Friday, August 31, 2012

The Contribution of Fethullah Gulen on Christian-Muslim relations

Mustafa Erol *

Dialogue has been the buzz word for around a century especially during the last 3-4 decades to improve the relationship between individuals and communities especially members of different faiths. Dialogue is still the work of people who are overwhelmingly either member of a religious faith or work of a religious institution. One important individual from an Islamic background who has contributed on this issue positively has been Fethullah Gulen. His followers who subscribe themselves to his approach have established many dialogue institutions, over 130 different countries to implement his philosophy.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

How Can American Muslims Approach Muslim-Jewish Dialogue?

Kemal Argon

American Muslims interested in dialogue with Jews actually do exist. Muslim-Jewish dialogues should be attempted, even if these seem difficult at times and even if there are people in both Muslim and Jewish communities who don't believe in Muslim-Jewish dialogue. The potential short-term and long-term benefits outweigh the disadvantages.

Friday, August 10, 2012

We Are All Muslims: A Sikh Response to Islamophobia in the NYPD and Beyond

Sonny Singh *

As a brown-skinned Sikh with a turban on my head and a long beard on my chin, I deal with my fair share of racist and xenophobic harassment regularly, including in my home of New York City, the most diverse city on the planet. It usually takes the form of someone yelling or perhaps mumbling at me: Osama bin Laden/terrorist/al Qaeda/he's going to blow up the [insert location]/go back to your country/etc. Less often, someone might threaten me, get in my face, or in one case, pull off my turban on the subway.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Representatives of non-Muslim foundations gather at iftar in Ankara

Non-Muslim foundations hosted an iftar (fast-breaking) dinner on Tuesday in the Turkish capital of Ankara, with Deputy Prime Minister Bülent Arınç and Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Deputy Chairman Hüseyin Çelik in attendance.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Ramadan tent set up in Russian capital to promote dialogue

A Ramadan tent set up in the Russian capital of Moscow started to offer iftars (fast-breaking meals) on Monday and festive Ramadan activities for locals and Muslims who live in the city.

The Ramadan tent was set up for the first time in 2006 and in time has grown and become an example for similar projects in other parts of Russia. The tent is largely seen as a symbol of peace and tolerance in Russia. It is also supported by the Moscow municipal administration.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Ramadan, interfaith dialogue, tolerance

Fatih Harpci

Going back to approximately 14 centuries ago, one of the last nights of the Arab month of Ramadan, maybe August in the year 610 C.E., we witness a caravan traveler, merchant, husband and father named Muhammad [pbuh].

Friday, August 3, 2012

Jewish community hosts iftar at Neve Shalom Synagogue

The Turkish Jewish community hosted its annual iftar (fast-breaking) dinner on Wednesday at the Neve Shalom Synagogue in İstanbul.