In a first, Muslims pray inside Washington’s National Cathedral

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Move a major step toward uniting American-Muslims and Christians in an effort to combat religious extremism and stereotypes

A call to Muslim prayer rang Friday through the cavernous Washington National Cathedral for the first time in the religious landmark’s century-old history.

The call for Jumma was both a reminder for DC area Muslims to put aside their daily business for an hour, but it was also a major step toward uniting American-Muslims and Christians in an effort to combat religious extremism and stereotypes.

Director of the District Office of the Muslim Public Affairs Council Br. Haris Tarin said those in attendance should remind anyone curious about the day’s event that “there is nothing more Christian, nothing more Muslim, nothing more American than praying together”.

The Very Reverend Gary Hall, dean of the cathedral, said one of the thoughts behind the prayer event was that “if we could inspire those of us who are not extremists to find a way to be together … we could begin to build something that will bless us, bless our children, bless all the people on the earth”.

The Friday prayer service was held at noon in the northern precept of the cathedral, beneath large stained glass windows etched with the names and faces of Christian saints. Several ornate carpets had been arranged on the floor where normally wooden pews face the main altar.

Sr. Roula Allouch, chairwoman of the Council on Islamic-American Relations national board, flew in from Cincinnati for the prayer service.

“I keep looking around,” the 34-year-old said, gazing up at the stone arches and windows, a blue and white scarf wrapped around her head. “As a member of the American-Muslim community, I’ve watched a lot of events take place in my lifetime. This signifies a strengthening in community relations.”

Men and women shed their coats and shoes along the wall and took their seats on the carpet. Some took pictures with their phones.

“We here at the cathedral have embraced a steep challenge: to grow in our identity as a house [of worship] for people,” said Rev. Canon Gina Gilland Campbell, canon precentor for the cathedral. “This prayer marks an historic moment, this prayer symbolizes a grand hope for our community. As we get to know each other … more bridges are built … and there’s less room for hate and prejudice to come between us.”

The beginning of the prayer service was interrupted by a female protestor shouting about “Christian principles,” but South African Ambassador to the U.S. His Excellence Ebrahim Rasool said the outburst was only one example of extremism shown in the lead-up to the prayer service — and there’s been many other instances around the world of extremism from both Christians and Muslims.

“Extremism is never the anecdote to extremism,” Rasool said. “The middle ground is always on the defensive. I think for the first time it has flexed its muscle. This means our message at least is getting through. This bodes well for the power of the middle ground.”

7 COMMENTS

  1. Exactly “Extremism is never the anecdote to extremism,” even when its Christian Generals in America killing over a Million Muslims in Iraq.

    • The vast majority of people killed in Iraq were killed through sectarian violence of Muslims killing Muslims…just like in Syria..

      • Well you should know Islam is perfect but Muslims are not also what makes you so sure that Muslims are killing Muslims there…….you may need to think about this without being an extremist!!! Its time for a change of mentality!!!
        NOTE: THERE IS NO HATE WHATSOEVER TOWARDS ANY RELIGION IN THIS POST!!!

        • So you must permit non muslims to pray at kabah and is that acceptable to you.If not least you can do,will you agree to non muslims visting mecca as tourists?????

      • Were you born yesterday? Since United States invasion from 2003 and occupation til 2011, in 8 years.. more than million Muslims were murdered and millions more were displaced directly by Christian Generals in the US Military. . So dont play stupid, all this secretarian conflicts peaked after the carnage left by these Christian Generals in US Uniforms.

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