DR. JOSEPH BRENNAN
October 12, 2021 | 0 COMMENTS |I am glad that the Atlantic Renewal Awards offer The Salaam Network (TSN) the possibility of extending its educational efforts throughout Louisville. Since its earliest days, TSN has successfully obtained the participation of leading scholars and community leaders in presenting programs for understanding and peace in Louisville.
TSN has presented a broad scope of presentations combating Islamophobia, while addressing theological issues such as the role of women in different faith traditions, Muslim history and culture, and differing traditional religious practices that reflect common roots. It has united persons of differing religions – especially the three Abrahamic faith-traditions – to engage in face to face dialogue, eliminating previous misconceptions that create fear and mistrust.
TSN has contacted the local Chief of Police and the Superintendent of our Public School System, offering the opportunity of orienting their staffs in the areas of understanding Muslim culture, Muslim family relationships, and difficulties that such families might encounter in interacting with public employees. Undoubtedly, educating people about fundamental Islamic beliefs and practices will foster a greater understanding of the Muslim community.
There is a serious limitation among young Muslims, especially female Muslims, who want to develop their understanding of their Muslim faith, and more especially a deeper understanding of the words and teachings which are actually found in the Quran. Fortunately, TSN has the services of Dr. Riffat Hassan, who is one of the few internationally recognized Quranic scholars in the world. Her specialty for the past forty years has been the presentation of what is actually written in the sacred scripture, what is the true meaning of the words of the Prophet of Islam, and what ought to be the manner in which normative Islamic teachings are enacted by contemporary Muslims.
Dr. Hassan focuses on the rights and role of women as it is revealed in the text of the Quran. Unfortunately, the role of women has been misunderstood, and the words of the sacred text have been seen through the lens of cultural practices and customs that do not conform to the actual content of the Quran. It is hoped that these unique courses will provide the women participants with a new understanding of their role within the Muslim community. In time this will help to transform the wider gathering of women and enable them to take their rightful place in the larger Muslim community.
Since its start in mid-2016, TSN has offered Louisville more than sixty programs and presentations including some consisting of four or more sessions each. Most of these sessions have been recorded and are awaiting the resources needed to distribute them throughout the community, and via internet to other communities. TSN also maintains its own website which lists all its programs, presentations and presenters. With greater resources TSN will be able to make its educational materials available to other like-minded organizations.
One of TSN’s primary goals is to educate Louisville and the surrounding area about the realities of Islam and the Muslim community. It is mindful of the fact that confronting current misunderstanding and Islamophobic fears, is a major challenge. Our committed presenters are convinced however, that their efforts are essential to creating the “compassionate” city that our elected leaders desire.
TSN has worked very hard for three and a half years to contribute toward building a culture of knowledge and dialogue in our city. I have no doubt that with additional means it will be able to do much more to bring harmony and wholeness to our diverse community, making Louisville a model of peace and understanding that other cities may wish to replicate.
Dr. Joseph Brennan, D.S.W., M.Div.
December 6, 2019
