Central Synagogue's Beth Emeth Sisterhood Hosts Islam 101 Forum

As an attorney, Jewish woman and a mother of a biracial family, Rena Riback is well-attuned to the deep fissures besetting American society. Against a backdrop of rising Islamophobia and a nationwide uptick in acts of anti-Semitism, Ms. Riback hopes to “turn fear into knowledge.” The Islam 101 forum she convened on March 19 was a start, she said, in “working together to get to know one another, and not only in times of crisis.” The forum was sponsored by the Central Synagogue of Nassau County’s Beth Emeth Sisterhood, and supported by Raising Voices USA, a non-partisan grassroots movement that advocates for democratic values and the protection of human rights.

Nadia Pervez, an attorney and member of the Islamic Center of Long Island (ICLI), served as moderator and recruited panelists from mosques throughout Long Island. Ms. Pervez stressed that all of the panelists were speaking for themselves as individual Muslims and not on behalf of ICLI or any other organization.

Ms. Riback opened the forum with a quote from Maya Angelou: “In diversity there is beauty and strength.” She talked about standing outside a mosque in solidarity with Muslims after the first travel ban was signed by President Donald J. Trump, and, in turn, witnessing the support of Muslims who raised $161,000 to help repair vandalized Jewish cemeteries. Quoting from Psalm 133, Ms. Riback said, “Behold how good and pleasant it is for brothers and sisters to live together in unity.”

Dr. Isma Chaudhry, President of ICLI, presented an overview of the five pillars of Islam (faith in one God, prayer, charity, fasting and pilgrimage), instantly capturing the audience with her quick wit and easy smile. She was followed by Fizzah Idrees, a physician’s assistant, who explained the hijab, the head covering that some Muslim women wear. She wears the hijab by choice, and described it as a spiritual practice that allows her to connect with God and other Muslims. Wearing the hijab is not required and in most places where women wear it, it is by choice. As Ms. Idrees spoke, a slide show behind her displayed images of women throughout the world in various forms of hijab.

Following the formal presentation, panelists Sarah El-Tabib, a professor at Adelphi University, Rebekah El Gamal, an artist, Sohail Nabi, an IT specialist, Maz Khalfan, a small business owner who grew up on Long Island, and Arelis El-Fiky, who was raised Catholic and converted to Islam when she married her husband, answered questions from the audience.

During the question and answer period, several lesser known aspects of Islam emerged. According to the panelists, Islam teaches that religion is non-compulsory and that any rules or restrictions are up to the individual to follow, such as abstaining from alcohol, women wearing the hijab or men sporting facial hair. Since Islam has no central authority figures or hierarchy, one’s private life and behavior are between the individual and God. In response to an audience question about countries where Muslim women are required to wear hijab or the more restrictive burqa, the panelists stressed that such practices are cultural rather than religious and are the exception.

“I want to point out that the president of the Islamic Center of Long Island is a woman,” said Arelis Elfiky, after a question arose about the perception of Islam as patriarchal and male-oriented.

Another surprising fact about Islam is that the names of Jesus, Moses and Mary are among the most frequently mentioned in the Quran. Muhammad is mentioned only four times. “Muhammad, peace be upon him, is a prophet,” said Dr. Chaudhry. “We do not follow him. We follow God.” Mary has an entire chapter devoted to her and is highly revered among Muslims.

Also covered was the concept of sharia law, which is not a law but reflects practices derived from the Quran and the life of the prophet. Islam preaches that Muslims living in non-Muslim societies are to follow the rules of the land in which they live. Sharia is mainly aimed at preservation: of the sacredness of all life, of faith, of intellect (hence the proscription against alcohol and drugs), of lineage (e.g. a Muslim woman is not expected to take her husband’s surname) and of property.

When asked why Muslim Imams don’t speak out against acts of terrorism, Professor Sarah El-Tabib stated that is “simply not true. Good news doesn’t travel fast in the media so it’s not getting covered when Imams speak out but I can assure you that they do.”

Rabbi Susan Elkodsi of the Malverne Jewish Center also spoke about the need for Muslims and non-Muslims to work together. “We fear what we do not know but when we get to know each other, we can overcome fear.” Rabbi Elkodsi oversees a chapter of Salaam Shalom, a sisterhood of Muslim and Jewish women with 150 chapters throughout the world.

The final question of the event was a request for an explanation of jihad. Dr. Chaudhry said that it is the most misinterpreted word in Islam; jihad, she stated, means struggle and primarily reflects the individual’s internal struggle to abstain from wrongdoing.

The common theme of the day was knowledge, especially in terms of knowing other people. “We are so fortunate to live in a diverse society,” said Rebekah El Gamal, about what non-Muslims can do to bridge the gap between cultures and communities. “Islam puts a high premium on getting to know your neighbor and I think that learning about one’s neighbors and giving of yourself is one of the best ways.”