This session focuses on the question of how to interact with our broader society as Muslims living as minorities in the West. For those of us who live in ‘non-muslim’ countries, we are always in contact with people who have different belief structures than us. How do we maintain loyalty to our religion and the believers, while also being loyal to our fellow citizens and country? Dr. Omar Suleiman discusses our relationships as Muslim minorities, our loyalties, interfaith dialogue and our daily interactions.

What does the term “Al Wala’ Wal’ Bara” mean? How do we maintain a sense of loyalty to the Ummah and Allah SWT, while also befriending or working with people of other faiths? Dr. Omar Suleiman elaborates on this often ‘sticky’ situation.

In the previous lesson, Dr. Omar Suleiman explained that our people have a right upon us. It is then our responsibility to act accordingly within our communities. This lesson discusses what quality Muslims should be known for, and how we can take example from the Prophet (SAW).

Many think that if you are going to engage in interfaith dialogue, you ‘leave your faith at the door.’ How do we engage in interfaith dialogues while highlighting the position of our faith in a way that is not aggressive? How do we use our faith in these dialogues, as dawah? What are some ways we can encourage interfaith dialogue? Dr. Omar Suleiman discusses in this lesson.

Can we attend weddings or funerals of someone who is not Muslim? Can we say “happy holidays” to people during Christmas? This lesson focuses on the fiqh of daily interactions with people of other faiths, the different situations we find ourselves in and how to deal with them.