A college professor’s rude remark took a Muslim student by surprise as he sat in a 2003 computer class at a local university.
“Why the hell are you here?” the professor asked.
Waseem Ahmed shared memories of the uncomfortable incident — with a silver lining — during “Amazing Faiths,” an Interfaith Alliance of Oklahoma program recently held at First United Methodist Church of Edmond. He was among 90 Oklahomans who came together to talk about the differences and similarities of their religions in the aftermath of a contentious presidential election and rising polarization across the country.
Saurabh Singh, Interfaith Alliance of Oklahoma president, said the organization is a nonpartisan “family” devoted to diversity. The organization focuses on human rights issues, fostering interfaith friendships, and interfaith cooperation through community service. “Amazing Faiths,” he said, is a way to bring people together for conversations about faith in a safe environment. Along the way, attendees share a meal together and learn more about local issues of concern such as hunger, homelessness and domestic violence.