Mabda Report 22/08/11

OIC Executive Committee convenes in Istanbul to discuss the situation in Somalia

The Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Executive Committee convened in order to discuss the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Somalia, and the likely famine. "All in all we have secured $350 million in pledges. We hope to raise the commitments to $500 million in a very short time," HE the OIC Secretary General Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu told a news conference after the summit, held in Turkey's commercial capital during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

http://www.oicun.org/9/20110817060756018.html

Russell Simmons Pledges Support for American Muslims (VIDEO)

When Peter King held his first congressional hearing on American Muslims last March, hip-hop mogul and founder of Def Jam records Russell Simmons did an incredibly brave thing: He organized a rally in New York city that brought together concerned citizens and celebrities to show their solidarity with American Muslims.

Simmons' "Today, I Am A Muslim, Too" rally brought together major celebrities such as Ashton Kutcher, Adrian Grenier from "Entourage" and hundreds of thousands on and offline to participate.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniel-tutt/russell-simmons-my-fellow-american_b_926275.html

Message for the end of Ramadan: The conscience is a sanctuary to be respected

The president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue has sent a message to Muslims around the world for the end of the month of fasting. Christians and Muslims "are too often witnesses to the violation of the sacred, of the mistrust of which those who call themselves believers are the target."

http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Message-for-the-end-of-Ramadan:-The-conscience-is-a-sanctuary-to-be-respected-22415.html

Stamford Event Unites Faiths for Ramadan

More than just Muslims gathered at the First Congregational Church of Stamford on Tuesday to celebrate the end of Ramadan with an Interfaith Iftar. People of all different religions celebrated together and learned about the Islamic tradition.

“Maybe the world would get along better if we learned about each other,” said Pamela Groeschner, a member of Stamford Congregational Church, describing those who don't try to learn as “lazy.”

http://www.thedailystamford.com/neighbors/stamford-event-unites-faiths-ramadan

Iftar dinner unites Muslims and non-Muslims

On Monday at the Islamic Center of the South Plains, however, some members of Lubbock’s interfaith community also tasted the sweet relief from hunger and drank in the cool deliverance from thirst.

In anticipation of the evening, some non-Muslims had fasted all day, too. One such woman declared the date to be the best she’d ever tasted.

http://lubbockonline.com/faith/2011-08-16/iftar-dinner-unites-muslims-and-non-muslims