When I think Boston, I think Irish Catholics with a few Italians thrown into the mix. However, in studying the Muslim community in the Boston area during this workshop, I have found that they are certainly a population that is well represented and thoroughly visible (but then again, I have known where to look).
Having studied Arabic for the past year and a half accompanied by a smattering of Quranic readings, I have developed a certain appreciation of Arab culture. Explaining this background to members of the Muslim community in Boston, I have found that there is an intense desire on their part to educate non-Muslims about Islam. Multiple times throughout the week I have been told that they believe that it is Allah who has led me to them for their information and assistance in understanding.
The disconnect I have found is in that the Muslim community is open and more than willing to educate non-Muslims, whereas from all that I have seen this week, the non-Muslim community is not as forthcoming in this move toward mutual understanding. Classes intended for both new Muslims and non-Muslims to learn about Islam - Islam 101, sponsored by the Muslim American Society (housed in the ISBCC) - are lacking any non-Muslim participants.
In such a critical time of needing understanding throughout the world, I can only hope that all parties will be as open for discussion as I have found the Muslim community in Boston to be.
A muslim woman wearing a burqa gets off the T at Roxbury Crossing to go to the ISBCC on Tuesday, January 6, 2009. The ISBCC has been drawing worshippers from around Boston, altering the shape of Muslim congregations of Greater Boston.
- Meredith Klein
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