Understanding the Real Teachings of Islam

[tjwmason]

Yesterday I went to the first of five sessions in a short course with the title above - it is being run by a local Muslim group and is clearly aimed to help bring the Muslim community closer to the non-Muslim. There has been a lot of negativity about Islam locally as it's not far from where some of those arrested for plotting to blow-up some planes last summer live; this has been seized upon by certain negative forces and added to the pre-existent racial problems (most of the Muslim community are descended from Pakistani families). I discovered the course when it was advertised by some of the local churches - it is explicitly not about seeking to convert, rather about helping understanding.

Unfortunately I won't be able to attend 2 of the sessions as they fall on top ranking Catholic feasts, so I'll be going to Mass at that time...but I found yesterday's session to be fascinating, and I'm sure that the others will be too.

I've read a number of books about Islam, whilst this makes me reasonably informed, they all tend to put the ideas as pretty dry theology - it was a totally different experience to hear about it in a more human and personal manner.

I would strongly congratulate all those involved in similar courses/meetings - I'm convinced that better understanding of each other can best arise (perhaps can only arise) from local interactions such as this.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. thanks for attending

as a universal Sufi, I try to experience all the different faiths to the extent I am able. I have found many dear Catholic friends very helpful in this regard.