Religious leaders to unite Sunday

Stacy J. Willis

Friday, Sept. 14, 2001 | 10:08 a.m.

Muslim Mujahid Ramadan got a courtesy call from a Metro Police officer Thursday asking him if he was OK.

Ramadan is a well-known member of the Muslim community in Las Vegas -- a prayer leader at Masjid As-Sabur mosque, and, he said, the officer was checking to be sure he hadn't become the victim of violence in the wake of Tuesday's terrorist attacks on the U.S.

The attacks are widely attributed to terrorist Osama bin Laden and his fundamentalist Muslim followers.

"I'm fine, but there is a terrible misunderstanding out there about Muslims," Ramadan said.

Ramadan and Las Vegas religious leaders of all faiths will unite on Sunday at the Clark County Government Center amphitheater to dispel prejudices, educate the community about different religious beliefs and pray for peace.

President Bush declared today "National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorist Attacks on September 11," and called for a moment of silence today at noon. Churches across the city, and nation, are holding special prayer services throughout the weekend. Some businesses and casinos are also planning to pause today to remember the victims.

But as religion serves to comfort the grieving, it also plays a significant role in international unrest. In the U.S. generally and in Las Vegas, Ramadan said, there is a lack of understanding of Islam.

"Judging all Muslims by the acts of these terrorists is like judging all Christians by the acts of extremists who bomb abortion clinics," said Lee Plotkin, executive director of the Southern Nevada chapter of the National Conference for Community and Justice, which is hosting the "Call For Peace" on Sunday. "We are putting out the call to religious leaders to take a pro-active stand for peace and understanding now."

Ramadan said he has called other Muslim leaders in the community and asked them to attend Sunday's meeting.

"We need to show unity. At this point, we would be neglectful not to participate. This is our best chance as a community show unity."

Khalid Khan, president of the Islamic Society of Nevada and a leader of city's largest mosque, Jama mosque, said "our religion has nothing to do with violence.

"Our religion is about the dignity of the human being and the protection of the universe," Khan said.

Islam began 1,400 years ago and is the youngest of the world's largest religions. It is the second-largest faith in the world. Estimates of total Muslims range from 700 million to 1.2 billion. In the United States, those estimates range from 3 million to 6 million.

The religion is experiencing a period of rapid growth -- the number of followers has grown fourfold in the last 30 years. About half of American Muslims converted to the faith from Judeo-Christian backgrounds, according to the NCCJ.

Ramadan was raised a Baptist.

"I just felt Islam better met my spiritual needs. It is way of life, not just a religion," he said.

Followers of Islam believe that the prophet Muhammad received divine revelation from Allah in Saudi Arabia beginning in the 6th century and that the Koran (Qu'ran) is that sacred scripture.

Muslims subscribe to five commandments, called the Five Pillars of Islam: Allah is the only God, and Muhammad was his prophet. Prayer should be performed five times a day. A zakat, or 2.5 percent income tax, should be paid to help the needy. Each year, Muslims fast during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan. And if possible, at least once in a lifetime, Muslims should make a pilgrimmage to the holy land, Mecca.

Humanity, in Islam, was created for one purpose: to serve God.

Muslims believe in the value of the Torah and the New Testament, and view Jesus' teachings to be prophetic. However, they reject the notion that Jesus died to save humanity. Instead, they believe every individual is personally responsible to God.

In Islam, suicide is considered a sin.

"(Suicide bombers) are working from a political background, not a religious background," Ramadan said. "The concept of being a martyr, and entering Paradise under martyrdom, does not apply here. These are political acts."

The Las Vegas Muslim community is characterized by cultural diversity, according to Ramadan -- converted Americans of all races, from many faiths, join immigrant Muslim Ethiopians, Bosnians, Palestinians, Pakistanis, Morroccans and others.

Local Jewish and Christian leaders said they have had a good relationship with local Muslims for years.

"We have always worked together in interfaith activities," Rabbi Sanford Akselrad of Congregation Ner Tamid said. "And we hope to continue that."

The National Conference for Community and Justice, formerly the National Conference of Christians and Jews, will host the "Call for Peace" will start at 3 p.m. at the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater on Sunday. The public is welcome.