Interesting lecture at ESU

[xp_dust]

I attended a very interesting lecture yesterday. It was given by Drs. Nasir and Amira Rashid, a husband and wife couple of Islamic scholars. Both are on faculty at ESU. The topic was “The role of mutants in the Ummah”. For those who don’t know, the word ummah generally refers to the Islamic community worldwide. They present a strong support for integrating mutants in society, but on the other hand they also point strongly to responsibility that mutants have to learn to control their powers as far as possible and that they use their powers to help and not to harm. The other people have the responsibility to welcome mutants, even those who look strange or have powers that could be scary. The idea is that everybody are brothers and sisters.  

There have been many people who have said this before and some have called this view naïve, but what was really interesting to me was how they used Islamic sources to build and support their view. It’s a way of interpreting things I haven’t seen before, though I am no scholar. If this gets more attention in countries in the Middle East for example and the scholars there accept it, it might help to improve things there.

I enjoyed listening and thinking about this topic. In Attilan I studied at the mosque to learn more about my faith and I went to an discussion group for young people who were both Islamic and a mutant, where we talked about this kind of topics often. I have been missing that the last few months, so it’s good to get back to it.

Comments

[x-quebecois.livejournal.com]

It is possible, I think, that you could begin a group such as you describe in District X. I am sure there are many who would like to discuss these things.

[x-dust.livejournal.com]

They were also talking about organizing some kind of discussion group at the lecture... I'll want to check that out, but if that doesn't work, it might be a good idea to see if I can find some equal minded people in District X...

Thanks for the suggestion!

[x-quebecois.livejournal.com]

You are welcome, of course. If you think you would like to begin the group, or maybe talk to others in District X about the possibility, only let me know. I can give you contact information for people, oui?

[x-highflying.livejournal.com]

And the refurbishments for the community center should be done sooner rather than later, so that would be the perfect space for it.

[x-dust.livejournal.com]

That would be a nice place for it. I know they have been using a room at ESU, but a community centre would draw a wider audience. Someone is looking into some things for me and then I will contact them...

[x-highflying.livejournal.com]

The center's probably a few weeks away, since the refurbishments have just started, but you can always use the conference room at my office in District X until then.

[x-dust.livejournal.com]

If it's okay, I'll just forward your contact information towards the Drs. Rashid. They mentioned they had groups and that they were looking for places where they could organize it, but futher I know very little...

[x-quebecois.livejournal.com]

Oui, I saw them this past weekend. I believe they have hired, even, the man who will help with running the center, have they not?