Learning about Islam

It's always good to open up the doors of communication and to share our beliefs.

Those words, spoken by Manal Wadi at the recent forum held by the Islamic Center of Cape Girardeau, aptly summed up the purpose of the event attended by approximately 50 area residents.

The Islamic Center has held similar open houses in the past, and most non-Muslims who have attended have said they gained a better understanding of their friends and neighbors who are followers of Islam.

World affairs have created some tension and a great deal of sensitivity about Islam in recent years. Members of the Islamic Center are to be applauded for making a good effort to inform those of us who aren't so well-versed on the Quran and Islamic beliefs.

One of the great freedoms of this country is freedom of religion. The more we know about religions that are less familiar to us, the better we can appreciate the devotion of the followers of other religious paths.

A special thanks to the Islamic Center for another informative afternoon.