Interfaith group presents education forum on Islam

What is the Islam religion all about? Learn for yourself at a presentation next month in Annandale hosted by the Interfaith Community for Dialogue.

“Islam: Knowledge Over Fear” will be held Sunday, April 3, 2:30-5 p.m. at John Calvin Presbyterian Church, 6531 Columbia Pike. Register online or on site beginning at 2 p.m., or call 703-324-7608.

Jonathan Brown, a professor of Islamic studies in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, will speak. He is the chair of the Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Center for Muslim Christian Understanding at Georgetown and the author of the 2014 book, Misquoting Muhummad: The Challenges and Choices of Interpreting the Prophet’s Legacy.

Imam Zia Makhdoom of the Mustafa Center in Annandale will present Islam’s basic tenets and discuss misconceptions and myths about the religion. Makhdoom is the founder of MakeSpace, an inclusive, welcoming hub for young Muslims that promotes spiritual and intellectual growth, compassion, and community service.

There will be a question-and-answer session following the presentation. Contact Renice Holman at [email protected] for more information about this event.

Interfaith Communities for Dialogue is a program supported by the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. Its mission is to promote understanding, respect, and relationships among religiously and culturally diverse communities. There are two groups, one in Annandale and one in McLean.

Participants in the Annandale group include representatives from Baha’is of Fairfax East, Congregation Olam Tikvah, the Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center, Durga Temple, John Calvin Presbyterian Church, Ravensworth Baptist Church, the Sikh Foundation of Northern Virginia. 

The group hosts community dialogues, film screenings, and book discussions and organizes community service activities.