Interfaith Dialog

When Spirituality Meets with Violence

Silicon Valley Chapter

December 9, 2012

By Mubashir Ahmad (LLB/MA)

An Interfaith Discussion with Representatives of

Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism & Spiritual Living

On Sunday January 27, 2013, the Silicon Valley jamaat co-hosted an Interfaith Event at Center for Spiritual Living under the title “When Spirituality Meets with Violence”.

A brief introduction to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was given by the Vice President of the Silicon Valley jamaat, Aftab Jamil sahib. Welcoming the audience of some 120 people (comprising 60 members of the local jamaat and about 60 members of the congregation at Center for Spiritual Living) on behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Aftab Sahib mentioned that we live in a world that has shrunk and one in which we are all connected. As such, we have a growing responsibility to each other as we all face common dangers.

Representatives of each religion as well as the Center of Spiritual Living presented their respective prayers seeking peace and tranquility.  Ayiza Ahmed and Zohair Ahmed represented AMC and presented the recitation and translation of Sura Al-Fatiha.

Rev.  Susan Overland introduced each of the speakers below:

Dr. David Bruner, Center for Spiritual Living

• Sardar Bhupinder Singh Dhillon, Sikh Gurdawara of San Jose
• Father Thomas Massaro, Dean – Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University
• Rabbi Melanie Aron, Congregation of Shir Hadash, Los Gatos
• Imam Mubasher Ahmad, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

Each speaker presented the perspective of his /her faith based community regarding the intersection of Violence and Spirituality and how the adherents of such faith based system are expected to manage their lives in a society in which there are various examples of violence against innocent.

Dr.  David Bruner emphasized that advocacy for peace in the society begins with one’s own soul and personal behavior.   He explained that in a multi-cultural society there is a need to embrace and celebrate diversity instead of merely promoting tolerance.

The Sikh presenter stressed that all communities are in search of peace where all can live without fear and how the teachings of the founder of Sikhism emphasized peace and love for all human beings.

Father Massaro explained that Christian teachings of based on the premise of “Love Your Enemy”.   He conceded that behavior of Christians, now as well as through the middle ages, has not been aligned with such teachings as there have been acts of violence and discrimination and Church’s track record has many blemishes.   He emphasized the need for faith based communities to be proactive in combating violence and explained that he has been a proponent of Christian activism in that regard.

Rabbi Melanie emphasized that the message of the Old Testament against violence is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago.   She reminded everyone that teachings of Torah in many regards were very consistent with those contained in the Bible and the Holy Quran.

Imam Mubasher Ahmad highlighted that Islam is the only religion whose name has a meaning which is Peace and submission.   He explained that Islam’s core message is Peace through total submission to God.   He explained that violence can be in various forms including; physical, emotional or spiritual.   It can be committed by one person or it can be state sanctioned against a group of people.   He gave various examples from the life of the Holy Prophet of Islam (SAW) and how he combated violence with patience and forgiveness and throughout his life demonstrated how one should lead a life in his footsteps.    Imam Mubasher quoted numerous verses from the Holy Quran in which those who remain steadfast in the face of trials and atrocities have been given glad tidings.

Following the speeches, a panel discussion took place where questions from the audience were entertained by the four speakers.