MIC held a vigil Thursday night as a response of solidarity with its Muslim neighbors in the aftermath of recent anti-Muslim protests that occurred across the nation last weekend. A total of 40 people gathered to listen to speakers representing various faith traditions in the Marin area.

  Messages of overpowering hate with love echoed amongst the speakers as a priority to responding to hate speech. "What is our sacred task in the face of hate?" asked Rabbi Elana Rosen-Brown of Congregation Rodef Sholom. "Our sacred task is to love one another, and fight for justice! We will never know the answer to why people hate. So let us not be distracted by that question, but return to our sacred task," said Rabbi Elana. Other speakers included Rev. Alberta Buller of St. Francis Assisi Episcopal Church, Khadija Hansia of the Islamic Center of Mill Valley, Abbess Fu Schroeder from Green Gulch Farm Zen Center, Elaine Tokolahi of the Spiritual Assembly of Bahai's, and Imam Fasih of the Islamic Center of North Marin.

 Imam Fasih closed the evening bringing awareness to the lack of knowledge about Islam, and its similarities to universal values across many traditions. He educated attendees about Sharia law, and highlighted its similarities to the U.S. Constitution in its nature of facilitating justice and benefiting humanity for all. "A lot of people are unaware of Islam, and they are reacting out of emotion," said Imam Fasih. " I hope that we can be proactive. I plead for everyone to learn more about Islam." 

Rev. Victor Kazanjian, Jr.

August 29, 2017, 7:00 to 9:00 pm,