Islam 101 offers lessons on world's second-largest religion

All those interested in learning more about Islam are invited to the Monroe Library this weekend for a comprehensive presentation about the world's second-largest religion.

Islam 101: Perceptions, Misconceptions and Context for the 21st Century starts 2 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at the Monroe Public Library; all are welcome to attend. The discussion will be led by David Fenner, a retired University of Washington chief academic officer, former Peace Corps volunteer and a scholar on the topic of Islam. The program is being funded by nonprofit Humanities Washington and Friends of the Monroe Library.

The program will focus on aspects of Islam, including its culture, history and traditions. Fenner will examine practical aspects of Islam and detail how it is considered both a faith and a way of life. His experience comes from more than 40 years of humanitarian work in the country of Oman, located west of Saudi Arabia near the Persian Gulf.

Islam has approximately 1.6 billion followers worldwide, second only to Christianity.

Members of Monroe's local mosque, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, will join the discussion.

"They will add local context and tell us about their community,GÇ¥ said Monroe Library manager Phil Spirito. "They will also talk about their community's support of the national initiative called True Islam, which is helping to dispel the myths and incorrect information that surrounds the Islamic religion in our modern world.GÇ¥

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a peaceful Islamic sect founded more than 125 years ago. The Monroe-area mosque is on Old Owen Road at the former Eastlake Community Church campus. Ahmadiyya community members abide by the motto "love for all, hatred for none,GÇ¥ and have been introducing themselves to members of the Monroe community since moving to the area late last year.-á

The presentation will include information about Mohammed, the Qur'an and will examine the history of head scarves.

"Bring your curiosity,GÇ¥ Spirito said.

The Monroe Public Library is at 1070 Village Way in Monroe. For more information about the library, visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/monroelibrary/?fref=ts.