Confirmation class learns about Muslims firsthand

     The confirmation class at First Presbyterian Church in Monticello recently dove into what it means to be a Muslim living in the United States.

     Twenty-six-year-old Reema Ajram from Cedar Rapids met with the eight confirmands (in grades eighth and ninth), as well as the church’s pastor, Rev. Emory Gillespie. Ajram and Gillespie knew each other prior.

     Gillespie said she asked the confirmation class what they would like to learn more about.

     “They said they enjoyed learning about our neighbors and different faiths,” said Gillespie.

     She said after a trip to the Hindu temple in Cedar Rapids, it sparked the kids’ interest more.

     “I asked and Reema said she’d visit with the class,” said Gillespie.

     Aside from answering questions from the youth, Ajram also addressed the church’s congregation during the church service on Feb. 26.

     “Some of these people said they had never met a Muslim person before,” conveyed Gillespie.

     Ajram was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Her father immigrated to the United States roughly 40 years ago from Lebanon, immigrated here legally, stressed Ajram. Lebanon is located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea between Syria and Israel.

     Ajram said her parents lived in a small village in Lebanon where everyone knew one another.

     Once her parents were married, they both returned to Cedar Rapids to start their lives. Eventually, Ajram’s father opened his own flooring and upholstery store. He’s been in business now for over 20 years.

     Ajram and her two older brothers were all born in Iowa. Ajram went on to attend the University of Iowa, majoring in communications. Her oldest brother works with her father in the family business, while her other brother is pursuing degrees in biochemistry and psychology.

     Ajram said her family still goes back to Lebanon to visit their family and friends, usually staying for about a month. They were just “home” in August 2016.

     “It’s not usually hard to travel overseas there,” she said. “Sometimes we’re selected for security checks at the airports because of our last name. After 9/11, it felt like we were searched more.”

     Ajram said they are targeted everywhere they go because they are Muslim.

     “But we’re U.S. citizens,” she said.

     Last week, President Trump released an amended version of the travel. Unlike the first version, this one eliminates the country of Iraq. However, Ajram still referred to this ban as the “Muslim ban 2.0.” She explained though, that Lebanon is not a predominately Muslim country, which is why she feels it was not included in the ban.

     “We have many Christians, too,” she said for those living in Lebanon.

     So what sets the Islamic faith apart from others? Nothing, according to Ajram.

     “Muslims want the same thing that everyone else wants,” she said, including providing a home for their families, earning a living, and living in peace.

     She said Muslims believe in peace like others, and praise God.

     “Allah means ‘God’ in Arabic,” she explained. “We believe in Jesus as a prophet.”

     Gillespie explained it further, saying that the Old Testament of the Bible reflects Jesus’ life. The New Testament, the birth of Christianity; and Quran, the birth of Islam.

     “Abraham is the father of all three religions,” she said, bringing everyone together.

     “Their religion is not much different than ours,” said confirmand Jayden Orcutt. “They believe in one god and stand against killing.”

     Ajram said for Muslims, killing one person is like killing all of mankind.

     “We believe in loving your neighbors like Christians do,” added Ajram. “We respect others.”

     Gillespie said those statements ring true today.

     “At the Presbyterian Church, we live in faith with others as our neighbors and loving them,” she said. “It’s important right now to be clear about and important as Christians to stand with our Muslim friends in difficult times and establish an inter-faith dialog.” Gillespie said a lot of people misunderstand the Islamic faith.

     “It’s important as a congregation to stand with our Muslim friends in difficult times,” she urged, “and establish an inter-faith dialog.”

     “Not all Muslims are bad,” echoed confirmand Rease Saunders.

     “People choose to be bad,” added Amelia Anderson.

     “There can be bad people in every religion,” said Ajram. “Muslims just stand out now.”

     When Ajram’s family was visiting Lebanon in 2016, Ajram said they saw many Syrian refugees seeking comfort in Lebanon, which is only an hour and a half drive from Damascus, Syria. Ajram said they would drive into Damascus to go shopping.

     “Before it was easy to drive to Syria,” said Ajram. “It’s dangerous now. It’s a war zone.”

     Of the stigma attached to Syrian refugees, Ajram said they just want to survive.

     “The refugees are not any different than us; they believe as we do,” she said. “They are fleeing (to other countries) for safety and for their families.”

     Ajram said there are 1.7 billion Muslims in the world, and growing.

     “If we were truly out to kill,” she said, “everyone would be dead.”

     The confirmation class also dove into the effects of 9/11 on the Muslim community.

     “After 9/11,” said Anderson, “her (Ajram) friends left her because they thought she was a terrorist. Muslims are not as bad as people think. They’re normal people.”

     “She wasn’t treated the same after that,” added Kaden Kiburz, “because of a bad stereotype.”

     Orcutt said the terrorists associated with 9/11 basically gave the Islamic faith a bad reputation.

     “I always feel like I have to apologize to everyone,” said Ajram, of the horrid acts of others people seem to associate as being Muslim.

     Confirmand Charles Bruns put it simply: “Not all Muslims are terrorists, and not all terrorists are Muslim.”

     “God made us all,” declared Ajram.

     Ajram, who married her longtime friend from Lebanon in August, is awaiting his return to the U.S. While they are married according to the Islamic faith, she explained the two are not legally married in the U.S.…yet. Because of the headache of trying to leave Lebanon and travel into the U.S., Ajram said she has been contacting Sen. Grassley’s office in Washington, D.C. for help.

     “It’s hard,” she admitted. “I’m not sure what’s going to happen.”

     Ajram filed immigration papers in late-October/early-November for her husband to move to the U.S. legally.

     Of hearing Ajram’s story and learning about the Islamic faith firsthand, the youth at First Presbyterian Church were glad for the opportunity.

     “It’s nice to know about the real Muslims faith, and not just what you hear on the news,” said Kiburz.

     Gillespie said she is quite proud of her confirmation class for “following Jesus’ mandate to show hospitality to all people” The co-teachers, Pam Recker and Lisa Hosford, have been vital in this effort as well.

     “I’m proud that they were open and interested in this topic,” she said. Gillespie said she also thanks Ajram for wanting to speak about her family and faith, despite the political climate we live in right now.

     “She did not know what to expect coming here,” said Gillespie. “But our church is very welcoming.” She said many from the congregation really enjoyed this learning opportunity.