Press Release on Women's Gym Hours - 3/4/08

The Harvard Islamic Society welcomes the recent initiative by the Harvard administration to introduce women's hours in one of the university gyms. This is a policy of inclusion, and it exemplifies Harvard's commitment to religious and cultural diversity.

Women's hours provide a comfortable and supportive workout environment for a segment of women on our campus. The nationwide popularity of a women's gym like Curves and designated workout areas at fitness centers like Gold's Gym suggests that this need is not limited to one religion or campus.

We recognize that university policies must address a variety of moral and practical considerations, and empathize with concerns about limiting access to other users. And yet the Mission of Harvard College encourages students "to pursue excellence in a spirit of productive cooperation." It is this spirit that enables us to transcend competing interests and grant each other the space to thrive.

What is the Qur'an? A Q&A Event

What is the Qur'an?
A Q&A session with Taha Abdul-Basser '96, Harvard Islamic Society Chaplain

7:30pm
Thursday, October 25
Emerson 305
*Refreshments will be served!!*

More than a billion individuals worldwide look to the Qur ' an for daily guidance; to understand this significant chunk of the world, you need to understand the Qur'an. What is it? What are its major themes? How does it compare to other major scriptures and canonical texts? Does the Qur'an say men are superior to women? Does it incite Muslims to murder non-Muslims? What does it say about Jihad?

Bring any and all questions that you may have!!

Muslim Community condemns swastikas at Milton synagogue

On behalf of the Muslim community in Massachusetts, the undersigned organizations condemn the repugnant act of vandalism to Temple Shalom of Milton, MA. We share the dismay of Temple Shalom's congregants, who were coming to Shabbat services on Saturday, April 14 and were surprised, dismayed and frightened to see two swastikas painted on the Temple.

As Muslims in Massachusetts, we stand in support of our Jewish neighbors, with all people of conscience, in condemning this act of hatred. We believe that that as conscientious members of society we must join together and firmly work against those groups of people who seek to sow hatred and fear. We must work to fill our society with tolerance love and understanding.

Indeed Allah (God) specifically teaches in the Quran the need to work against attacks on places of worship - explicitly including synagogues: "Had Allah not checked one set of people by means of another, monasteries, churches, synagogues and mosques, wherein the name of Allah (God) is mentioned much, would surely have been pulled down." Quran [22:40].

We call on all individuals and organizations to work together to support the right of all faiths to maintain places of worship without fear and intimidation.

Condolences for the Tragedy at Virgina Tech

As we are sure many of you have heard, there was a shooting at Virginia Tech this morning which has taken at least 33 lives, many of whom were students. The Harvard Islamic Society expresses its deepest condolences and prays that God gives strength and patience to the victims, thier families, and all those affected by this great loss. The campus community remains in our thoughts and prayers and we ask that you all pray and make dua'a for our brothers and sisters at Virginia Tech.

Assalaamu 'alaikum (peace unto you all),
Harvard Islamic Society

This shall inshaAllah be the new HIS Announcements Bulletin