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Cordoba Initiative Newsletter - June 2015
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Building Interfaith Bridges during Ramadan
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On Saturday, June 20, 2015, The Cordoba Initiative and American Egyptian Youth Network hosted a Ramadan Community Iftar, which brought together interfaith friends, aspiring Muslim youth, and an impressive mix of distinguished leaders in government, business, and civil society, including Amb. Frank Ricciardone, Amb. Ahmed Farouk, and senior members from the NYPD, UNPF, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Beth Israel Medical Center, International Center for Religion and Diplomacy, Columbia University, American University in Cairo, Arab American Bar Association, Brick Presbyterian Church, and many others.
View photos.
(Photos by Doug Howard)
Interfaith Ramadan iftars like this provide important opportunities to build new friendships, learn from one another, and show hospitality to our neighbors as we invite them to join us in celebrating the holiday. We have noted interfaith iftar gatherings across the United States, in
Philadelphia,
Minnesota,
Upstate New York,
Los Angeles, and
Michigan, to name only a few, and we are proud to be part of this new tradition.
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Ramadan Reflections
Minahil Khan is an intern at The Cordoba Initiative for the summer, working on research and development of the Imam Training program to be launched in the coming year. She is also interviewing Imam Feisal periodically to get personal as well as general frequently asked questions about Islam answered. These interviews will be used in presentations about tolerance and a forward-thinking Islam throughout high schools in New York City.
Minahil is a rising sophomore at Harvard College, and she joined TCI as an intern after a year of self-reflection in college, and a realization that her beliefs with regards to Islam have changed greatly. She hopes TCI can help her come to terms with her internal struggle with Islam, as well as enable her to be part of an effort to help spread the idea of a tolerant and modern Islam. Below, Minahil shares her views on judgment of other Muslims during Ramadan.
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"Should you become eager to mention another's faults, recall your own." - Prophet Muhammad PBUH (Ar-Rafi)
I chew on a little piece of the date I've picked off-I've never enjoyed the taste much, but like thinking of myself as paralleling the Prophet's actions in a small but seemingly significant way when done on a daily basis. Just like him, I'm breaking my fast at iftar with a date. It is these little reminders throughout the month of Ramadan that bring me closer to Allah and make me realize the Muslim aspect of myself more so than the academic or social ones-the ones I tend to prioritize year-round. Some may call me a "Ramadan Muslim," but I see it as a reminder that this is how I could live my life year round. A reminder that we are all capable of good deeds, prayer, self-restraint and moderation-if it is possible for a month, then why not for a year, or two, or ten?
I believe in my Islam-one that asks me to work hard and care for others, one that calls for justice and equality above all else. Ramadan should be a continuation of our own personal Islam as well as the Islam we strive to practice year-round. I remind myself of my capabilities by interning with an interfaith organization, writing articles like this, waking up for suhoor with my family, and biting into that tiny piece of date just like the Prophet did every iftar.
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Ramadan and the Blending of American Muslims
Op-Ed by Imam Feisal in
The Huffington Post
"...Muslims have become a significant group in the United States. More than seven million strong, many have left behind homelands in turmoil of sectarian fighting. They have come to a country where the differences between Shia and Sunni Muslims don't lead to violence. Now they will become Americans, leaving behind much of their traditional culture..."
Continue reading.
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Honoring the Victims of the Charleston Shooting
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Interfaith Vigil for Charleston Shooting
We at TCI extend our thoughts and prayers to the victims of the recent shooting in Charleston, SC, the victims' families, and the community still reeling from this heinous act of violence.
On June 24, TCI community member Dr. Asma Sadiq participated in the "Nine Souls, Nine Verses" interfaith prayer service honoring the victims of the Charleston shooting. She joined other inspiring role models of faith and leadership.
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October 2 - 4, 2015 - First Community Church Event (Columbus, OH)
Imam Feisal will participate in several events including giving a lecture on the Introduction to Islam, a workshop on Sufism, and a sermon.
October 20 - 21, 2015 - Montana World Affairs Council Event (Missoula, MT)
Imam Feisal will participate in the Montana World Affairs Council Distinguished Speakers Program.
Schedule subject to change
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Moving the Mountain
Now Available in Paperback
Purchase your copy at any of the retailers below, and connect with other readers of
Moving the Mountain
on Imam Feisal's Facebook page:
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Moving the Mountain is Available at the Retailers Below
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