Understanding Islam and Muslims in the Light of The Current Political Environment

PICNA and Lutheran Seminary Present a Highly Successful Program

In view of the challenges being faced by U.S. Muslims and in the light of the current volatility in national political environment, PICNA and Lutheran Seminary produced their first joint program entitled, "Understanding Islam and Muslims" on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at their premises
In Columbia, SC.

The event was co-hosted by PICNA and Academy of Faith and Leadership, a subsidiary of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary and held at their Stavros Hall.

The main segment of the program was a presentation on Islam and Muslims by PICNA President, Chaudhry Sadiq, that was followed by a panel discussion and a Q&A session. Chaudhry Sadiq's powerful presentation elaborated on the meaning of 'Islam' and 'Muslims' and educated the keen audience about Allah, the Prophet Mohammad and the Qur'an. He emphasized the fact that Islam was all about peace, love, mercy and compassion and explained how early Muslims had contributed to all numerous sectors and facets of world civilization.

Sadiq spoke about global Muslim demographics before focussing on how U.S. Muslims were contributing to the American society as physicians, nurses, teachers, IT professionals, entrepreneurs and defense personnel. At the end of his segment, Chaudhry debunked the theory that Islam or Muslims had any connection with terrorism. He emphatically declared: "Terrorists are terrorists and they have no faith or religion, period"!

The two panelists, Rev. James Thomas and Dr. Carl Evans in their segments presented a positive and balanced view of Islam and Muslims and affirmed the fact that American Muslims were as peaceful, loyal and patriotic as people of any other faith.

In the Q&A session, the audience comprising of faith leaders and intellectuals, engaged in a healthy dialogue and expressed solidarity with Muslim Americans. Feedback and comments from all quarters ranged from 'very good' to 'excellent', pointing yet again to a very relevant and highly successful PICNA program.