Programs and Presentations 2023

• 1) The Book-Club/ Interfaith Study Group (via zoom) meeting of members of The Salaam Network and All Peoples Unitarian Universalist Congregation, as well as Invited Guests, was held on January 11, 2023. We completed the review of Chapters 5-9 of MUHAMMAD, THE WORLD-CHANGER: AN INTIMATE PORTRAIT, by MOHAMAD JEBARA.
• 2) Dr. Saleem Seyal, Core Member of The Saleem Network, an eminent interventional and clinical cardiologist of Louisville, made a presentation on Islamic Calligraphy at All Peoples’ Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 4938 Brownsboro Road, Louisville on January 17, 2023 (7.00 – 8.30 p.m.) The objectives of the presentation were: 1) To familiarize the audience with Islamic Calligraphy which is regarded as a supreme Art Form in Muslim culture; 2) To describe the origin, evolution and different styles and scripts that evolved and have continued to flourish over the centuries; 3) To highlight differences in Islamic Calligraphy including Chinese, Arabic, Persian, and Ottoman (Turkish), Mughal and Andalusian (Spanish) influence; 4) To discuss the increasing popularity of Islamic Calligraphy among Muslims, as well as Non-Muslims, from an aesthetic, artistic standpoint.
• 3) The Book-Club/ Interfaith Study Group (via zoom) meeting of members of The Salaam Network and All Peoples Unitarian Universalist Congregation, as well as Invited Guests, was held on February 1, 2023. We completed the review of Chapter 10 (Islam: Preserving Core Ideals for Posterity) and the Epilogue of MUHAMMAD, THE WORLD-CHANGER: AN INTIMATE PORTRAIT by MOHAMAD JEBARA. Following the review, we reflected on what we regarded as the positive/negative aspects of the book. Finally, we discussed how the book is to be characterized: a) as a biography; b) as an historical novel; c) as a novel; or d) as something else.
• 4) The Book-Club/ Interfaith Study Group (via zoom) meeting of members of The Salaam Network and All Peoples Unitarian Universalist Congregation, as well as Invited Guests, was held on February 21, 2023. We had a preliminary conversation on Salman Rushdie’s book THE SATANIC VERSES which has been a subject of intense controversy and debate since its first publication in September 1988. We discussed PART I (The Angel Gibreel) and PART II (Mahound). Dr. Riffat Hassan explained the symbolic, mythological, theological and historical references in the book.
• 5) The Book-Club/ Interfaith Study Group (via zoom) meeting of members of The Salaam Network and All Peoples Unitarian Universalist Congregation, as well as Invited Guests, was held on March 20, 2023. We discussed PART III (Ellowen Deeowen), PART IV (Ayesha), PART V (A City Visible but Unseen), and PART VI (Return to Jahilia) of THE SATANIC VERSES.
• 6) The Book-Club/ Interfaith Study Group (via zoom) meeting of members of The Salaam Network and All Peoples Unitarian Universalist Congregation, as well as Invited Guests, was held on May 17, 2023. We discussed PART VII (The Angel Azraeel), PART VIII (The Parting of the Arabian Sea), and PART IX (The Wonderful Lamp) of THE SATANIC VERSES.
• 7) The Book-Club/ Interfaith Study Group (via zoom) meeting of members of The Salaam Network and All Peoples Unitarian Universalist Congregation, as well as Invited Guests, was held on June 14, 2023. We completed our review of Salman Rushdie’s THE SATANIC VERSES and heard the comments of a special panel of our members Dr. Joe Brennan, Dr. Marcia Segal, Rev. Kathleen Owens, Azam Saeed, Rev. Walter Snowa and Dr. Dennis Neyman. Dr. Riffat Hassan made the concluding remarks.
• 8) The Book-Club/Interfaith Study Group was held on October 11, 2023 (7.00 – 8.30 p. m.) when a review of “THE ROAD TO MECCA” by MUHAMMAD ASAD will begin. REV. KATHLEEN OWENS will lead the review of Chapters 1 – 4 of the book. Asad’s translation of, and commentary on, the Qur’an, entitled MESSAGE OF THE QUR’AN is widely regarded to be the best one in English.
• 9) The Book-Club/Interfaith Study Group announces that the second discussion on the THE ROAD TO MECCA by MUHAMMAD ASAD was held on November 8, 2023 (7.00 – 8.30 p. m.) DR. MARCIA SEGAL will lead the review of Chapters 5 – 8 of the book.
• 10) Dear Members, Friends and Supporters of The Salaam Network,I hope this finds you well. I write to you on behalf of The Salaam Network, (TSN) to ask respectfully for your donations on GIVING TUESDAY November 28, 2023.In the seven years of its existence (2016-2023) TSN has presented more than 150 programs (in-person and virtual), free of cost, at a variety of venues. Due to the scholarly merit and integrity of its programs, it has become a leading education network in Louisville. It has had the honor of getting the Better Business Bureau Accreditation (2023), the TOP-RATED Award from GREATNONPROFITS.org for four consecutive years (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023), and the GUIDESTAR SILVER TRANSPARENCY AWARD (2023)

  The services rendered by TSN to the Beloved Community of Louisville have been made possible through the continuing in-kind support of dedicated professional contributors and volunteer helpers. However, funding is needed to cover TSN’s program-related expenses, miscellaneous running expenses, and the cost of maintaining and developing its excellent website (https://www.salaamnetwork.org).

  I invite you to have a look at the TSN website to see a complete list of its Programs and Presentations from its beginning until now, and review the sections entitled “Meet Our Network” and “Testimonials”. I welcome your suggestions or recommendations for our future events.

  I thank you in advance for your support. Since TSN is a registered 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization, your donations are tax-exempt and receipts will be sent to you promptly.

  Warm regards,

  Riffat Hassan.

  Executive Director,

  The Salaam Network,

• 11) The Book-Club/Interfaith Study Group announces that the third discussion on THE ROAD TO MECCA by MUHAMMAD ASAD was held on December 6, 2023 (7.00 – 8.30p. m.). Ron Smith (in consultation with Dr. Qaisar Sultana) will lead the discussion on Chapters 9-12 of the book.

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