German President Praise Islamic Theology

German President Joachim Gauck has praised the Muslim community as a part of the German society, asserting Germany as a common land for all its citizens.

“Over two thousand sanctuaries and mosques have been built in different cities of the country,” President Gauck was quoted by Anadolu Agency on Thursday, November 28.

The president was speaking during a Thursday’s visit to Munster University’s Islamic Theology Center.
http://www.onislam.net/english/news/europe/466451-german-president-praise-islamic-theology.html

A beacon for interfaith peace

In Indonesia, the Nahdlatul Ulama preaches the spirit of brotherhood to maintain peaceful coexistence among the country’s Muslim-majority, diverse ethnic society.

THE Global Peace Festival (GPF) Malaysia recently interviewed Dr H. Marsudi Syuhud, fondly known as Pak Marsudi, on his views about Indonesia’s diversity and interfaith experience. He is currently general-secretary of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the largest Muslim organisation in Indonesia, and is an influential force in Indonesia’s peaceful coexistence among its Muslim-majority, diverse ethnic society. The following are the edited excerpts of the interview.
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2013/12/01/A-beacon-for-interfaith-peace.aspx

Progressive Mosques Gain Ground in America

At first glance el-Tawhid Juma Circle doesn’t look like a mosque. After all, it is only a conference room at a local business somewhere in Toronto. The location is kept private to protect community members from possible harm since the mosque is the frequent target of online taunts and threats.
Chairs are pushed up against the walls under windows where glaring sunlight marks geometric shapes along the floor. Every inch of the formal leaf-patterned carpet is covered with bed sheets in all shades of purple and orange and an occasional ruby red and highlighter green.

http://www.theislamicmonthly.com/progressive-mosques-gain-ground-in-america/