Facilitator Dror Post (standing) listens to the Unity Program students while they offer ideas for Heschel student Brenne Rimberg (on floor) to record on a posterboard for the "Identity" activity.



Facilitator Dror Post looks down at Brenne Rimberg (blocked from view) as she takes notes on the students' discussion. The students called-out and explained words that they identified themselves with, related to faith, ethnicity, culture etc.



From left to right: Sarah Junnah, Huda Almuhaisen, Jacob Kose, Maya Matalon, Brenne Rimberg, and Adina Marx-Arpadi.



From left to right: Robyn Spector, Senior Facilitator Ahmad Amara , Ramla Hussain, Asma, Fatima Waziry.

Religion is one of the most important aspects of ones’ life. It is important to understand all components of ones’ religion. To assure oneself that you are following the religion that is best suited for ones own life, one must gain knowledge of other religions. Dialogue and discussions are very important concepts when it comes to understanding the foundations of religion. Things such as doctrine, culture, laws, prophets, and texts should be discussed in a philosophical and logical manner. Another technique in research is through the use of Holy books for evidence to examine one’s point. In Islam, there are things that should be reshaped such as culture being within the faith. The discussion of faith and people in the intra-group context is often one that stands a little bit more conservative while inter-group discussions often lack open-thinking and can cause religious debate.

When discussing the foundations of faith with an individual who follows the same religion but from a different sect, the use of that group’s holy text is particularly a wise tool to use. For example, if discussing the successor ship of Imam Ali (A.S) with an individual from the Sunni sect, one would use Surah Ma’idah (5:67); "O Apostle! Deliver what has been sent down to you from your Lord; and If you do not, You have not delivered His message (at all); And Allah will protect you from the people, For Allah does not guide those who reject Faith.” This text explains the event that took place when the Holy Prophet Mohammad (SAWW) received a revelation from Angel Jibraeel, and could possibly strengthen ones point. According to some Muslims, upon receiving this verse, Prophet Mohammad announced to the people that he has appointed Imam Ali (A.S) as his successor and the leader for the Muslim Ummah.

When it comes to explaining principals of faith to individuals outside ones religion, it is wise to use citations from both religious texts. One must make sure to talk in manner that will not offend the opposite group, in general using logic, so that the point is delivered clearly and eloquently. For example, often time’s people have viewed the Shias as “crazy” because they beat their chests during the month of Muharram for the Prophets grandson’s, (Imam Hussein (A.S) martyrdom. If one was discussing this topic with a Christian, one may use the Holy Bible to prove ones point. Chest beating is a way to express mourning. When Jesus was being crucified, there were people who wanted to prevent the crucifixion. Since their voices were not heard and Jesus was later crucified, they started to beat their chest to express their sorrow and sadness. In the Bible, Luke 23:48 states: “When all the people who had gathered for this spectacle saw what had happened, they returned home beating their breasts”.

One must make sure not to include cultural issues while discussing religion because people might confuse religion with culture, or vice versa. This is one weakness of some Muslims in today’s society. They tend to push culture into Islam and start practicing culture as religion. In some cultures, love marriages are not allowed. People then make it Haram (forbidden) for such acts to take place. While in Islam it is allowed. Yes, one can be a cultural individual but when it comes to religion, ones culture should be kept aside. This is one thing that needs to be reshaped and evaluated.

Discussions and dialogue are important when it comes to choosing the right religion for one’s life. Discussing an issue that is on one’s mind is sometimes better than doing research or reading a book. If a matter is discussed with one who has knowledge and experience is more helpful because one can question certain topics and make remarks and comments on feelings they hold towards a particular topic. It is accentuate to use references that will prove ones point. If a Muslim individual is having a dialogue with a person following Islam, the Holy Quran is the best reference. If the other person is from another religion, one can use the opposite religion’s Holy Books as a reference. It is important to keep culture and religion two separate topics, especially when discussing either one

-Huda Almuhaisen

Linda Sarsour, the Director of Programs for the Arab American Association of New York, spoke to the Unity Program students and their classmates from another social studies senior elective at Heschel about modesty in Islam. She described her upbringing as a native of Brooklyn and her decision as a young adult to begin wearing hijab, the traditional head-covering of Muslim women. Linda also shared her perspective on the challenges of Muslim-Jewish relations based on her wealth of dialogue experiences with members of the Jewish community in New York. In the photo above, she is speaking with Heschel Unity Program students Jacob Kose (r) and Robyn Spector (l).

Rabbi Burt Visotzky, the Nathan and Janet Appleman Professor of Midrash and Interreligious Studies at the Jewish Theological Seminary, spoke to Al-Iman students about Jewish history and Torah Law as well as Jewish and Muslim faith influence in the Middle East. Students found his take on utilizing historical co-existence between Muslims and Jews as a tool for unity in today's society very interesting and informative.

Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss, a professor at NYU and former AV board member, spoke to the Heschel students about her experiences as a convert to Islam seeking fellowship amidst the diversity of Muslims in the United States and abroad. She discussed challenges she faced in Germany and Michigan as well as her involvement with the Progressive Islam community in New York. (Heschel student Robyn Spector stands on the right.)