April 9, 2008

Islam is unique in that it invites people of all cultures and backgrounds to join the universal community of believers not only in principle but within a legal system that serves humanity. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (P) is known as being a ‘mercy for the worlds’ bringing the final message of God and clearing matters of confusion.  In commemoration of his birth, and celebrating the message of kindness and understanding with which he guided humanity back to its noble origin being worship of God, IIC, UMAA and JIC jointly hosted a seminar on March 29, 2008.

The day was an opportunity for Muslims from various communities, races, ethnic backgrounds and schools of thought to come closer together in the spirit of Islamic teachings. Sunni Imams were welcomed and spoke at a Shia Center and Sunni participants interacted with a Shia Community. Non Muslims were also present and welcome as always. Renowned reciters of the Quran opened the tribute to the Prophet with Quranic recitation after the noon ritual prayer and a lunch reception.

Both Shia and Sunni scholars collaborated by addressing the issue of unity between the two schools of thought. Dr. Imad-ad-Dean Ahmad, Imam of Dar-ad-Dhikr Mosque and President of the Minaret Institute presented examples of how the Prophet dealt with differences among Muslims. The underlying principle which the Prophet utilized was an appreciation and profound understanding of each party’s views, accompanied with a constructive analysis emphasizing mutual respect.

Anwar Hassan of the Maryland Muslim Council spoke about the impressive role which the council has played in advancing the image of Islam in the US.

Daoud Nassimi vice-chairman of the Council of Muslim Organizations in the Washington DC metropolitan area emphasized the fact that Muslims all believe in the unity of Allah, the Holy Quran and in the Prophet Muhammad as Allah’s final messenger. “Muslims can uphold these universal principles by focusing on the 99 percent that we agree on instead of the one percent in which we differ leading to the progress and development of the Islamic Ummah,” he said.

Hajar Abdul Aziz the first African American graduate from Jamiatul-Zahra Theological Seminary for women in Qum, Iran, pointed out the importance of unity in the home, since the home is where things begin. “A stronger relationship between spouses and between children will lead to a better relationship with each other on a bigger scale,” she expressed. She then offered solutions on how to take steps forward based on the sunnah of the Holy Prophet.

Maqbool Patel of the Islamic Society of Baltimore enlightened the gathering with exegesis of several verses of the Holy Quran.  He demonstrated how Sunni and Shia unification can come about naturally by focusing on the Holy Quran in which both schools of thought agree on.

Syed Rafiq Naqvi emphasized how important it is not to stop here but to build on improving and developing intra-faith communication and understanding. He stressed that more of these efforts are needed in order for Muslims to be able to live up to the true teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (P).