Sometimes when life gets so busy we forget what our various faiths ask us to do. We push things aside as if they don't matter to us. This article in the Huffington Post by Daliah Merzaban as an example of how a Muslim changed her way of thinking from trying to fit her faith into her life to fitting her life into her faith. Merzaban is a Muslim, and in Islam there are five required daily prayers. She talks about how she used to push those prayers back, and often miss the proper times to pray them because she was so busy with work and life in general. At some point though she realized she didn't want to do this anymore and started making sure she fit her life around her faith, rather than compromising her faith. Merzaban said she actually found doing so to be quite simple and refreshing.
This is an inspirational article not only for Muslims to try to be better at keeping their faith, but for all people of faith to take time to remember what their faith calls for in their daily life. Let's try to integrate our lives into our faith rather than trying to push aside things we have been taught and believe in but sometimes feel like we don't have time for.
I would love to hear from you about how you try to maintain your faith with your daily life. Do you find it difficult at times? Or does it come naturally for you?
InterfaithU is a student group at the University of Minnesota dedicated to promoting interfaith dialogue among all faiths, and encouraging curiosity, hope, compassion, and respect for all. This blog will have information about our upcoming and past events, as well as thoughts and musings about faith.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Friday, December 2, 2011
Loving everyone
I came across this article today and thought it was a great example of how people truly can get along even if they have different beliefs and viewpoints. The article is about how a college student from the U.S. had a Thanksgiving dinner in Turkey with an atheist, Jew, Christian, and Muslim. Everyone put there differences aside and just had a wonderful meal together. Now why can't people all around the world do the same thing? Why do so many people always have to fight just because they have slightly different views? As the saying goes, let's just agree to disagree.
So while people around the world continue to argue and fight over their differences I am happy to know that there are some people right here at the University (yes, I mean all of you InterfaithU members!) that do not feel the need to try to force their religious beliefs on others. I am happy that these people are perfectly happy to simply answer questions about their faith to those who are curious.
I can only speak from my own religious point of view (which is Islam), and in Islam religion cannot be forced on people, although we may educate others about it, a persons choice in faith must ultimately be their own and come from their heart. I can educate others about Islam to the best of my own ability, so that they understand its teachings, but I am not going to tell someone that if they do not become a Muslim they are doomed. I can honestly say that I find people who preach and say you will go to hell if you don't become a Muslim just as annoying as those who say if you don't take Jesus into your heart you will go to hell. As a Muslim I can also say I love Jesus (He is one of the Prophets in Islam), I simply don't believe he is the Son of God or died on the cross.
I would love to hear your thoughts too! What annoys you? What do you believe? What are your hopes for interfaith work?
So while people around the world continue to argue and fight over their differences I am happy to know that there are some people right here at the University (yes, I mean all of you InterfaithU members!) that do not feel the need to try to force their religious beliefs on others. I am happy that these people are perfectly happy to simply answer questions about their faith to those who are curious.
I can only speak from my own religious point of view (which is Islam), and in Islam religion cannot be forced on people, although we may educate others about it, a persons choice in faith must ultimately be their own and come from their heart. I can educate others about Islam to the best of my own ability, so that they understand its teachings, but I am not going to tell someone that if they do not become a Muslim they are doomed. I can honestly say that I find people who preach and say you will go to hell if you don't become a Muslim just as annoying as those who say if you don't take Jesus into your heart you will go to hell. As a Muslim I can also say I love Jesus (He is one of the Prophets in Islam), I simply don't believe he is the Son of God or died on the cross.
I would love to hear your thoughts too! What annoys you? What do you believe? What are your hopes for interfaith work?
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Just some thoughts...
Finals are right around the corner, and as we prepare for them we often get so caught up in studying and working on final projects that we forget to slow down and take a minute to breathe, and reflect on how lucky we truly are.
I know for myself that when I am stressed out about finals (or anything for that matter) and I think things can't get any crazier it helps me to take a few minutes to just stop and think about all the wonderful things and people in my life. It helps me realize how fortunate I am to actually be able to attend a great University and obtain a valuable education. There are many people in this world who would love to be in my shoes, to be able to attend school, have a full stomach every night, and a warm bed to crawl into after a long day.
So next time you think things can't get any worse, just think about all those people in the world who would love to be in your position. Think about how lucky you are, whether it is because you have access to an education, a roof over your head, or some amazing friends. Maybe you don't have everything you think you want, but you don't need everything to be happy, all that you need to be happy is to be happy and content with what you already have.
I know for myself that when I am stressed out about finals (or anything for that matter) and I think things can't get any crazier it helps me to take a few minutes to just stop and think about all the wonderful things and people in my life. It helps me realize how fortunate I am to actually be able to attend a great University and obtain a valuable education. There are many people in this world who would love to be in my shoes, to be able to attend school, have a full stomach every night, and a warm bed to crawl into after a long day.
