THE SCHOLARS' SCOOP

Have you ever wondered about a popular religion in the most populated country of the world? Scholars from Bella’s and Eka’s general studies took a walk to the Islamic Center of Murray to learn about the Islam religion which is popular in India. Once they got to the center, the scholars removed their footwear out of respect to the cleanliness of the religious center. 

The Islamic center had a comfortable air and was cozy with cushions on the floor and a table stocked with popsicles and macaroons provided to us. Scholars then sat on the plush floor and cushions while our tour guide began his instruction.

The tour guide Ali, a previous GSP scholar, had taught the scholars about the opening of the Islamic Center and the Islamic religion. The center was originally built for the muslim community of murray who had nowhere else to pray for their religion. Muslims pray five times a day in the morning, midday, afternoon, sunset and evening making the center popular from opening day. The center went strong until the COVID-19 pandemic which forced the center to shut down. Ali’s parents saw the importance of the center and reopened it for the community. Since the reopening, Muslims have enjoyed a place to pray and meet others like themselves.

Furthermore, scholars were taught about the Islamic religion by Ali. In the Islamic religion, the core belief is that there is only Allah (God) and no other god. The Islamic belief believes in Mummhad being the last messenger of God. Unlike Christians, Muslims don’t believe in the Holy Trinity. In their belief, Jesus is not the Son of God but a prophet, and the Holy Spirit is not a part of their religion. They believe that the Angel Gabriel is the messenger between God and prophets which as it was explained to us is somewhat equivalent to the Holy Spirit. The Qur’an was orally revealed to Mummhad by the Angel Gabriel and believed to be the sacred text in Islamic belief. The Qur’an contains prayers, moral guidance, historical narrative, and promises of Paradise.

After learning about the Islamic Religion, Ali invited scholars to the prayer room for a short guided prayer if they wished to join. The guided prayer started with scholars standing up and slowing bowing at directed times. Ali revealed that this was his first time leading a prayer, and while it may have been his first time doing so, the scholars who chose to join appreciated the experience. 

Once the prayer was over, scholars thanked Ali for the beautiful prayer. This moment was an amazing experience and one that will be remembered by all scholars for the years to come.

Thank you to the wonderful Ali and the Local Islamic Center of Murray for making this trip and experience possible!