My Religious Experience With Islam (Assignment for World's Religion Class- Bushnell University)

"Religious Exploration: An Interfaith Experience"

Introduction: Greetings, everyone. I am Jared W Campbell, and today, I am thrilled to recount my journey of discovery at an Islamic sermon titled 'Juz by Juz—A Daily Reflection for Tarawih' on April 3, 2024. This unique opportunity as an Orthodox Christian allowed me to delve into a different religious tradition, unveiling its practices and teachings.

Observations: As I absorbed the sermon, I was deeply moved by the emphasis on gratitude and thankfulness towards Allah during Ramadan. This resonated with my experiences in Orthodox Christianity, where expressing gratitude for our blessings is paramount.

Shared Values: - Peace, Love, and Unity: During the sermon, there was a beautiful message of peace, love, and unity. In the Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah (2:208) states: 'O you who have believed, enter into Islam completely [and perfectly] and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.' This verse emphasizes the significance of unity and following the path of righteousness. Similarly, in the Bible, Colossians 3:14 says: 'And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.' This verse from the Bible also highlights the significance of love and unity in the Christian faith.

Community and Fellowship: One of the most striking aspects of the Islamic sermon was the palpable sense of community and fellowship. Much like in Orthodox Christianity, gathering with fellow believers to worship and remember Allah was a central part of the experience. This experience was a powerful reminder of the importance of communal worship and the need to foster a sense of belonging and support within our faith communities.

Conclusion: Attending the Islamic sermon was a transformative experience, allowing me to recognize and appreciate the shared values between Islam and Orthodox Christianity. Despite the distinct theological differences, both traditions uphold common values such as gratitude, peace, love, unity, and the significance of community. This experience has broadened my understanding of religious diversity and underscored the necessity of mutual respect and dialogue among different faiths.

In Christ, love Jared W. Campbell

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