May peace prevail and be upon our world

“Peace was on me the day I was born and will be on me the day I die and the day I am raised to life again. Such was Jesus, son of Mary. (This is) a statement of the Truth about which there can be no doubt.” (Quran 19:33-34)

On behalf of the Islamic Center of Cedar Rapids, my family and my congregation, I would love to extend greetings of peace, blessings, joy and prosperity to our dear brothers, sisters, neighbors and families in the Cedar Rapids community. And to our Jewish brothers and sisters, I wish you a belated, but heartfelt, happy Hanukkah. Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan and all religious holidays are occasions to pause and reflect on our lives, count our blessings and connect with our loved ones.

Some might know, but sadly many don’t know, that Muslims do believe in Jesus and his miraculous birth. Entire passages in the Quran, the Muslim holy book, are dedicated to narrating the story in detail. In the Quran, Jesus is described as the word of God, the Spirit of God, and a Mercy to mankind. Not only do Muslims believe in Jesus, but indeed we love Jesus. His devotion and submission to God are both exemplary and inspiring. His compassion, gentleness and generosity are models to be followed by men and women of faith, regardless of their religious affiliation.

More importantly, Jesus’ commitment to justice and his unwavering support of the weak, the oppressed and the marginalized continue to guide us to dream of a better world.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem, about 6 miles south of the city of Jerusalem, a city and a land considered holy by all people of Abrahamic faiths: Jews, Christians and Muslims. As the children of Abraham, we are united by faith. We believe in and worship One God. Abraham unites us, our faiths stem from the same fountain. We all believe in justice, peace and, more importantly, the sanctity of life, all life.

Over the years, I reflected a lot on the person of Jesus and what made him unique in his approach to preaching and living his faith. It occurred to me that it all came down to a simple yet powerful trait: He thought of others. Jesus was a selfless man, and that is what made him a Godly man.

I am resolute this year to follow the teachings of Jesus, son of Mary, of Bethlehem, a Middle Eastern Palestinian who inspired billions throughout time and space. As I prepare my breakfast, I will think of others, who have nothing to eat. As I pay my water bill, I will think of others, who drink rainwater. As I return home after a long day, I will think of others, who live in tents in refugee camps. As I write articles and deliver sermons, I will think of others, who lost their right to speak. As I watch news of war, I will think of others, who seek peace.

May peace be upon Jesus, Moses, and Muhammad. May peace be upon our families, friends, neighbors, and loved ones. May peace be upon doctors and nurses for saving lives. May peace be upon teachers teaching our children to think and preparing them to lead and thrive. May peace be upon rabbis, priests, and imams for leading souls and healing hearts. May peace be upon police men and women for keeping streets and neighborhoods safe. May peace be upon farmers for growing food and nourishing bodies. May peace be upon single parents for being the heroes they are. May peace be upon workers, mail men and women, firefighters, professors, and all people. May peace prevail and be upon our world.

Imam Hassan Selim leads the Islamic Center of Cedar Rapids.