Subhead: Judaism will be explored during next ‘Faith, Conversation and Coffee’ event
SOUTH BRUNSWICK – Dozens of people of diverse faiths joined together to gain insight into the Islamic faith.
The South Brunswick Human Relations Commission (SBHRC) presented its second “Faith, Conversation and Coffee” event on April 25 at the Islamic Society of Central Jersey (ISCJ) in the Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick.
“These series of events provide community members the opportunity to learn, explore, interact and build bridges of peace and understanding among our diverse community,” Azra Baig, chairwoman of the SBHRC, told the several dozen residents of South Brunswick, Princeton, Franklin, North Brunswick, East Brunswick and even Asbury Park who attended the event.
Dr. Heba Elkhateeb, a professor at Rutgers University and a member of ISCJ, presented information on numerous topics such as the oneness of God, who is a Muslim, the prophets, the scriptures, fasting and charity, and pointed out the many similarities on these topics among the various faith traditions.
“Islam, which means the attainment of peace through loving submission to the will of God, is a religion of nature and works with the human nature,” she said. “Muslims believe, by historical evidence, the Quran is the last testament, an affirmation and restoration of God’s eternal message to humanity and previous revelations, including the Old and New Testament.”
The attendees were able to listen to the call to prayer or “Adhan” in Arabic, and were provided with its translation and explanation. The attendees were then led into the main prayer area and were able to observe the Muslim congregates perform the evening prayer, led by ISCJ’s religious leader, Imam Hamad Chebli.
The next Faith, Conversation and Coffee event will focus on Judaism from 7-8 p.m. on May 10 at Congregation B’nai Tikvah, 1001 Finnegans Lane, North Brunswick.
For more information, email SouthBrunswickHRC@gmail.com.
