Response to Imam Latif, By Hafsa Kanjwal

Posted on July 15th, 2010 | Filed under InterViews

Imam Khalid Latif’s comments on building a sense of community were pretty relevant to not just Muslim student groups on campuses, but most religious student groups. I’ve heard quite a bit about the NYU Islamic Center, and am impressed with what they’ve been able to do for the Muslim community as well as other communities in the area. I think one of the strongest statements Imam Latif made was that it is important to empower individuals who come into a community via their internal strength—and this can be used as an entry point for people with a variety of backgrounds.

This type of atmosphere is especially difficult to create in religious settings—since, to a certain extent, there are certain “norms” that are expected to be upheld. Individuals who challenge those norms face quite a bit of pressure—either external or internal. Finding a “safe space” for everyone is a tough balancing act within a faith community.

One thing I’ve noticed is that it’s almost easier to create that sense of community or safe space in interfaith settings rather than intrafaith settings. In interfaith settings, there’s no real expectation of a “norm” that must be upheld—there is a foundational understanding that people are coming into this space from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.