02/15/06: Metro Muslims to share the story of Muhammad's life
Detroit Free Press- February 15, 2006
Cartoon furor is chance to teach
BY NIRAJ
WARIKOO
FREE
PRESS STAFF WRITER
February 15, 2006
Michigan Muslims launched a campaign Tuesday to educate the public about the prophet Muhammad as protests continued to flare over a cartoon published by a Danish newspaper that depicted Islam's founder as a terrorist.
Islamic leaders from across southeast Michigan -- including some from Detroit, Dearborn, Canton, Dearborn Heights and Bloomfield Hills -- gathered at the Muslim Center of Detroit to detail plans to help tell the story of Muhammad through lectures, panels and free biographies. The move is part of the Council on American-Islamic Relations' nationwide effort to defuse tensions over the cartoon.
Inside the Detroit mosque, the leaders denounced the cartoon and the violence that has ensued in Muslim countries.
"When people of diverse backgrounds get to know each other on a human level ... the prospect of hatred is diminished," said Dawud Walid, head of the council's Michigan branch.
"Inflammatory language and violence do not cultivate peace in any civilized society."
Imam Mohammad Elahi, head of the Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights, said the leaders support freedom of expression, but that there should also be honesty, fairness and responsibility, especially when talking about major religious figures.
Walid and others are urging the public to contact local mosques for information about Muhammad and to visit www.cair.com for a free DVD or book on his life.
On Feb. 24, mosques across metro Detroit will feature talks about Muhammad that are open to the public.
Contact NIRAJ WARIKOO at 248-351-2998 or warikoo@freepress.com.
information about Muhammad and to visit www.cair.com for a free DVD or book on his life.
On Feb. 24, mosques across metro Detroit will feature talks about Muhammad that are open to the public.
Contact NIRAJ WARIKOO at 248-351-2998 or warikoo@freepress.com.