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This morning marks the second day in Islam’s holy month of Ramadan. During these thirty days, Muslims around the world seek purification, forgiveness, guidance and a renewed devotion to Allah.
Continue reading Appreciating Ramadan: A time of renewal
From April through October 2015 over twelve Wednesday evening sessions we watched a short video presentation on Islam by an esteemed Islamic scholar and followed up with a discussion on the issues raised.
Clay sees that it is vital for the west to know more about Islam, given Islam’s growth and projections it will become a dominant religion thoughout the world within a few decades.
How we as a society respond to Islam highlights principles of religious freedom and respecting those of different beliefs, as we struggle with the issues of tolerating the intolerant and understanding extremism, be it religious, polical or social.
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Rev. Clay Nelson © 27 September 2015
This past Thursday, the day Muslims around the world celebrated one of their two solemn feasts, Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, 769 pilgrims making their Hajj were tragically killed and 863 were injured in a stampede.
I offer this prayer from a Muslim funeral service for them out of compassion for our shared humanity and respect for their faithfulness to their beliefs. It is a way of expressing in the words of Pope Francis “our closeness” with them and their grieving families. I invite you to stand if you are able and face the back doors, the direction to Mecca. Continue reading Why Celebrate Sacrifice?
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