Imam Feisal on Stand Up with Pete Dominick, May 2, 2013

Richmond Forum describes the event:

One of the most compelling conversations of our age will take place on The Richmond Forum stage as we bring three noted voices together for the first time to tackle the fundamental question: Is Islam a religion of violence or peace? Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a former Muslim and the author of Infidel, speaks and writes widely about what she believes is the inherently violent nature of Islam and its subjugation and abuse of women. Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, an American Muslim spiritual leader, acclaimed author, and one of the most influential Muslim voices of moderation, holds the position that Islam is a bedrock of tolerance. Maajid Nawaz, a former Islamic extremist and the author of Radical, spent four years in an Egyptian prison and today works to challenge extremism and promote democracy in the Muslim world. Among the most requested topics by our subscribers, this promises to be a powerful and enlightening Forum.

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Imam Rauf’s lecture was anchored by his vision of the changing face of Islam and the modern, glocalised (global & local) Muslim in a post 9/11 world. He eloquently expressed how Muslims can and should play a pivotal role in overturning misconceptions about Islam, while being a bridge between the rest of humanity and the Ummah. Continue reading: Click here

Imam Feisal to take part in book reading and book signing at the Mamaroneck Public Library (136 Prospect Avenue, Mamaroneck, NY).

- Download the event flyer: Click here

- “Imam and Cordoba Initiative Founder to Speak at Mamaroneck Library” – article in the Larchmont Mamaroneck Patch

Sunday, June 2, 2013 – 6:30 – 8:30 pm:

Imam Feisal to discuss Moving the Mountain at Memorial United Methodist Church (250 Bryant Ave., White Plains, NY).

- Download the event flyer: Click Here

I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.”

We also have a dream, that one day Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, agnostics, atheists, will co-exist in harmony with mutual love and respect.

Let us continue to work toward Dr. King’s dream of an America beyond prejudice, and draw on the power of faith to unite us in that struggle.

We have a message to these people who claim to have done this in the name of Islam:
First, the Quran is very explicit: no bearer of burdens shall be made to bear another’s burden (6:164); and; whoever kills an innocent person is as if he has killed all of humankind (5:32). Second, Islam is a religion of law, not of lawlessness. No person has the right to be plaintiff, judge and executioner. It is therefore the obligation of the Libyan government to track down the criminals and bring them to justice.

We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family of Ambassador Chris Stevens and the others, who sacrificed their lives to help the Libyan people in their struggle for independence and democracy. For these public servants, who committed their lives and careers to the promotion of peace and dialogue between two countries, to die at the hands of extremists is a harsh contradiction to their lives’ work. That their death occurred on the anniversary of September 11, 2001, is a sharp reminder that our work to eliminate extremism is far from over.

We must amplify the voices of moderation and strengthen the moderates who stand for justice and peaceful coexistence.

Please join us in sending our thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families on this painful day. We stand in solidarity with members of the United States Department of State serving throughout the world, and support them in their continued resolve to combat the spread of extremism.

Though unrelated, both of these actions are the work of religious extremists. We condemn these acts of violence and stand in solidarity with our Buddhist brothers and sisters and with the people of Pakistan at this difficult time.