We sometimes forget that we are who we are and have what we have because of Allah’s (i.e. some say, “God’s) permission, which is so because of His Compassion and Mercy.
All three monotheistic religious (i.e. Islam, Christianity and Judaism) teach a message of loving our neighbors and caring for the less fortunate. Islam teaches me that actions should precede speech when possible.
As a Muslim, I understand that charitable acts aren’t matters done for recognition and/or praise. I am publishing this with the purpose of being an example. Also stressing vehemently that one person (or a few people) can truly make a difference.
InterfaithLibrary.com is more than a virtual library. We are the EXAMPLE. Our charitable acts aren’t just intended for the faith-based communities. We service all of Allah’s creations.
Using Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) example as my guide, we are of service to all of humanity, not just my Muslim ummah. Let all people of every faith-based community do the same. Ameen.
Hello Interfaith Library. My name is Toni. I’ve been following this site for some time now. Imam Mekye, I think you are awesome. Your perspectives on our spiritual existence moves me greatly. With that said, I’ve recently noticed that this library has a uniquely different feel to it. I like it very much. I’ve also noticed that you now have added librarians. What an amazing idea to have this level of academia sharing their knowledge, and all of this compiled under one proverbial roof. I’m very excited to see what’s next. Dr. Epstein, I have stumbled upon and perused your blog and am now a fan and regular follower. Interfaith relationships and interactions are very important to me. I agree with your position on “balancing our lives and understanding of each other and caring for all…”. Especially your point, “we are all suffering from too many MISSED OPPORTUNITIES for bettering ourselves…”. Shaikh Nathoo and Dr. Hudson, I’d love to hear both of your perspectives on interfaith relationships and cooperative and/or collaborative interacts. I’ve been all over this site and have yet to find anything from either of you on the subject. Perhaps you all could record yourselves having a real interfaith discussion regarding your religious similarities and differences. It would be a universal benefit for the masses to see how such a discussion should be approached. At least I would be grateful. I look forward to seeing much more from you all. Namely, Dr. Epstein, Shaikh Nathoo and Dr. Hudson. Imam Mekye, I’m always observant of what you say and do. You are a true leader that puts forth actions before rhetoric. God Bless you all and keep up the amazing work that y’all do. I will be watching and learning as usual.
Hello Toni,
I’m Dr. Charles M. Hudson Jr. Firstly, thank you for the kind and supportive words. Secondly, we appreciate you following Interfaith Library. Thirdly, I think you have a great idea for the staff to consider regarding a religious debate/discussion amongst us. I will share your idea with my colleagues. Prayerfully we are of real benefit to you and the world. I also want to rest your quandaries, if you have any. I am the newest member of the Interfaith Library family. I assure you that there will be a substantial contribution from me in the near future. My sharing of my interfaith interactions and relationships will be an interesting and easy story to tell. It hits close to my real home. Imam Mekye and I are real biological siblings. I know, who would have ever imagined such. So be patient, that story is coming soon. Keep visiting us. Become a member. Join one or all of our Facebook groups, if you haven’t already. See you soon. God Bless you too.
Thank you so much for your kind and intentional words, Toni B. I too love when we can share what unites us which then enables us to have the difficult conversations with respect and regard for each other, as I believe God wants us all to do, however we each relate to The Divine Presence in our lives. I am always heartened in our very fractured world by how much unites us. As an Orthodox Jew who is both an adherent and a teacher/student of Jewish texts and thus an academic, I have noticed so many similar formula, practices, and Imam Mekye, Shaikh Aziz and I have great fun always noticing how Arabic and Hebrew are so similar as well — a great model for all of us to consider. Not only are we all saying the same things, we are often doing so with the same words in different languages. I look forward to having you on this journey with us and always invite your feedback. We are indeed speaking about recording discussions amongst us and thank you for that suggestion. I wish you much meaningful experiences and great continued learning in your life. In friendship, Sunnie Epstein