Let’s Spread the Good Will and Peace in Our Communities

Salaam, Peace, Shalom Friends,

Last week, we witnessed the horrific attacks against the Sikh community in Oak Creek, WI and the Muslim community of Joplin, MO. We are all deeply saddened by these hateful acts of prejudice and mourn the loss of life.

During this same week of prejudice, we also witnessed acts of community and strength, showing us that the forces of pluralism and human love are stronger than the forces of prejudice.

Members of the Sikh American community served food and water to reporters and first responders on the scene. College students organized rallies in support of their Muslim neighbors in Joplin, MO. Murfreesboro, TN opened its first Islamic Center for the city’s Muslim American community following almost two years of controversy. In many Muslim communities across the nation, Muslims invited their neighbors to share meal and conversation while breaking their daily Ramadan Fast.

These are indeed challenges and at the same times opportunities for Interfaith organizations, leadership, and workers. Some have already proved themselves to be worthy of our nations' prayers and praise. Let's follow in their footsteps and spread the good will and peace in our communities.

"If your Lord had pleased, surely all those who are on the earth would have believed, all of them; will you force beings till they become believers (like you)?" Quran 10:99

"You shall have your religion and I shall have my religion." Quran 109:6

Salaam, Peace, Shalom.

Imam Ali Siddiqui

Muslim Institute for Interfaith Studies and Understanding, Santa Rosa, CA
Address: Muslim Institute for Interfaith Studies & Understanding
1841 Vermillion Way, Santa Rosa, CA 95403; Phone: 707-545-5234
email: alisiddiqui.imam [at] gmail.com