Islam 101: What Our Muslim Brothers & Sisters Believe and Practice

The second presentation in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Bridgeport's "Buiding Bridges In A Multi-Cultural Society" spring discussion series will be held next Saturday.The series is aimed at combating racism, xenophobia and discrimination in our society today through public education and information sharing. It is co-sponsored by SURJ Fairfield County (Showing Up for Racial Justice).

The presentation will focus on improving understanding of the Islamic faith and culture as it is observed by followers in the United States and throughout the world today. Speakers will be Dr. Ahmed Ebrahim and Amina Seyal.

Born in Egypt, Dr. Ebrahim came to the United States in 1999 where he earned his MBA and PhD degrees from Rutgers University. He is currently President of the Bridgeport Islamic Community Center and has taken leadership in the Tent of Abraham initiative under the Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport by organizing an annual interfaith Iftar in downtown Bridgeport's McLevy Park where the community can join their Muslim brothers and sisters in breaking the fast of Ramadan. He is currently an associate professor of accounting at Fairfield University and is both a certified public accountant and a certified management accountant.

Ms. Seyal, a member of Islamic faith communities in Bridgeport, Monroe, and Norwalk, writes, photographs and advocates for the rights of marginalized populations, drawing upon her Pakistani-American Muslim identity. She is currently completing a year with Public Allies Connecticut serving the Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition and working with U.S. Immigration attorney Ana Nobleza Siscar. Ms. Seyal plans to pursue a career in human and civil rights law in the coming years. Ms. Seyal believes that "local community interfaith efforts to maintain positive bonds and understanding between spiritual groups is one of the most valuable aspects of practicing my faith in Connecticut."

"Islam 101" is open to the community with doors opening at 5:30 pm. There is no charge, but donations to the Bridgeport Council of Churches' interfaith initiative are suggested. Halal refreshments will be served according to Islamic custom.

The final presentation in the Diversity Education series, "Has Our Lady in the Harbor Closed the Golden Door?," is scheduled for June 18.