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Second annual conference educates Memphians about Muslims, Islam By Jacinthia Jones Michael Embry, a Christian, went to the Germantown
Centre on Sunday afternoon with an open mind and curiosity and sat in a
roomful of Muslims.
The event, Muslims in Memphis, was billed as an open house and
informational bazaar for Muslims and non-Muslims. It is the second year that
Memphis Muslims have planned community-wide events in March to educate people
about their faith.
"I'm somewhat more open-minded than the average Baptist," said
Embry, of Collierville.
The member of First Baptist Church in Collierville is interested in Islam
as one of the world's three major religions, along with Christianity and
Judaism.
"Each one says it's right, but logic tells you that they can't all be
right," Embry said.
"I just want to see what they're talking about and where do you go
from here."
Likewise, Linda Gleason, a former Memphian now living in Wisconsin, came
seeking information. She is in town on business, but attended the Muslim event
at the invitation of a friend and colleague, Amna Abboud. The two have
discussed Christianity and Islam in the past.
"I just know Muslims through my work in science," Gleason said.
"I think it's important to learn about Islam and appreciate it for its
culture."
Achievements by Muslims were highlighted during one of several lectures.
For instance, visitors were told that Muslims were the first to use anesthesia
(a mixture containing opium) during surgery.
A Muslim, Al-Razi, was the first to diagnose small pox and measles.
Mathematician and astronomer Ibn al Haytham made significant contributions to
the principles of optics.
"It's educational for both Muslims as well as non-Muslims," said
Sameh Suboh. "Even Muslims don't know everything there is to know about
Islam."
Next door, at the bazaar, visitors were introduced
to My Sister's Keeper, a Muslim Internet support group for girls and women at
http://mysisters keeper.com.
At a booth manned by Tahira Ali, Asmaa Larkins and
Asiyah Pierce, visitors could purchase cookbooks with recipes from Muslim
cooks and bath salts made by the Muslim women. "We talk about issues
pertinent to women, such as rape or abuse," said Ali, who founded the
local group.
Visitors could sample halal chicken or shawerma, an Arabic-style gyro
sandwich. Boxed lunches with foods such as kachori, fried potato balls with
spices, or halwan, a sweet pudding-like dish, also were for sale.
Shehnaz Samana cooked 25 of the meals. "It's all Pakistani foods -
well, not the brownies."
- Jacinthia Jones: 529-2780 |
