On April 11, 2009 the Grass Roots Call for Change group had the pleasure of hearing four speakers: Colin Kerr from Second Presbyterian Church, Charleston and three Muslims- Alan Ali, Imam Melhem and Ishaq Sahid from the Central Mosque of Charleston. The following is a summary of what was discussed.
ISLAM
Alan Ali, past president of the Mosque on King Street, talked about what Islam is, and what it isn’t. He said that Allah means “The God”. The Koran was revealed to the prophet Mohammed during a period of time which is now termed Ramadan. There are five pillars of Islam:
There is no god worthy of worship except God. This declaration of faith is called the Shahada, a simple formula which all the faithful pronounce. In Arabic, the first part is la ilaha illa Llah - 'there is no god except God'; ilaha (god) can refer to anything which we may be tempted to put in place of God - wealth, power, and the like. Then comes illa Llah: 'except God', the source of all Creation. The second part of the Shahada is Muhammadun rasulu'Llah: 'Muhammad is the messenger of God.'
Shalat is the name for the obligatory prayers which are performed five times a day, and are a direct link between the worshipper and God. Prayer is important and must be followed five times a day: 6:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m.,7:45 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. A Muslim turns to face Mecca during these prayers.
the Zakat. One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to God, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. More than just money is required. A smile can be charity. The most important kind of charity is that which is not ever revealed.(anonymous)
Sawm or Fasting. Every year in the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from first light until sundown, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations. When one is hungry, he has an understanding of those who suffer from hunger in the world.
The annual pilgrimage to Makkah - the Hajj - is an obligation only for those who are physically and financially able to perform it. Nevertheless, about two million people go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe providing a unique opportunity for those of different nations to meet one another. Inshallah means God Willing.
There is no extremism in Islam and a Muslim does not try to convert a non-Muslim. Islamists usually have moderate views- not liberal and not conservative.
Islam is NOT terrorism. The prophet Mohammed says mercy for all regardless of their faith. This mercy extends to animals also. Always be kind to one’s parents, even if they profess a different faith.
The question was asked, “What is the difference between a Sunni, a Shiite and a Sufi? Imam Melhem explained that the majority of Muslims are Sunni, who believe that Mohammed was a prophet and that he died. Shiites believe that Mohammed’s grandson Hussein should be the leader of Islam, just as his grandfather Mohammed was. The center of Shia is Iran. Seven percent of all Islam practice Shia. Sufi refers more to spirituality and includes Muslims and non-Muslims.
There will be Islam teaching during Spoleto, dates to be announced.
CHRISTIAN LIBERALS
Colin Kerr explained the differences between Liberal Christians and Christian Liberals. The former practice a liberal theology and various interpretations of scripture, and usually include Episcopalians and Methodists. Evangelicals are liberal Christians. They are very devout, see the Bible as authoritative, are theological conservatives and the majority are Republicans. The religious right have a dominionist theology- they understand Hebrew Nation State. They are involved in culture wars. They believe that God punishes a non-righteous nation. The Romans invented welfare. Jesus served the poor.
Colin said he is a post-modern Christian (came into being in the 1900’s). These people can’t perceive truth totally. They believe in separation of church and state.
Discussion about abortion, gay marriage, how Muslims and Christians relate to non-believers, and other timely issues ensued. Most of the audience agreed that this dialogue should continue and that other religions should also be represented. Plans will be made to reflect these wishes.