By Rabbi Marc Schneier and Imam Shamsi Ali
As American Muslims observe the last days of Ramadan and American Jews prepare to begin their observance of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, members of both faiths--and all Americans-- are being confronted with a responsibility to speak out in defense of the values of religious liberty and mutual understanding upon which this country was founded.

By Michael M. Grynbaum - NY Times
The imam behind the proposed Islamic center near ground zero, Feisal Abdul Rauf, told a Middle Eastern newspaper that he believed election-year politics had stoked the debate over the project and blamed a “tiny, vociferous minority” for leading the opposition, in his most expansive comments yet on the controversy.

QUESTION

Brother Najam,

One ………….. Imam told me that it’s wrong to pray behind me as I have no beard.  Alhumdullilah, I do lead prayers when there is no imam. But that’s actually bothering me. Can you tell me if he is right? As if he is right then I will stop leading prayers as I don’t want to play with other people’s salat.

Thanks for your help, Jazakallah.

Muslims generally break their fast by eating dates. Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) is reported to have said: "if anyone of you is fasting, let him break his fast with dates. In case he does not have them, then with water. Verily water is a purifier."

Dear UPF and 20,000 Dialogues Supporter,
The controversy over the proposed Community Center near Ground Zero has raised hate speech and misinformation about Muslims to a new high. Such divisive speech harms our nation and violates our highest principles.