Greenwaymasjid

By: Shamshad Khan

AAIC, "Greenway Masjid" community like other Muslim communities in the US, actively seeks and participates in interfaith events to promote understanding and peace.

The celebration of peace that took place on October 27th, 2011 at Saint Mary's Basilica Church in downtown Phoenix was another example of Greenway Masjid's commitment and dedication to its community and willingness to work with other faith communities in building a better society.

After the attendees had taken their seats, the faith leaders walked from the back of the hall to the stage with their religious texts or other symbols in their hands. Our Imam had a copy of the Quran al Kareem. After a brief introduction of the event, various faiths and their messages of peace were represented in the form of a skit. Imam Didmar Faja read a few lines from a script and also recited Surah Al Fatihah in his beautiful voice. There were recitations and chanting performed by other faith communities; Christian, Jewish, Hindus and Buddhists. Also, there was a musical with the candle lights in which everybody participated.

Afterwards there was a reception and snacks where we were able to interact informally with other people. Many of them thanked us for participating at the event and for the Quran books that were given as gifts to some of the attendees. Many of them expressed their appreciation for Islam and its peaceful teachings as well.  We also felt that this was a good opportunity for us to help others understand the true message of Islam and interact with Muslims first hand.

A pleasant surprise was to know that the Hindu Priest's second son years ago reverted to Islam. We hope that inter-faith activities like this will be often in the future and more of our community members will participate in such events.