On April 22nd, Barry was privileged to have Imam Rafiq Mahdi of Masjid Al-Iman and Sofian Abdelaziz, Director and Counselor for the American Muslim Association of North America (AMANA) and member of the Florida Advisory Committee to the US Commission on Civil Rights, visit our main campus to present information on Islam. Dr. Lisa Konczal, Assistant Professor of Sociology, arranged for the presentation which was sponsored by Barry’s Department of Sociology and Criminology.

The events of 9/11, the war in Iraq, and continued concerns about terrorism have resulted in some apprehension and distrust of Muslims. This session gave students, faculty and staff an opportunity to learn more about the teachings of the Qur’an and the Prophet Mohammed as well as to ask questions and express concerns.

Some of the topics addressed and discussed included the revelation of the Qur’an, the concept and importance of submission to the will of God, dictates against terrorism and oppression, the treatment of women, various sects, eschatology, and the discrimination that has been faced by the Arab-America Muslim community since 9/11.

The presentation was both intriguing and informative. The discussion that followed demonstrated the interest of the participants and presenters alike with the session running until 6pm. Some of the participants stayed after the session to collect pamphlets and brochures on Islam and to continue asking questions.

Presentations of this sort raise differences of opinion. All recognized that there may not be total agreement, but the exchange of ideas and the clear understanding of positions are of critical importance.

Click here for a topical synopsis of the presentation.

For more specific information, check these web sites:

www.al-amana.org
www.islam-guide.com