Window to Islam is opening

Rarely in North Idaho does an opportunity arise to learn about religions and cultures other than our own. Even after a glimpse from travel, a literary enrichment, or chance meeting of someone "different," the picture remains incomplete. There are as many interpretations of religions as there are cultures, families, and individuals who adhere to them.

This weekend an increasingly common trifecta of cooperation in learning - the North Idaho Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship, The Unity Church of North Idaho and the Northwest School for Religious and Philosophical Studies - will present free classes in Islamic studies at the Harding Family Center, 411 N. 15th St. in Coeur d'Alene.

The classes are Friday, Sept. 21 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday offers a celebration of all three Abrahamic religions (Christianity, Judaism, and Islam) through music, scripture, and poetry at the Human Rights Education Institute from 2 to 4 p.m.

The classes will be taught by members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, a growing international revival movement within Islam and based in the United Kingdom. Its roots were in British India in 1889, when prophet Mirza Ghulam Ahmad sought to return Islam to what he believed was its original focus, self-described as similar to the teachings of Jesus and away from fanatical interpretations.

Ahmadiyya's mission is to end all religious wars, and encourage peace, justice, morality, and tolerance. Like most mainstream Muslims, Ahmadis categorically reject terrorism. Amadiyya works also include hospitals and disaster relief through its charity, Humanity First.

While Ahmadis have much in common with the majority Sunni Muslims, there are also differences. They number in the tens of millions (estimates vary widely) and span at least 200 nations. While in some locales they thrive, in others they endure religious persecution.

The classes are free but donations are welcome. For more information call the Harding Center at (208) 666-6755, or HREI (208) 292-2359.

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at [email protected].