Regarding Our Book-Club/Interfaith Study Group Meeting On January 17, 2024 7.00 – 8.30 pm

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interior of house of worship

Dear Friends,

On behalf of TSN, I wish you all a happy New Year – may it bring you everything good.

At the start of 2024, my personal prayer is that we renew our commitment to building a community which strives to work toward peace and equality in the world by taking a knowledge-based stand against bigotry, prejudice, demonization of the “Other”, and all forms of ideological, political, and cultural colonialism and imperialism. This is a critical time for justice advocates and activists as the long struggle for fundamental human rights of all persons and peoples, faces colossal challenges. However, the sages – ancient and modern – whom we honor remind us that every candle we light lessens the darkness which surrounds us. It is my earnest hope that we will light many candles, within and without, in this new year.

I hope this finds you all well and safe. On January 17, 2024, we will have our final session on The Road to Mecca, when there will be an open discussion in which all our members are welcome to participate. The following members have not had the opportunity to express their thoughts about the book, are particularly requested to consider the questions below in formulating their statements: Jim Aalen, Joe Brennan, Greg Hutcheson, Dennis Neyman, Azam Saeed, Diane Snowa and Walter Snowa.

  1. Throughout The Road to Mecca, Muhammad Asad compares the cultures of Europe/West and the Arabs. What do you think of his critique?
  2. What are your thoughts about Asad’s physical journey in Arabia and other Middle-Eastern countries?
  3. What are your thoughts about Asad’s spiritual journey?
  4. In his book Asad mentions a number of Islamic beliefs and practices which were particularly meaningful to him. In your view, why did Asad become a Muslim?
  5. The Road to Mecca is a book full of quotable quotes. Do you have any favorite quotes?
  6. What is your evaluation of The Road to Mecca? Is it relevant in our times?

The zoom link for the January 17, 2023  meeting is as follows:

Time: Jan 17, 2024 (7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Eastern Time)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84109507644?pwd=UzBhd2Z1bk5BTnUwa2h4cDR6S2FZdz09

Meeting ID: 841 0950 7644

Passcode: 813472

If you have difficulty connecting with zoom, please call Dennis at 502-500-5019.

Sending you my warmest greetings for the sacred season and my best wishes for the coming year,

Riffat