A Celebration of Abraham
By Ras H. Siddiqui
L
to R:Rabbi Wolfe,Father John Boll and Sister Dina El-Nakhal |
On
Sunday, January 9, 2005 three religions that can easily find
a common bond in a number of ways (yet seem to want to somehow
ignore the obvious) brought together about 500 of their following
to the St. James Memorial Center in Davis, California to "A
Celebration of Abraham" organized by local Jews, Christians
and Muslims. And one is happy to report that this is not the
first but now the second year of this effort locally, held
this year so close to the time of the Muslim holy pilgrimage
of the Hajj which culminates in the duplication of the sacrifice
of the Prophet Abraham of his beloved son which Muslims celebrate
and call Eid-ul-Adha (Eid of Sacrifice or Bakra Eid). Amidst
words of welcome, reading from the scriptures and musical
presentations along with speeches or sermons, the followers
of the three faiths also got an opportunity to participate
in a hand washing and bread breaking ceremonies.
Interfaith Abraham gathering |
The
focus of the collective attention here this time was the topic
of "Messianic Visions from Three Faiths" as representatives
of each took the opportunity to explain how their religion
views the subject of Messiahs. In order of seniority within
the three Abrahamic faiths, Jewish Rabbi Greg Wolfe from the
Congregation Bet Haverim, Davis spoke first. He was followed
by Fr. John Boll from the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Woodland,
California who presented the Christian view, and last but
not least the Muslim perspective was presented by Sister Dina
El-Nakhal from the Islamic Center of Davis. Not to comment
on the religious beliefs of each here, but two points certainly
stood out. The first was that even on the subject of Messiahs,
much common ground can be found between Judaism, Christianity
and Islam.
SALAM
students |
And
the second was the fact that at this event, amongst the three
main speakers, it was only the Islamic viewpoint that was
presented by a woman. "A Celebration of Abraham" is an attempt
being made by the followers of three religions to highlight
their
Water
ritual and bread |
commonality
instead of their differences. It is also a unique way that
people who have been taught from The Torah, The Bible and
The Qur'an can better understand one another and think beyond
world conflicts. Jewish, Christian and Muslim-Americans can
lead the way towards reconciliation amongst these three faiths.
The alternative does not seem to be working out too well.
Wouldn't it be great if we could all wash our hands of conflict
and break the bread of peace in this world today and somehow
share the Holy Land and Jerusalem instead of fighting over
it?
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