Public invited to free film Sunday on Islamic art

The public is invited to a free screening of a documentary film, “Islamic
Art: Mirror of the Invisible World,” followed by a discussion, Sunday, June 16,
3-7 p.m., at the Mason Government Center. Refreshments will be served.

The event is organized by Bridging the Gap, Connecting the Faithful, a nonprofit organization founded by Rafia Syeed, a Parklawn resident,
to promote solidarity, harmony, and peace through dialogues, seminars, and
group discussions among people of different religions. Bridging the Gap focuses on “commonalities and collective commitment
to values, peace, and justice in all faiths,” says Syeed.

Syeed originally from the Indian state of Kashmir, immigrated to the
United States in 1976. Her family settled in Indiana, where she founded
Bridging the Gap to counter negative attitudes that surfaced against the Muslim
community after 9/11 and addressing misconceptions about
Islam through education, understanding, and interfaith dialogue. After moving to the Annandale area four years ago, she founded
a similar organization here.

Last year, the group led a seminar on Ramadan at Peace Lutheran Church in Lincolnia and plans to hold a similar event this
summer. Previous sessions have focused on fasting and almsgiving in different
faiths. The group is tentatively planning an interfaith conference in August, with
clergy from Jewish and Christian denominations also taking part. 

For more information about the film and Bridging the Gap,
contact Rafia Syeed, 703/256-2207.