I am a Muslim, Can We Be Friends? features a presentation by Jamal Badawi.
"A discussion on the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims in Canada. Can Muslims befriend non-Muslims? Can Muslims and non-Muslims live together justly and peacefully? What are the perceived barriers to mutual friendship and co-operation? Where do we go from here?," is how the event is described on the association's website.
It takes place between 6 and 10 p.m. today at the Coast Plaza Hotel and Conference Centre.
Mohammed Taha Al-Murayri, head of the outreach committee for the association, said "the purpose is to foster understanding and mutual respect between Muslims and non-Muslims."
These kinds of events take place on a regular basis looking at the relationship between the two groups. And the event is meant to include both Muslim and non-Muslims.
"It is important to have such events because they foster dialogue between Muslims and non-Muslims. Unfortunately, we tend to see a lot of polarization from people from both sides," he said.
"We do believe it is important for us to talk about such issues because they help us understand each other more and they set the stage for a healthier relationship."
Badawi is professor emeritus at St. Mary's University in Halifax, where he served as professor of both management and religious studies.
Badawi completed his undergraduate studies in Cairo and his masters and PhD degrees at Indiana University.
He is the author of several books on Islam.
For more information on the event, visit www.iammuslim. mac-cc.ca.
"In addition to his participation in lectures, seminars and interfaith dialogues in North America, Dr. Badawi has been frequently invited as guest speaker on Islam in nearly 38 other countries," described the website.
"He is a member of the Islamic Juridical (Fiqh) Council of North America, The European Council of Fatwa and Research and the International Union of Muslim Scholars. He has been serving as a volunteer imam of the local Muslim community in Halifax since 1970."
The Coast Plaza is located at 1316 33rd St. N.E.
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