Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Well Represented Islam







By Niraj Warikoo, "African immigrants celebrate spiritual leader in Southfield" - Detroit Free Press Detroit, MI, USA
Saturday, August 2, 2008

Hundreds of west African immigrants gathered in a Southfield hotel this weekend to celebrate the life of Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba, a spiritual leader.

Most who attended had roots in Senegal and were part of the Mouride group, a Sufi Muslim order founded at the turn of the century by Bamba.

His grandson, Mame Mor Mbacke, attended the ceremonies Friday night and spoke about Islam, saying it is a religion of "peace, dialogue and understanding between people."

Speaking in the Wolof language, Mbacke said through a translator that extremists "did not represent Islam the way it should be."

Bamba taught an Islam that emphasized hard work, reason, and prayers, rather than rote memorization of the Quran, according to the event program.

Bamba, who lived from 1853 to 1927, also stressed non-violence in the struggle against the French colonial rule of Senegal.

In his talk, Mbacke said that Muslims should be tolerant and set a good example for others."No one will hate Islam when it's well represented," he said through a translator.

The ceremony included special prayers, songs, and recitations, continuing until early Saturday morning.

Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence was honored at the event and others from metro Detroit's African communities also attended.

No comments:

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Well Represented Islam






By Niraj Warikoo, "African immigrants celebrate spiritual leader in Southfield" - Detroit Free Press Detroit, MI, USA
Saturday, August 2, 2008

Hundreds of west African immigrants gathered in a Southfield hotel this weekend to celebrate the life of Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba, a spiritual leader.

Most who attended had roots in Senegal and were part of the Mouride group, a Sufi Muslim order founded at the turn of the century by Bamba.

His grandson, Mame Mor Mbacke, attended the ceremonies Friday night and spoke about Islam, saying it is a religion of "peace, dialogue and understanding between people."

Speaking in the Wolof language, Mbacke said through a translator that extremists "did not represent Islam the way it should be."

Bamba taught an Islam that emphasized hard work, reason, and prayers, rather than rote memorization of the Quran, according to the event program.

Bamba, who lived from 1853 to 1927, also stressed non-violence in the struggle against the French colonial rule of Senegal.

In his talk, Mbacke said that Muslims should be tolerant and set a good example for others."No one will hate Islam when it's well represented," he said through a translator.

The ceremony included special prayers, songs, and recitations, continuing until early Saturday morning.

Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence was honored at the event and others from metro Detroit's African communities also attended.

No comments: