Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 22 July 2005 — Page 11

FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2005

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

PAGE B3

AL-ISLAM IN AMERICA Muslim and ChrisHan love

By IMAM MIKAL SAAHIR

Whenthenewlyformed community of Islam was under constant abuse and torture meted out against them by the hands of the pagans in Mecca, Prophet Muhammed told his followers to migrate to the Christian kingdom Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia) for refuge. The prophet described Abyssinia as a place where “a king rules without injustice, a land of truthfulness.” He advised that his followers stay in this Christian kingdom “until G-d leads us a way out of our difficulty.” It is important to review this little known, but highly important, historical event especially with the current tension in the American atmosphere towards Muslims. The “war on terror” has in some ways created artificial feelings of terror in non-Muslims towards Muslims. Such fear is often rooted in people being uninformed about moments of excellence as that demonstrated by the Christian king of Abyssinia. The Holy Qur’an states in chapter 5: verse 82: “Strongest among men in enmity to the believers wilt thou find the Jews and pagans; and nearest among them in love to the believers wilt thou find those who say, ‘We are Christians’: because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant.” Among many Christians we have found true friends who while remaining true to their belief in Christ-love as revealed in the Bible, they also continue to encourage us as Muslims to remain strong steadfast Muslims. The only somber point about this relationship is that with the exception of men like Father Boniface Hardin of Martin University,

the Christians to truly extend Christ-love to Muslims since Sept. 11, 2001, have been almost all Caucasian Christians. Despite the past healthy MuslimChristian relationships that flourished with the Concerned Clergy and with Operation Breadbasket under the former leadership of Rev. Andrew J. Brown, little if any sincere interfaith interactions between African-American Christians and Muslims have occurred in recent years. Hopefully this will change in the near future for we are all people of G-d. The above Qur’anic verse reference to Jews is not a blanket charge against all Jews, it was referring to those who were working against the mission and the message of Prophet Muhammed. We find a very similar reference in the mission of Christ Jesus when he had to condemn certain sectors of the Jews for their uneven-handedness, yet Jesus’ condemnation did not include all Jews because many of them were excellent human beings. We, the Muslim community in America also have established good relationships with our Jewish brothers and sisters. We respect them and they respect us without either party seeking to convert or condemn the other. The Holy Qur’an clearly states in chapter 2: verse 62: “Those who believe (in the Qur’an), and those who followthe Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians, - any who believe in Allah and the last day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” As Muslims we have to be tolerant and respectful of all people of faith. It is important that we revisit the above Qur’anic reference that speaks of the Christian humility, their studious habits, and their refusal to be influenced by worldly things. This was the practice of the Christian king of Abyssinia in

Africa; a practice that continues for many Christians. Allah, in the Qur’an, invites Muslims to have a special appreciation for such Christians who “are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant.” In Islam we are taught to “reverence the womb that bore you.” Many of us who today are Muslims have our religious roots in the church. Much of our early religious teachings are Bible-based. Also many of our loved ones, family and friends are still endeared to the church; therefore, we can’t work against that which is such a strong part of our life. Our evolvement into Islam should not be seen as a separation from Christianity but as an extension of our faith. No Muslim who properly understands Islam will ever use their new expression of faith as an excuse or reason to criticize or renounce Christianity. Yes, there are some differences in some aspects of our faith, but our goal and destinies are the same; to serve Gd and receive the blessings of paradise. G-d has placed us in a universal world setting. Our past limited understandings of each other, though comfortable in a small enclosed place, is insufficient today. G-d is one, humanity is one, and this creation is one. The more that we accept our commonalties will determine the rate of our growth in comity where we can live in a state of mutual respect. NOTE: As advised by Imam W. Deen Mohammed, Al-Islam in America prefers the spelling “G-d,” omitting the letter “o” to avoid using a spelling for our Creator that in reverse spells “dog.” Please submit all inquiries to Al-Islam In America, C/O Imam Mikal Saahir, Nur-Allah (Light of G-d) Islamic Center, 2040E. 46thSt. Indianapolis, IN46205. E-mail: [email protected].