So next time you think things can't get any worse, just think about all those people in the world who would love to be in your position. Think about how lucky you are, whether it is because you have access to an education, a roof over your head, or some amazing friends. Maybe you don't have everything you think you want, but you don't need everything to be happy, all that you need to be happy is to be happy and content with what you already have.
Friday, November 25, 2011
We need some new leaders!
Hello all!
I hope the semester is going well and you are all enjoying break before the final stretch of the semester. I wanted to bring up something that was discussed at our last meeting, and that is that we need some new (or old) faces who are going to be around the U for a few years to become a part of the InterfaithU board. Quite a few of us who are working on getting this group formed and fully running will be graduating either this Fall or Spring, or may be studying abroad next year. This means we are looking for some people who will hopefully be able to stick around for a few years to help keep the flow from year to year smoother. So are you interested in interfaith work? Did you go on the NY trip? Do you know someone who went on the trip and thought it sounded amazing? If so please contact a board member to learn how to become involved! (you can comment on this post and I will get you more info).
This is a great opportunity with a lot of amazing people involved. You don't have to commit to being on the board either, we are just looking for some long term leaders who can provide guidance when new faces show up and are looking for some help with future plans for the group. Does that make sense? Sorry if I am being confusing here:) Let me know if you have any questions!
I hope the semester is going well and you are all enjoying break before the final stretch of the semester. I wanted to bring up something that was discussed at our last meeting, and that is that we need some new (or old) faces who are going to be around the U for a few years to become a part of the InterfaithU board. Quite a few of us who are working on getting this group formed and fully running will be graduating either this Fall or Spring, or may be studying abroad next year. This means we are looking for some people who will hopefully be able to stick around for a few years to help keep the flow from year to year smoother. So are you interested in interfaith work? Did you go on the NY trip? Do you know someone who went on the trip and thought it sounded amazing? If so please contact a board member to learn how to become involved! (you can comment on this post and I will get you more info).
This is a great opportunity with a lot of amazing people involved. You don't have to commit to being on the board either, we are just looking for some long term leaders who can provide guidance when new faces show up and are looking for some help with future plans for the group. Does that make sense? Sorry if I am being confusing here:) Let me know if you have any questions!
Monday, November 21, 2011
General Plans for Spring 2012
At our meeting on Sunday we started discussing what we want to do as a group and what events we want to hold next semester, here is a summary:
Goals:
-Panel discussion-Ask a(n)
-Service events--might wait until next year to get it organized
-Panel discussion events will be at end of January, February, March, April--cover 3 big religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) and then hopefully another one (e.g. Hinduism, Buddhism)
If you have any other ideas/suggestions please let us know, we would really appreciate it!
Goals:
- Get a set leadership team in place by the spring
- Outline a framework of main events
- Become officially registered with the U
- Get money--fundraising, MSA grants, SUA grants, Student Service Fees
- Start service work
-Panel discussion-Ask a(n)
- different denominations and viewpoints
- have a panel present 10-15 minutes about history of the religion
- have prepared questions to get discussions going
- open it up to everyone to ask questions--can write them down for anonymity
-Service events--might wait until next year to get it organized
-Panel discussion events will be at end of January, February, March, April--cover 3 big religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) and then hopefully another one (e.g. Hinduism, Buddhism)
If you have any other ideas/suggestions please let us know, we would really appreciate it!
Giving Thanks...and Getting Brined
The Thanksgiving Dinner tonight went really well, and it was great to see so many familiar faces I haven't seen in a long time! We had plenty of food to go around, and everyone seemed to have a wonderful time. It was great to see the different faiths intermingling, and remembering things we are thankful for.
Now, on a little side tangent, I was helping my friend cook a halal turkey for this event (because we both eat halal meat, and wanted to be sure that if any of the Omani students wanted halal meat it would be available for them), when a little slip up occurred. Literally. We decided to brine the turkey because that usually makes for much tastier (and juicier) turkeys. The turkey was put into the brine on Saturday and on Sunday before the event I went over to her house to help her prepare it. Well I was taking the turkey out of the brine when it slipped. And Splashed. Everywhere. Yes, I had not only successfully brined the turkey, but also myself, the stove, sink, and nearby walls and microwave. On the bright side nothing got into my eyes or mouth (actually only a few drops landed on my cheeks and forehead, which I was very surprised by because my head was in the perfect spot to get splashed). Needless to say after the turkey was cooking I had to go home and clean up, but after that little incident the remainder of the night went great (and the turkey was delicious!)
Now, on a little side tangent, I was helping my friend cook a halal turkey for this event (because we both eat halal meat, and wanted to be sure that if any of the Omani students wanted halal meat it would be available for them), when a little slip up occurred. Literally. We decided to brine the turkey because that usually makes for much tastier (and juicier) turkeys. The turkey was put into the brine on Saturday and on Sunday before the event I went over to her house to help her prepare it. Well I was taking the turkey out of the brine when it slipped. And Splashed. Everywhere. Yes, I had not only successfully brined the turkey, but also myself, the stove, sink, and nearby walls and microwave. On the bright side nothing got into my eyes or mouth (actually only a few drops landed on my cheeks and forehead, which I was very surprised by because my head was in the perfect spot to get splashed). Needless to say after the turkey was cooking I had to go home and clean up, but after that little incident the remainder of the night went great (and the turkey was delicious!)
