Annual Interfaith Dialogue
Every year the Islamic Center of South Jersey hosts the annual Interfaith Dialogue where we invite community members and leaders of other faiths for a friendly discussion. The goal of this event and program is to not only help educate about our faith but to understand others that share the world Allah (SWT) has created.
We would like to emphasize that this program is meant to have a friendly discussion and is not meant to express any opinion as fact or to persuade conversions. Healthy dialogue and communication is important for all to live in harmony. We ask all to come with an open mind!
Date: Sunday, March 12th, 2023
Time: 2:00 PM
Topic: Islamophobia & Antisemitism
Panel Lead By: Imam Zubair Talib (ICSJ) & Rabbi Michael Perice (Temple Sinai)
Coordinators:
Sr. Saima Bhutta (Muslim Federation of South Jersey)
Br. Usama Chaudhri (ICSJ)
Brooke Mailhoit (Moorestown Jewish Association)
This years' event is geared towards our youth (middle school and up) but all are welcome to attend! After the panelists are finished there will be an audience Q&A.
Refreshments will be served!
Masjid Etiquette for Non-Muslims
We are are always happy to welcome community members of other faiths to our place of worship. The Mosque, or Masjid which is the correct term, is a very important, Holy place of worship and is considered the house of God. It is because of this we kindly request all guests to please follow the following etiquette when entering any Masjid.
Dress Code: Both men and women are asked to wear modest clothing. For women, an ankle length skirt or trousers, which should not be tight or transparent, together with a long sleeved and high-necked top. A headscarf should be worn (we will have some available). For men, please do not wear any shorts and no sleeveless shirts. Inappropriate imagery/words or pictures of animals or people is not allowed. Shoes are removed before going into the congregation hall and put on the racks provided. Clean and presentable socks, stockings, or tights are therefore a good idea.
Entering the Masjid: Men and women usually enter the Masjid and congregation hall by separate entrances. This is not always the case here at ICSJ. Visitors and guests may be greeted by the Arabic greeting “Assalamo Allaikum” which means “peace be upon you.” The answer, if the guest would like to use it, is “Wa ‘alaikum-as-salam”, which means “peace be upon you too”. If you are not comfortable with this a simple hello is ok. Do not offer, or expect, to shake hands with people of the opposite sex.
Entering the Congregation Hall: Usually one is seated on the floor not having the feet point towards the Qibla (the wall with the niche or alcove in it, indicating the direction of Makkah), unless a medical condition makes this the only possible posture. For this event there will be chairs to sit on. Please enter the hall quietly. Talking is allowed but please use indoor voices.
Listening to the Azan or Recitation of the Quran: The azan is the call to prayer. It can be perceived as very melodious. The recitation of verses from the Quran can be perceived the same way. However, this is not a performance and we ask that all listen quietly and do not clap at the end.
Cellphones: Please turn off or silence all cellphones/smartphones when entering the Masjid. If you need to take a call please step outside.
Food & Drink: We kindly ask that no food or drink be brought into the congregation hall.