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MPV Review January 2012
In This Issue
The Future of Islam in the 21st Century
Remembering Martin Luther King
MPV Canada
Art: Rumi Series

MPV

is proud to present

Dr. John Esposito

on

"The Future of Islam in the 21st Century" 

 
 

Dr. John Esposito
Dr. John Esposito

Esposito: The challenge of pluralism is a critical issue in the 21st Century.  How is it impacting relations between Islam and Christianity, the Muslim world and the West, the lives and civil liberties of Muslims and inter-Muslim community affairs?

 

 

The event will be moderated by Shirley Jahad, award winning news correspondent and anchor at 89.3 KPCC.

 

Co-sponsors: The Levantine Cultural Center and The Regas Institute

 

For more details please visit the event website. Don't miss out!

  

Remembering Martin Luther King

 

 

mlk

No one can deny the beauty and significance of King's genius or the impact of the revolutionary social change made possible by his poignant leadership. King's call to action moved millions and changed the fate of our nation. It's hard not to be drawn in by the beautiful cadence of his voice and the simplicity of his message: we are all created equal, and thus must be treated as such. Lesser known and often unmentioned in textbooks was King's vehement opposition to the Vietnam War and his strong support of workers' rights and economic justice, which he saw as integral to, and interconnected with, the empowerment of African-Americans across the nation. "We are called to speak for the weak, for the voiceless, for victims of our nation and for those it calls enemy, for no document from human hands can make these humans any less our brothers." (Martin Luther King, "Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break The Silence; 1967).   

 

His words reflect, in many ways, the message of our faith. Islam asks us to take a stance in the world and commit ourselves to the betterment of others. More than fifteen hundred years ago the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) stressed to his followers, "The most excellent struggle [jihad] is to speak the truth in the presence of an unjust ruler." The Qur'an also tells us that  "Goodness does not consist in turning your face towards East or West," and that the "truly good are those who believe in God and the Last Day, in the angels, the Scripture, and the prophets; who give away some of their wealth, to their relatives, to orphans, the needy, travelers and beggars, and to liberate those in bondage (2:177)." For many Muslims, this call to social justice forms the backbone of our spiritual heritage. Thus, our spiritual growth, while a personal, internal process, is intimately connected with our work in the world.    

 

Martin Luther King was a revolutionary, brave enough to envision a better world for his children, and courageous enough to devote his life to that vision. His convictions, rooted in his personal faith, sparked one of the greatest movements of our time. It is this legacy that MPV will continue to reflect on as we forge ahead with our vision and goals for 2012. In the words of King, "Now is the time." We hope you will join us. 

 

 

MPV Canada Updates

 

MPV Canada is hosting the Ottawa book launch of Progressive Muslim Identities at the main branch of the Ottawa Public Library, on Monday, January 30th, 2012 from 7 pm to 9 pm. At the end of February, we will be starting a monthly meet-up weekend brunch. A book reading with the Toronto Chapter is also being planned for mid-March. We continue to advocate for Canadians held in Muslim countries: Hossein Derakhshan in Evin Prison, Naser Al Ras in Bahrain and Nathalie Morin and her three children in Saudi Arabia. We have also issued a statement regarding the recent vandalism of one of our area mosques in Gatineau, Quebec and will be participating in a round table discussion with other local Muslim community members to discuss various issues, including the safety and security of Canada's Muslims. For more information, please visit www.mpvottawa.com   

 Salma Arastu

Rumi Series

Salma Arastu Rumi4
Salma Arastu Rumi Series

Salma Arastu's Rumi Series will be exhibited and for sale at MPV's lecture series featuring

Dr. John Esposito.

Quick Links

MPV

Membership

 
Are you one of the majority of Muslims seeking an organization that reflects your values?
Do you believe that Islam is inherently progressive, inclusive and egalitarian? Do you want to join a diverse community that is inclusive of all races, genders, sexual orientations and sectarian affiliations? Do you want to pray in spaces where families can worship together (like we do in Mecca), where women can lead coed congregations, and where mixed faith couples are welcome?
 
If you answered 'yes' to all of the above then JOIN US today by becoming a member of Muslims for Progressive Values!
 

MPV in the News
 

 

MPV members were interviewed on inter-faith Christmas celebrations on HuffingtonPost  and

Los Angeles Times.

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