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
A few updates
Just a few things, Grace Lutheran Church is going to be hosting some Omani students at their annual Thanksgiving Potluck on Sunday November 20th at 5:30pm. All InterfaithU and Al-Madinah members are also invited to attend the event. If you are planning to attend please contact someone at Grace or InterfaithU. This will be a great chance to see some friendly faces you may have not seen for a while:)
Second note, also on the 20th we will be having an InterfaithU meeting just before the dinner at 4:30, the meeting will also be held at Grace. If you have ideas for future events, or are curious about Interfaith U feel free to attend our meeting!
Hope to see you there!
Second note, also on the 20th we will be having an InterfaithU meeting just before the dinner at 4:30, the meeting will also be held at Grace. If you have ideas for future events, or are curious about Interfaith U feel free to attend our meeting!
Hope to see you there!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
More pictures
Times Square
On the ferry to Liberty Island
Reconstruction at Ground Zero
After seeing The Addams Family on Broadway
At Park 51--the Islamic Community Center (not just a Mosque!) in lower Manhattan that raised a lot of tension around the US (although it was noted while we were there that most of the controversy did not come from the people in NY, it came from people in other states).NYC trip photos
Here are a few photos from our trip, Enjoy!
Fish market in Chinatown
On the way to Liberty Island
It was raining one morning, but some people didn't have raincoats or umbrellas...so they improvised!
During a tour of Ground Zero/surrounding areas
Delicious mango gelato from Little Italy, just sharing the love!
Fish market in Chinatown
On the way to Liberty Island
It was raining one morning, but some people didn't have raincoats or umbrellas...so they improvised!
During a tour of Ground Zero/surrounding areas
Delicious mango gelato from Little Italy, just sharing the love!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Video slideshow of our NY trip!
Check out this video slideshow we put together for a Thank You dinner we hosted to thank everyone who helped make the trip possible. I'll post some photos soon too!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
A little but about how we started
Spring Semester 2011 is when when Lutheran Campus Ministry approached Al-Madinah Cultural Center with a proposition of going on an Interfaith service trip to New York City. About 30 people participated on this trip, about half Muslims and half Christians, and everyone (I think I can safely say everyone) had an amazing time, learned a lot, and made many new friends. The trip took place over Spring Break, and each day we did service work, such as working in food kitchens, but we also had time to explore areas as a group and on our own in NY; and of course we would have reflections and interfaith discussions as a group as well. After the trip many students were interested in bringing back what we did to Minneapolis--the interfaith and volunteer work, which is how the idea for InterfaithU began.
If you are interested in learning more about our trip we blogged about it here
If you are interested in learning more about our trip we blogged about it here
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Interfaith Discussion
Our first event on Thursday went better than expected. InterfaithU would like to thank everyone who showed up and for all of your wonderful questions! Around 40 people attended, and it seemed like everyone had a great time and learned a lot.
At the event we discussed potential future events, and most people thought it would be a nice idea to have a an event dedicated to a specific religion with a panel of leaders/experts from that religion, and perhaps even hosting that event at that religion's place of worship (or if not possible an associated campus location). For example, having an event about Islam at a Mosque, Judaism at a Synagogue, and Christianity at a Church.
We hope to keep you updated about upcoming events as we continue to keep working on them!
At the event we discussed potential future events, and most people thought it would be a nice idea to have a an event dedicated to a specific religion with a panel of leaders/experts from that religion, and perhaps even hosting that event at that religion's place of worship (or if not possible an associated campus location). For example, having an event about Islam at a Mosque, Judaism at a Synagogue, and Christianity at a Church.
We hope to keep you updated about upcoming events as we continue to keep working on them!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Updated Event
Hello all!
Just a quick update about our film screening event. Unfortunately we are no longer going to be showing the film, BUT we are still having an event on Thursday. We will be having an interfaith discussion, same place and time. And of course there will still be pizza provided! Some come join us for an open and engaging discussion Thursday evening!
Just a quick update about our film screening event. Unfortunately we are no longer going to be showing the film, BUT we are still having an event on Thursday. We will be having an interfaith discussion, same place and time. And of course there will still be pizza provided! Some come join us for an open and engaging discussion Thursday evening!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Welcome!
InterfaithU is currently in the process of completing the application to become a registered student group with the U of MN, we have a constitution drafted, and we are excited for everything to go forward!
Our first event ever is also right around the corner. It will be on Thursday October 27th on the 3rd floor of Coffman. We are screening the film "Little Town of Bethlehem" followed by a discussion about the film and interfaith topics raised by the film.
Our first event ever is also right around the corner. It will be on Thursday October 27th on the 3rd floor of Coffman. We are screening the film "Little Town of Bethlehem" followed by a discussion about the film and interfaith topics raised by the film.
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