Archive for February, 2011

New Friends at the Islamic Center by the Rev. Joanne Leslie, Parish Deacon, St. John’s Cathedral

St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral is a diverse community of progressive Christians. Our location near USC in downtown Los Angeles gives us the opportunity and the obligation to serve as a meeting place. We welcome folks who want to worship with us, folks who want to use our resources and folks who simply want to get to know us better. So St. John’s was thrilled to be invited to join the Islamic Center of Southern California to form a discussion group based on The Christian-Muslim Consultative Group Standing Together curriculum.

Rev. Joanne Leslie in front of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, commonly referred to as the "Blue Mosque," -- Istanbul, Turkey

So far we have met together three times and have discovered that we have a lot in common. Both congregations are ethnically diverse and include many people who came to the United States as immigrants. We also have work connections in the health and entertainment fields. Most importantly, we share a deep commitment to our own faith tradition and a sincere curiosity about the faith tradition of our new friends.

Each time we meet, as we get to know each other better, the questions go deeper. We hope that this will be the beginning of friendships that will last a long time. As one of our members suggested to me recently, “Maybe some discussion groups could continue out of the Standing Together experience. You know those dinner groups we have at St. John’s? Maybe something like that might emerge, a rotating dinner in a Muslim home, then a Christian home and alternating each time.” It sounds like a great idea to me!

Sura 56:74: "You shall glorify the name of your Lord, the Great."

Eid ul-Adha is celebrated every year on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijja of the lunar Islamic calendar and was celebrated on Tuesday November 16, 2010. Eid ul-Adha is a time of fun, festivities, family get-togethers, giftgiving and special prayers that commemorate Abraham’s near-sacrifice of his son, Ismail,  to prove his obedience to Allah (SWT).  The holiday is additionally observed by the symbolic sacrifice of a sheep, with a generous portion of the meat given to the poor as an act of charity.

Muslims of Southern California joined the Islamic Center of Southern California community for prayers and celebration at the Wilshire Grand Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles.  Takbeer started at 6:30 AM; the prayer was lead by Dr. Maher Hathout at 7:00 AM. While the prayer was going on, a large number of people gathered outside the prayer hall, patiently waiting to join in the 2nd prayer, which was led by Dr. Saleh Kholaki.

Worshipers at morning prayers, Eid ul-Adha

After the prayers everybody was embracing, greeting and wishing each other “Eid Mubarak.” Children were busy running around displaying their new clothes, taking candy from the tables, and participating in the fun and festivities.  Indeed, it was a true Eid celebration and a joyous event for all.