CORNING — The actions of a few Islamic radicals have given the Prophet Muhammad and Islam a bad reputation, according to a Muslim organization dedicated to painting a more accurate picture of the religion’s founder.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community held a public forum Sunday in Corning as part of a nationwide effort to promote Muhammad as a messenger of peace.
The theme of the conference was “Love for all, hatred for none.”
The event, held at the Southeast Steuben County Library in Corning, attracted about 40 people, Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
The main speaker was Dr. Zia Shah, of Binghamton, who talked about the life and times of Muhammad and how in many ways, Islam is not that different from Christianity.
“We also love Jesus as a noble prophet of God. Jesus’ name is mentioned more in the Koran than Muhammad,” Shah said. “We also love and cherish Mother Mary. One verse of the Koran describes Mother Mary as a role model for not only all Muslim women, but all Muslim men.
“(Muhammad’s) passion in life was to help others. He declared life to be sacred and instructed his followers to protect it,” he said.
Even many Muslims have forgotten that message of peace, Shah said.
Jenny Monroe, of the Southern Tier Interfaith Coalition, said she was glad for an opportunity to learn more about an often misunderstood and feared religion.
“After Sept. 11 (2001), one of my personal goals was to learn about Islam. We live in fear sometimes,” Monroe said. “Fear is false evidence appearing real. I want to do the right thing. It has really enlarged my view of what we can do together. There is so much work to do.”
Dr. Zia Shah of Binghamton, left, talks about the Muslim Prophet Muhammad during a public conference Sunday at the Southeast Steuben County Library in Corning. / JEFF MURRAY / STAFF PHOTO
Categories: Ahmadiyyat: True Islam, Americas, Peace Conference, United States