1. In the Name of God, Most Beneficent, Most Merciful (ahlan-wa-sahlan) Welcome
2. The Islamic Center of East LansingCity of East Lansing and the Michigan State University Welcome You Unity with Diversity Wednesday September 29, 2010, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm A forum to promote further understanding and to strengthen the bonds within our diverse society There has been an outpouring of support from leaders, officials and residents of East Lansing and Greater Lansing and beyond. Members of the Islamic Society of Greater Lansing are humbled by the great community spirit and solidarity. We look forward to continuing a dialogue with different religious and community groups. Thank you for your gracious presence this evening. Peace. Salaam. Shalom. Program
3. Guest Speakers Mr. Victor Loomis Mayor, City of East Lansing Mr. Peter Briggs Director, Office for International Students and Scholars, MSU Ms. Amanda Highben Pastor intern, University Lutherans Church Mr. Tom Johnstone Captain, City of East Lansing Police Department Rabbi Michael Zimmerman Congregation KehillatIsrael Mr. Bill Murphy Senior Warden, All Saints Episcopal Church Mr. Ted Docks FBI Ms. Marcia Van Ness President, Red Cedar neighborhood association Mrs. Karen Hoene Neighbor from the Flowerpot Neighborhood Bishop John Schleiecher Bishop at North/West Lower Michigan Synod
4. Outpouring support from several quarters including 7th Grade students from MacDonalds Middle School
5. Wisdom "Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching, and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for thy Lord knows best who have strayed from His Path and who receive guidance.“ (Quran: 16-125)
7. Jesus son of Mary [And mention] when the angels said, "O Mary, indeed Allah gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary - distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and among those brought near [to God ]. (Quran, 3:45)
8. Jesus son of Mary "He will speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. And he will be (of the company) of the righteous.” (Quran – 3:46)
10. Jesus son of Mary “Those messengers - some of them We caused to exceed others. Among them were those to whom God spoke, and He raised some of them in degree. And We gave Jesus, the Son of Mary, clear proofs, and We supported him with the Holy Spirit….” (Quran – 2:253)
12. Park 51 project - A Needless Controversy At an interfaith memorial service for the martyred journalist Daniel Pearl, Imam Rauf said: “If to be a Jew means to say with all one's heart, mind, and soul: Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One, not only today I am a Jew, I have always been one. If to be a Christian is to love the Lord our God with all of my heart, mind and soul, and to love for my fellow human being what I love for myself, then not only am I a Christian, but I have always been one."
13. Repel evil with good Repel evil with that which is better. We are Best-Acquainted with the things they utter. (Quran – 23:96)
14. From foe to friend "(Since) good and evil cannot be equal, repel (the evil deed) with one that is better. Then you will see that he with whom you had enmity, will become your close friend.“ (Quran – 41-334)
16. Fact Research has shown that anti-Islam prejudice goes down when people interact with ordinary Muslims and have greater knowledge of Islam.
17. Golden Rules "show forgiveness, speak for justice and avoid the ignorant." (Quran – 7:199)
18. Quran about Christians ... and you will find that the nearest among men in love to the Believers (in Islam) will be those who say, "We are Christians," because among them are those who are devoted to learning and those who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant. And when they listen to the revelation received by the Messenger, you will see their eyes overflowing with tears, for they recognize the truth. They pray: "Our Lord! we believe; write us down among the witnesses. What cause can we have not to believe in God and the truth that has come to us, seeing that we long for our Lord to admit us to the company of the righteous?“ (Quran – 5: 82-85)
19. People of the Book Verily! Those who believe and those who are Jews and Christians, and Sabians, whoever believes in God and the Last Day and do righteous good deeds shall have their reward with their Lord, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. (Quran – 2:62)
21. THE FAITH NEXT DOOR Dinner and Dialogue among friends Saturday, November 13 Come and join this collaborative interfaith event with the ELCA Center for Mission and Ministry, University Lutheran Church, and the Islamic Center of East Lansing. A meal will be provided on behalf of the Islamic Center.