Assalamu Alaykum / Peace be upon you,
Please join us for a one-day conference “Islam in the Public Square” on Saturday, October 29, 2016, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Town Hall in Seattle. MAPS President Mahmood Khadeer will be a keynote speaker along with Mohamed Jawad Khaki (IMAN), Dr Mark Markuly (Seattle U), Bishop Greg Rickel (Diocese of Olympia) and Varisha Khan (Student U.W). Over a dozen religious organizations will be attending to build bridges of understanding and tolerance in our community at large.
Please register for the event here
American Muslims have been part of the American narrative since our country’s foundation. They have settled in every state, fought in every war and contributed to the diversity that has made America strong. While many minority groups have been embraced and their traditions honored in the public square, Muslims continue to struggle to have their voices heard. The average American has little understanding of the positive contributions of Islam over the centuries to societies worldwide and to America at home. In fact, one out of two Americans holds negative views of Muslims and Islam. A recent Pew survey revealed that only 35% of Americans know a Muslim. More recently, criminal acts of extremists together with hateful rhetoric by certain pundits and electoral candidates have contributed to record high levels of anti-Muslim hate crimes and bullying of children nationwide.
“Islam in the Public Square” is a gathering of local area leaders to examine the dynamics that have led to the gap in understanding about this religious tradition. We will discuss the many issues clouding the image of Islam and Muslims in America. The conversation will seek to build understanding and tolerance across ethnic and faith lines, and look into ways all of us can confront and overcome the misunderstandings and fears that divide us. Together, as one Seattle community, we will explore ways to work together for peace and justice.
For more details please click here
Thank You
Mahmood Khadeer
MAPS President