The Holy Quran commands us to have an inner love and compassion for people of all faiths, races and nations, for Muslims consider them as the manifestations of God in this world and need to treat them with a heartfelt respect and love. This is the very basis of communities administered by Islamic morality.

“We have appointed a law and a practice for every one of you. Had God willed, He would have made you a single community, but He wanted to test you regarding what has come to you. So compete with each other in doing good. Every one of you will return to God and He will inform you regarding the things about which you differed.” (Surat al-Ma’ida, 48)

In that spirit, SMC and IECOC hosted Dr. Sana Tayyen’s class, Islam in America, from University of Redlands on Friday, March 16, 2018. SMC President, Dr. Sayed Moustafa Al-Qazwini met with the students prior to Jummah Prayers to compare and contrasts what Muslims in America are really like vs the way they are portrayed on television. Further, Dr. Al-Qazwini discussed how important tolerance and multi-cultured communities are in Islam, for Allah SWT has told us in the Holy Quran that he has created as nations and tribes, so we know each other.

Dr. Tayyen’s class’s objective is to provide a thorough historical understanding of the roots of Islam in America and the situation of contemporary American Muslims face post 9/11. The class has examined the historical spread of Islam and contemporary topics affecting Muslims, particularly Islamophobia. The class is analyzing the development and spread of Islamophobia in America, leading many to understand the ways in which difference, inequality, and marginalization have been socially constructed to falsely identify Muslims in America.

Dr. Tayyen noted at the conclusion of the visit “This was an amazing experience. Our students loved the visit to the Masjid and the Imam was wonderful. It was so informative and the students learned so much. The Shia and IECOC community are beautiful.“

Brothers Salam Ali, Samir Amiri and Karim Taei and Sister Sahar Ali were gracious to host the visitors.

Students discussing Islam in America with SMC President, Dr. Sayed Moustafa al-Qazwini

Students listening to Jummah Kutbah at IECOC.

Students enjoying lunch at Lotus Chinese after visit to IECOC.