading glasses.  The Imam who sat beside me, who is known for his enthusiasm and sense of humor offered the Father his reading glasses.  The Father was well pleased and perhaps even surprised.  “Thank you very much Imam,” he said.  The Imam responded, “No problem, you’re welcome.  I just hope that you don’t start reading in Arabic now.”  The entire congregation began laughing and it was a nice ice-breaker.  The Father began reading from the mission statement, “We all face the same problems.  We are all in this together.  Our aim is to use our common values to tackle the issues that we all face as members of this society.  Issues such as divorce, home foreclosure, financial counseling, drug abuse, bankruptcy, and unemployment.  You either have these problems or know someone who does.  We must work together on the basis of the common values our various religions share.”  Needless to stay, he received a riveting ovation from the audience. 

Then the panel began speaking, one by one.  The Rabbi began, “Shalom!” he exclaimed.  We responded in the likewise.  He spoke about our common link to Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him).  He spoke about the struggles Abraham faced to bring a positive change to mankind.  He spoke about the moral basis that Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all share.  This was the first time I heard a Rabbi speak in person, and it was quite a learning experience. 

Then the Imam spoke.  He spoke about coping with problems and finding solutions.  He quoted a verse from the Qur’an that states, “Surely we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods, lives and the fruits (of your toil) but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere. Those who, when misfortune strikes them, say: ‘Indeed we belong to God (Allah) and to Him is our return. Those are the ones upon whom are blessings and mercy from their Lord and it is those who are rightly guided.” (2:155). He also discussed our responsibility to help those in need, regardless of religion.  He advised that we must be patient and work to improve our society. 

Next was the honorable Reverend.  He stated that God created us in a give and take, interdependent way.  For example, husband and wife, child and parent, boss and worker, etc.  He stated that God wanted us to give so that we may be blessed to receive.  He spoke about the universality of peace and the need for further dialogue between our religions.  He cited from a wonderful book which was a collection of verses from the holy books of all faiths.

And last, but not least, a spokeswoman from a local social organization called Focus: Hope spoke at length about the positive role her organization has had.  They have been active in the Detroit area since 1968 offering such benefits as counseling on various issues, job placement, technical training, and many other things.  She said that she was honored to be in the presence of the respected religious leaders and called on everyone to try to do their part, no matter how small, to ensure a bright future for all. 

At that point, the floor was open for questions and comments from the congregation.  One sincere Christian sister asked, “What I can do to help?”  The Father responded, “We will meet again Wednesday morning for future planning.  We would love for you to join us.”  Then the Imam from the panel said, “Whatever specialty you have we would welcome.  For anyone, if you are good at organizing, or writing, or if you can volunteer your time, we must get the word out to the public.” 

Then one gentleman from the audience stood up.  He has worked in the credit union business for over 50 years.  He discussed the credit crisis and spoke about the challenges he overcame.  He offered his help as well and urged everyone to work together, putting aside our differences and working for the greater good. 

Then the enthusiastic Imam who was seated beside me stood up and thanked all those who attended.  He spoke about the Qur’anic verse, “O mankind! We have created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of God is (he who is) most God-conscious. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).”  The Imam said that God has created us differently, so that we make the journey toward each other and develop as human beings.  Without progression, we cannot attain our goal of seeking perfection.  He said that we must value diversity and unite under the banner of peace and spirituality.  The congregation broke out in applause and it was very inspiring. 

Next, much of the audience went to the basement of the church for lunch and further discussion.  I was curious to speak to the Rabbi.  He had earlier blown through a horn to mark the ceremony and I wanted to take a closer look at it.  Then I noticed the Tallit, or prayer shawl he was wearing.  He explained its significance.  To my surprise, he said that he works with many Muslim Imams.  We began speaking further and the more we spoke, the more I found out we had in common.  He mentioned that the Jewish people are waiting for their Messiah and he asked me if we had that concept in Islam.  I replied with the affirmative.  I told him that we believe in the Mahdi (in Arabic, the Guide).  I told him that he has other names, “The Relief”, “The Proof (of God)”, and “The Hidden Imam.”  I told him that we believe he will return with Jesus (peace be upon him) to fill the earth with peace and justice after it was filled with tyranny and injustice. 

Soon, I was one of the only people left upstairs and I was approached by a kind, wonderful woman.  She said to me, “Are you so and so?”  I replied “yes.”  I realized she was the person with whom I had first spoken with about the event and she went out of her way to get me information and assist me.  I thanked her and we had a very nice discussion. 

Soon after, I joined the rest of the people in the basement and we had great dialogue over an array of ethnic dishes.  We discussed how we can work together to improve the quality of life of all, including issues such as unemployment, religious tolerance, and future plans.  We began an interfaith group that will meet regularly and support one another. 

I made a lot of friends and met some wonderful people.  This was a great experience.  I only wish that those who have prejudice against other faiths and people would have been there just to see how wrong they really were.  Unfortunately, such people often have a stubborn mentality that stems from arrogance, thinking that they are better than others.  In that church, on that Sunday, we proved that we were all equal and that religion can be a tool used to unite people of different backgrounds, not a tool of separation.  I also realized that what brought us together were the common problems that we face.  Therefore, in a way, the problems that we face can actually be a blessing in disguise.  May peace be upon the lovers of peace and may those who spread hate find nothing but frustration and failure.  Thanks for reading.