Interfaith Initiatives 2013

from ICLI 2013 Journal

Young Professional Qinza Najm

Speakers’ Bureau: Interfaith Relations, Harmony and Outreach.

Al Quran 3:84 Say: "We believe in God, and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in (the Books) given to Moses, Jesus, and the prophets, from their Lord: We make no distinction between one and another among them, and to God do we bow our will (in Islam)." Those who believe (in the Qur'an), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians,- any who believe in God and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

Interfaith Iftaar:

The Islamic Center of Long Island has a long and proud History and Tradition of celebrating Diversity and Building Bridges of tolerance, Peace and Understanding with Interfaith communities. The Congregation Celebrated its 10th Interfaith Iftaar with the diverse Interfaith Community of Long Island. Over a hundred representative of different faith communities, community leaders, politicians and government officials attended the Dinner. As our interfaith tradition, the evening was concluded by a beautiful, heartwarming and inspirational Interfaith prayer led by the Interfaith clergy representing the Multi Faith community of Long Island The Speaker’s Bureau of ICLI: Has launched numerous outreach initiatives with the focus of dispelling myths and misconceptions about Islam and Muslims. These outreach initiatives have been very well received by other faith based communities, schools, colleges, governmental and private sector organizations. Some of the initiatives that the speaker’s Bureau has been involved with are:

To provide accurate information about Islam and its ideology and to support Muslim Cultural events in schools and colleges.

Besides being involved with the various long Island School districts, colleges and organizations in giving them supportive information about Islam and challenges faced by Muslim students in schools and colleges, this group has undertaken the following new initiatives and followed them to completion. 1. The Islamic Center of Long Island is pleased to announce a collaborative initiative with the Library and Department of History and Political Science,

Malloy College. The program is co-sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the American Library Association (ALA). The Muslim Journeys initiative, seeks to promote diversity and understanding through accurate information about Islamic civilizations and culture. 2. Islamic center of long Island started a tradition of honoring high school seniors for their efforts in celebrating diversity. Five Graduating Seniors

ICLI Annual Community Fundraising Dinner 2013AD / 1435AH from Westbury, Carl Place, Jericho, Syosset, and Herrick’s schools were given cash awards at the awards ceremony. 3. Faculty in service courses contract renewed with Herrick’s High school. Topic: Islam Myths and misconceptions. 4. Hosted over 100 students, Parents and faculty from Friends Academy for Diversity night. As a follow up ICLI girls scouts and Youth will participate in Friend’s Academy’s Youth Programs. We hope and pray that with the Blessings of Allah (SWT) and support of the community we will continue to make a difference, and dispel myths about Islam and Muslims, and make other interfaith communities aware of the True Spirit of Islam, Ameen.