New Brunswick Friends Meeting

Letter to Muslims

October 4, 2001

Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam Inc.
27 South Street
Old Bridge NJ 08857

Dear Friends:

A key belief for Friends (Quakers) is that there is that of God in all people. With this strongly held tenet as a basis of our way of life, Friends are deeply pained at current reports of abusive treatment of our fellow human beings because of group identification by religion or other ethnic attribute.

During these stressful times, we hear of misplaced anger in our country directed in particular against Muslims, whether they are fellow Americans or not, against others who are mistaken for being Muslim, and against foreigners in general. Although the New Brunswick Friends Meeting is a very small group, we want to find ways to help alleviate any distress your community members may be experiencing as a result of such ignorance and blind hatred.

Many of us would be pleased to visit your house of worship, to invite a speaker to explain aspects of Islam to our community, and to assist in whatever other ways we might be of help. Some ideas that have arisen include accompanying your community members who may be hesitant to shop alone during these times, or perform other normal daily tasks, and maintaining a witnessing presence at the entrance to your mosque when you are in session. We would be open to other ideas as well, if you let us know. With our small membership, we may have difficulty providing as much help as we would like to in our hearts; however, we would welcome the opportunity to work with others of various faiths in the area, to join forces in defense of our common humanity.

If you are not comfortable with any of these ideas, at least know that we reach out to you in friendship, and wish you peace in these difficult times. Of course, we would welcome anyone who is inclined to join us any time in our contemplative form of silent worship in our simple meeting house, in which there are no icons or other religious symbols on display, and no programmed religious service. We meet 10:30 Sunday mornings. Our meeting house phone is 732-846-8969, where you can leave a message, or you can write to me at the above address.

In fellowship,