Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | US desk
Source: The Interfaith Council at TCNJ
Edited by Ahmadiyya Times Staff | April 16, 2010
The Interfaith Council at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) conducted a forum on the topic of “Dating and Marriage in Light of Various Religions.”
The event, held on April 15 was co-sponsored with “Coalition of Change.”
The Interfaith Council is an organization, where students of various religious backgrounds come together and participate in discussions and enrichment events to foster peace and understanding and help bridge the gaps between people of various backgrounds.
"Such efforts help in removing misconceptions and misunderstandings about the various religions," said Amtul Mussawir Mansoor, the chief organizer of the Interfaith event.
The speakers representing various faiths were invited to cover five main questions:
1. Does religious traditions allow one to date?
2. Are there definitive traditions relating to relationships?
3. Why does one enter marriage?
4. What are the expectations in a marriage?
5. What is the stance of terminating a marriage?
According to the program, Reverend Lisa Caton of the Episcopalian Church represented Christianity; Rabbi Kivi Greenbaum of Chabad, represented Judaism; Imam Inam-ul-Haq Kausar of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community represented Islam; Rahool Dave represented Hinduism and Megan Gerity represented Buddhism.
The program started at 7:00 PM in Roscoe West 201 at TCNJ where Amtul Mussawir Mansoor introduced the event which was followed by the speakers representing views about dating and marriage in light of their respective religions.
A rich discussion followed and questions were asked of the panelists regarding interfaith marriages and if it is allowed in their respective religion. The presenters helped remove misconceptions regarding “arranged marriages.”
“An arranged marriage does not mean a ‘forced’ marriage," said Imam Kauser of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. "It just means your parents, your elders, who know you the best, helping you find the most suitable mate,” the Imam clarified.
Interfaith Council at TCNJ announced plans to hold future interfaith forums.
The organizers thanked the panelists and participants for their attendance. Miss Mansoor cited President Obama from his speech in Cairo, Egypt, on June 4, 2009, where he said:
"In fact, faith should bring us together. And that's why we're forging service projects in America to bring together Christians, Muslims, and Jews…around the world, we can turn dialogue into interfaith service, so bridges between peoples lead to action -- whether it is combating malaria in Africa, or providing relief after a natural disaster."
-- Ahmadiyya Times staff
-- Amtul Musawar Mansoor contributed to the story
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