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I believe every faith has in its core tenets universal truths on how we must treat one another no matter what our differences may be.
Islam is no different. Allah says in the Quran, “Worship God and associate nothing with Him in Worship, and do good to parents, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the neighbor who is kin, the neighbor who is a stranger, the companion at your side and the traveler.”
The Islamic view is that these are not mere political ideas and personal ideas and beliefs. These teachings are not optional depending on what your political beliefs and ideas are. These are in fact rulings and commands from God almighty and that we have no say or opinion otherwise. It is an act of worship to do good by every category of people, including the strangers.
Omar Conteh
President
Islamic Center of Maine
Orono