This document announces an interfaith event hosted by the Islamic Center of East Lansing to promote understanding between Muslims and the diverse community. It includes the program with guest speakers from various religious and community leaders. The goal is to strengthen bonds and continue dialogue between different groups through discussions of shared beliefs in wisdom, justice, forgiveness and promoting good over evil.

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 YouUnity with DiversityWednesday September 29, 2010, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm A forum to promote further understanding and to strengthen the bonds within our diverse societyThere 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 SpeakersMr. Victor LoomisMayor, City of East LansingMr. Peter BriggsDirector, Office for International Students and Scholars, MSUMs. Amanda HighbenPastor intern, University Lutherans ChurchMr. Tom JohnstoneCaptain, City of East Lansing Police Department Rabbi Michael ZimmermanCongregation KehillatIsraelMr. Bill MurphySenior Warden, All Saints Episcopal Church Mr. Ted DocksFBIMs. Marcia Van NessPresident, Red Cedar neighborhood associationMrs. Karen HoeneNeighbor from the Flowerpot NeighborhoodBishop John SchleiecherBishop 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)

6. Flowers of support

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)

9. Emphasis on Learning

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)

11. Flowers of support

12. Park 51 project - A Needless ControversyAt 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 goodRepel 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)

15. Kindness, love, humility

16. FactResearch 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 BookVerily! 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)

20. Assalam Alaikum (Peace be upon you)ShalomPeaceAssalamAlaikum

21. THE FAITH NEXT DOORDinner and Dialogue among friendsSaturday, November 13Come 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.