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Uploaded: Friday, March 16, 2012, 4:59 PM
Updated: Sunday, March 18, 2012, 11:08 AM
SRVIC opens its doors to community
Set to offer Islam 101- An introduction to Islamic Faith & Culture
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by Glenn Wohltmann
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 | To dispel some of the myths surrounding Islam, the Moslem community is reaching out to offer a primer to people of all faiths.
Beginning Saturday, March 31, the San Ramon Valley Islamic Center will begin "Islam 101 -- An introduction to Islamic Faith and Culture."
"In the absence of light you will find darkness. As Islam became a topic of discussion in recent years, there has been much information floating around about Islam, some of which is true, and unfortunately, most of it is invalid, creating many unfounded fears and myths about Islam and Muslims," said SRVIC Outreach Director Imad Abboushi. "As American Muslims, it is our duty to serve our community and educate our neighbors about our religion and culture. This class is the start of such effort."
Abboushi said classes are open to all and will begin at 11 a.m. and run through 1 p.m.
"We welcome students, educators, church members, and the Bay Area at-large community to learn what Islam is all about and what Muslims believe in. This is an opportunity to get insight into the lives of American Muslims and to get your questions answered in a casual and cordial setting," he said.
During the visit, attendee will have an opportunity to attend a basic presentation about Islam, engage in an open dialogue and get questions answered, and receive a tour SRVIC facility -- and a complimentary of the Quran, the Muslim Holy book. No RSVP is required.
The SRVIC is located at 2232 Camino Ramon in San Ramon. It's been part of the community since 1992, when about 20 Muslim families who'd moved into the area decided they needed an Islamic Center to organize their religious, cultural, educational and community activities.
As the number of Muslim families grew in the area, SRVIC acquired its first building in 1998. Over the last four years, the Muslim population grew at a tremendous rate.
Last year, the SRVIC acquired the building adjoining its facility; as part of its expansion plan to accommodate the growing needs of Muslim community, which has grown rapidly over the last four years.
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Posted by Ann, a resident of the Danville neighborhood, on Mar 20, 2012 at 1:15 am Will the suras that cover the inequality of women be discussed? How about the sura that states it is ok to lie to an infidel? Perhaps the fact that so many hot spots in the world have roots in "the peaceful religion?"
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Posted by Diane, a resident of the Alamo neighborhood, on Mar 21, 2012 at 8:11 am Unless the presenters are going to make the denunciation of violence and acts of terror a centerpiece of their program, and within this 'introduction' explain how a religion that contains such opposing tenets can be followed, I don't see how any understanding or enlightenment of the community can be accomplished.
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Posted by Aubrey, a resident of the Alamo neighborhood, on Mar 21, 2012 at 11:59 am The Koran as written by Mohammed preaches violence and enslavement of the infidel. That is a fact, not conjecture.
As such, true believers that follow the Koran support the violence of Al Quaeda, et al. Those that preach peace are the ones that are actually preverting the religion of Islam.
Islam is only peaceful to those within the fold, all others are fair game...
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Posted by Brian Stein-Webber, a resident of the Walnut Creek neighborhood, on Mar 21, 2012 at 4:16 pm I am grateful to the people of the Islamic Center of San Ramon Valley for providing this class, and invite the above commenters to get their answers in person. Overcome the distance of the internet! Meet real people! Who knows? Friendship might actually happen!
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Posted by Citizen Paine, a resident of the Danville neighborhood, on Mar 21, 2012 at 5:46 pm I just want to add my voice to Brian's. We could use a Lot more acceptance in these parts -- howsabout listening to the better angels of your respective beliefs and come on out to hear about those of somebody else?
Thanks for taking this outreach step, SRVIC!
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