The RWC community welcomed Ms. Shakila Ashmad, co-founder of Muslim Mothers Against Violence (MMAV), and guest speaker Saba Chughtai, M.D., for an open workshop titled “Hate, Terrorism, Religious Extremism: Muslim Mothers Against Violence Respond.” The peace conference, facilitated by Dr. Steve Sunderland, Professor of Peace Studies at UC Clifton Campus, and Dr. Grace Auyang, RWC Professor of Behavioral Science, took place in SAHB 100, on Monday, May 1, from 12-1:30 p.m.
The purpose of this workshop was to broaden knowledge and understanding on the teachings of Islam. Ms. Ashmad presented several interesting facts during the workshop; for example, there are 1.3 billion actively participating members of Islam. And of that 1.3 billion, 5-8 million live in the United States. The Islamic faith is also one of the three original monotheistic religions, meaning they believe in free will and an afterlife.
Both speakers made one thing perfectly clear to those in attendance: Muslim men and women are created equal according to the Qur’an. Women of traditional Muslim families are not raised to be docile. Instead, women have a strong voice.
Ms. Ashmad and Dr. Chughtai addressed the increased concern on the issue of racial profiling since 9/11. Nevertheless, Dr. Chughtai suggested that the best way for society to correct the problem of racial profiling is to start with the children. By definition, racial profiling can be directed towards anyone from anywhere. And those who exercise the practice of profiling do so usually because of ignorance and/or fear.
Dr. Chughtai offered advice on how to end racial profiling. She suggested that people find a “common cause and come together.” She also mentioned that colors and race do not matter. We need to lead by example and be a role model for the next generation.
Muslim Mothers Against Violence is an initiative of the women of the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati (ICGC). For more information on the MMAV or the ICGC go to their website: www.icgc.info.