Interfaith Harmony

  Interfaith Harmony  
Embracing our Muslim Neighbors
 

For though my faith is not yours and your faith is not mine, if we each are free to light our own flame, together we can banish some of the darkness of the world.

RABBI LORD JONATHAN SACKS


An extension of the "seeking soul, heart for justice and open spirit" of the Trinity community is our commitment to build bridges with our Muslim neighbors.  

Since the Iranian Revolution and especially since 9/11, Muslims too often have become the feared "Other" in American society. Our mission is to counter the injustice of Islamophobia through mutual trust and respect and living the Golden Rule.

The specific goals of this ministry include:

*  Understand Islam as a faith and a way of life
*  Befriend Muslims in our area
*  Dispel stereotypes and hatred
*  Partner in service


We will offer a range of opportunities for adults, youth and children to get involved.  If you'd like to help, please contact the Interfaith Team.

Lynne Bramlett, Karen Chung, Jane Phillips, Lynn Pieron, MaryAnn Sabelman, Anita Seipp, Jeannie Thomas

COMING AT TRINITY
COMMUNITY EVENTS
LOOKING BACK
ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE
RECOURCES

 
COMING AT TRINITY

ASK A MUSLIM - Open Forum, Sunday May 6th, 11:30 - 1:00, Angus Hall
Back by popular demand, Tarek Mourad (our "Discover Islam" instructor) returns to Trinity to briefly share his personal reflections on Ramadan and to answer all the burning questions on peoples' minds about Islam and Muslims in today's world.  Joining Tarek will be Lubna Shaikh, a member of the MCA board, who will provide her perspective on the same topics.  Grab your coffee and come for an hour of open dialog and discussion.

TRINITY READS!  A quarterly book read and discussion to extend our knowledge of Islam and Muslims. 
  • Our next book is "What Do Muslims Believe?  The Roots and Realities of Modern Islam" a quick 110-pager by Ziauddin Sardar. 
  • Both a complement to or a replacement for this winter's Islam Fundamentals class, the book covers the history and tenants of the faith, as well as addressing topics of interest such as Sunni vs. Shia, the role of women, perspectives on Palestine and "the Islam of the terrorists."
  • Available as an e-book through Amazon.  Out of print, but we have about 15 copies available for sharing or keep it for $10.
  • Discussion:  Sunday, June 10, 11:30, Trinity Hall Library (BYO snack)

 
EXPERIENCE RAMADAN!

The holy month of Ramadan, the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, begins May 15th this year.  Each day during Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset.  One of the most special parts of this month of fasting, introspection and prayer is the evening meal or "iftar" where people gather to break the daily fast. 

The people of Trinity have 2 opportunities to experience an "iftar," in either a family o small group setting, or a large event at the mosque.  Children are welcome at both programs.

FAMILY IFTAR

Local Muslim families or individuals invite you to participate in an “iftar” meal, where they break their daily fast at sunset.  It may be in a home or restaurant, sometime during the month of Ramadan, depending on your host.  

Sign up as individuals, families or groups at  ramadan.fyi or www.ExperienceRamadan.com.  

RAMADAN OPEN HOUSE & DINNER AT MUSLIM COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (MCA)

Our partners at the MCA invite everyone to an Iftar dinner after the sunset prayer. This is a very family-friendly event.  

Saturday, June 2nd, 6:30 pm at 3003 Scott Blvd, Santa Clara.  RSVP here.



 


COMMUNITY EVENTS

 
  • Tuesday, April 24, 6:30-8pm at the Menlo Park Public Library.  Presentation:  Islamophobia and its Impact by Maha Elgenaidi of ING. 
  • Wednesday, May 2, 7-9pm, Bystander Intervention Training led by CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations),  St. Albert the Great Church, 1095 Channing Ave., Palo Alto.  Free/donations. Hosted by Multifaith Voices for Peace & Justice, of which Trinity is a member.
  • Friday, May 18 7-9:30 pm: Challenging Islamophobia (by CAIR) At Or Shalom Jewish Community Center (SF)
  • Mosque tour, Friday sermon/prayer, lunch:  MCA, Fridays by appointment (reserve)

LOOKING BACK
 
  •  "Discover Islam" 4-class series with Tarek Mourad, instructor at the Muslim Community Association.  
    • Islamic Beliefs and Practices
    • The Life of the Prophet
    • The Qur'an
    • Concepts of Social Justice in Islam

Recordings of Tarek Mourad's Classes

We are grateful to Tarek for allowing us to post recordings of his classes.  These recordings are offered here to allow those who are interested in learning more about Islam from a Muslim perspective, but were unable to attend the classes.  Or,  for those who might did attend but would like to revisit the content.  Please note that these recordings are raw and unedited, and the volume of the audio is low -- we recommend using headphones to listen, with your volume turned up.
 

Year:      Category:

Subscription Options  

Click on one of the following files to view the available options:

Sort by: Date Title
Intro to Islam 1
 
 
1/10/2018 

Intro to Islam 2
 
 
1/24/2018 

Intro to Islam 3
 
 
1/31/2018 

Intro to Islam 4
 
 
2/7/2018 

  • MUSLIM SPEAKER SERIES


"Jihad and Pluralism in Islam" by Sumbul Ali-Karamali,  JD, LLM (Islamic Law) on 12 November 2017.  Sumbul is author of "The Muslim Next Door: the Qur'an, the Media, and that Veil Thing," Bronze Medal Winner of the 2009 Independent Publisher's Awards, and "Growing Up Muslim: Understanding the Beliefs and Practices of Islam."


The children explored the interfaith Peace Village from Child & Family Institute.






"Muslim Women Beyond the Stereotypes" by Maha Elgenaidi, Executive Director Islamic Networks Group

The children's program included an introduction to Islam and Muslims.  Youth heard from youth peers from ING.
 
  • FALL BOOK READ 2017


The Faith Club:  A Muslim, A Christian, A Jew ... Search for Understanding by Idliby, Oliver and Warner  
 
Rabbi Sarah Weissman and Sheikha Maryam Amir join the Rev. Matthew Dutton-Gillett for a full house Hearts for Justice panel moderated by the Rev. Elizabeth Riley.
All Saints, November 2017
Stanford senior Farhan Kathawala tells
"How to Grow Up Muslim in America" on Trinity Sunday, June 2017.
 
ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE

ARTICLES

VIDEOS - shorts (You Tube)

VIDEOS - feature length

BOOKS

Click here for a list of recommended books available in the Trinity library or local library systems.
 

MAPS