RELIGION BRIEFS

All-N-One Expo Eastern Star Church, 5750 E. 30th St, will be hosting its annual All-N-One Expo from Thursday, July 28 to Saturday, July 30. During the three-day event families will be able to enjoy a carnival, health fair, business expo, ministry expo, community partners expo, free food, backpack giveaways and the X-Treme Makeover Youth Conference. For more information call (317) 591-5050.

Unity event New Africa Islamic Students Association (NAISA) will be holding their first Unity Event on July 30 at noon inside Room A of the Julia M. Carson Government Center, 300 East Fall Creek Parkway. Featured speakers will include Dr. Sayyid M. Syeed, secretary general of the Islamic Society of North America, and attorney Ayeshah F. Johnson. Light lunch will be served, and tickets are $20 at the door.

African lecturer and theologian to speak at CIS

Special to the Recorder Aworld-renownedlecturer and theologian from the West African nation of Ghana will be the featured speaker this fall in the second Saltsburg Distinguished Lecture Series at Christian Theological Seminary (CTS). Dr. Mercy Amba Oduyoye will deliver three lectures on Sept. 19, 22 and 23 on the theme: “The Christian Gospel and African Cultures: An African Woman’s Perspective.” All three lectures are free and open to the public, two at the 1000 W. 42nd St., seminary site and a third off campus. A former deputy secre-

tary of the World Council of Churches, Dr. Oduyoye is a founding member of the Concerned African Women Theologians. She currently serves as the founding director of the Talitha Cumi Center, an Institute of Women, Religion and Culture located on the campus of Trinity Theological Seminary in Accra, Ghana. She also is the author of numerous books and articles. “This lecture series provides aunique opportunity for Central Indiana Christians,” said Dr. Carolyn Higginbotham, CTS vice president and academic dean. “It is rare that

such a distinguished church leader from Africa comes our way. CTS is delighted to host Dr. Oduyoye and to share her keen insights with the larger community.” Her first lecture is set for the Founders Day Convocation on Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the Shelton Auditorium. Titled “A People’s Encounter with the Gospel,” it will give a general overview of Christian theology in Africa based on the writings of both African male and female theologians of the 1960s and 1970s. A second lecture, “PostColonial Christianity in Africa,” will focus on the work

of Musa Dube, a prominent Africanwomantheologian. It is scheduled in the Common Room at 1 p.m. on Sept. 22. Dr. Oduyoye’s final lecture will be at North United Methodist Church, 3 8th andNorth Meridian streets, at 7 p.m. on Sept. 23. The theme will be “The Challenge of HIV/ AIDS to Christian Theology in Africa.” She will highlight the current research now undertaken by the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians and the Institute of African Women concerning the effects of the fatal disease on African culture.

COMMUNITY ► Continued from B1 big way. “This is a great opportunity for the neighborhood, because it is such a depressed area,” said Sandra Green. “It is also an opportunity for our youth ministry to expand. “Pastor Wilkins has a vision for our church to be a beacon here, and to draw those who do not know God. And because of the new program, children will be able to enjoy a familiar and comfortable place outside their homes.” Someone who works closely with the pastor spoke of his other qualities. “He is a very outgoing person, and is very good with the kids,” said Myra Bent, Pastor Wilkins’ secretary. “He searches the community for problems, and tries to make a difference. The kids just love him, because his personality creates a one-on-one relationship with each one of them. They feel comfortable about talking with him

about anything.” Bent further said the principal of Indianapolis Public School 56 voiced her opinion about the program, stating, “there is a desperate need for it.” “What Scott is trying to do is to encourage those who are tutors and instructors to come on board,” Bent continued. “This will insure that these students will be successful in using the computers, which is crucial to further educating the entire community.” Pastor Wilkins and his wife Patricia have three children and three granddaughters. “A lot of people refer to her (Patricia) as the first lady, and she fulfills that title quite well,” he commented. A nyone wishing to donate to the program, or assist with teaching or tutoring, may call the church at (317) 925-1997-

Rev. Raymond Wilkins speaks with his secretary Myra Bent about the camp that has about 75 children. The camp provides paid scholarships for a majority of its students. (Photo/J. Hurst)

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