Date: April 23rd, 2016 2:30-4:30pm

Location:  Jones Library 43 Amity Street Amherst, MA 01002

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/publish?crumb=8a9fcf00f773e9&eid=24381071441

Sponsors:
If you are interested in sponsoring this talk as an individual, business or organization please contact Imam Aziz at 484-995-9676 or SamiAbdulAziz@gmail.com

Presentation Information:
Join us for a presentation and discussion that will examine:

• the tenets of Islam
• the religious justification ISIS uses to kill Muslims and people of other faiths
• answers to those justifications from a practicing Muslim’s perspective

ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq & Syria) claims to represent Islam and claims its roots are in the Quran, the Muslim holy book, and the Prophetic Tradition (Hadith), recorded sayings and doings of the Prophet Muhammad. This is untrue, as there are numerous verses in the Quran and Hadith that expound justice, tolerance, peace and love for neighbors. Islam, the name of the religion, derives from the word peace in Arabic, Salaam.

Presenters:
Imam Sammy Aziz (Sami Abdul Aziz) – Sammy Aziz serves as Imam for Bloomfield Muslim Community Center and PrayerSpark.com. He is a graduate of Hartford Seminary Islamic Chaplaincy program and represents the community at the Bloomfield Interfaith Association. Imam Aziz believes strongly in establishing peace and justice between all people regardless of color, ethnicity or religion. He often refers to the following verse from the Quran for guidance: O you who have believed, be constantly upright with equity (with others), witnesses for God, even if it be against yourselves or (your) parents and nearest kin. In case (the person) is rich or poor, then God is the Best Patron for both. So do not ever follow prejudice, so as to do justice; and in case you twist or veer away, then surely God has been Ever-Cognizant of whatever you do. 4:135

Vjosa Aziz – Vjosa is a member of Bloomfield Muslim Community Center and a Public Educator. She has spoken at numerous venues on Islam including Bloomfield Library, Avon Library, Farmington Library, Asylum Hill Congregational, and First Congregational in Bloomfield.

John Parent – John  is a student of Transformative Leadership and Spirituality at Hartford Seminary. John is active in promoting interfaith relations, education, understanding, peace and fellowship via various networks, joint-services, and community educational opportunities throughout the greater Hartford area.

Press Contact: The press is welcomed, please reserve your spot with Imam Aziz 484-995-9676 or SamiAbdulAziz@gmail.com

Library link: http://www.joneslibrary.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=1150&month=4&year=2016&day=17&calType=0