I attended a very interesting seminar yesterday on religion and democracy that deconstructed Samuel Huntington’s notion that Christianity is necessary for democracy.

One of the aspects that jarred though, was the definition of religion as a set of values (rather than a set of repertoires).  Take Islam, I cannot come up with a set of defining values that differentiates it from any of the other major religions. 

I think it’s because I see values as universal, whereas religious practices are specific.  Values such as doing good unto others as you would be done by, respect for the sanctity of life, honesty, bravery, trustworthiness, kindness etc. belong to all the great faiths and traditions of the world (and from a Muslim perspective, this is because they spring from the One Source).  It is in the practices that religions differ.  I pray the salat in a specific way, whereas Christians might kneel in prayer with their hands together, or chant on a rosary etc.

Anyone willing to take a stab at proving me wrong?

I found this at Adventures in Motherhood and it’s the best YouTube I’ve seen, period!  (Great song too!)

In December 2007, over 2000 American Muslims were asked what they wanted to say to the world:

Remember I was telling you about the amazing and inspirational work that Imam Afroz and the Al-Ghazzali Institute for Islamic Sciences and Human Development are doing (such as the Mizaan Cooks River Regeneration Project, the Crescent Feeding the Homeless Project and the Regional NSW Water Drive as well as their Morning Invocations and regular seminars and workshops)… anyway, the Imam now has a blog masha’Allah: Thought Leadership.  I hope he will blog the behind-the-scenes stuff of all the wonderful work they do insha’Allah .

The Muslim Unity Committee are holding a BBQ at Edwards Lake on Sunday 13 January (1-5pm).  Bring a plate to share, playground and jumping castles for the kids, sporting activities & quizzes for all.

I am not entirely sure who the Muslim Unity Committee is, but they have a snazzy poster and backing from a wide variety of Victorian organisations.

The Al-Ghazzali Centre for Islamic Sciences and Human Development has launched its first newsletter “The Ghazzette” (hehe).

I’ve known Imam Afroz for a fair while now, but even I am completely bowled over as to what the Al-Ghazzali Centre is accomplishing, particularly its focus on environmental issues.  Well done, masha’Allah - I have to say the Muslim community has sorely needed the Al-Ghazzali Centre for a long time, walhamdulillah respect to Afroz, his wife Hanan and all the able bodies who volunteer their time and energies.