“Because people have different views, their interpretation of religion and its influence on society is subjective, leading to stereotyping and clash of civilizations,” said Dr. Hisham Altalib speaking at  the “Understanding Interfaith Conference” organized by the Center of Interfaith Study and Dialogue (CISD) at Nazareth College in Rochester, New York, on April 11 – 13, 2010.

At the Abrahamic Faiths session during the conference, three speakers engaged in a dialogue about the effects of stereotyping and prejudice on interfaith relations. Dr. Eboo Patel was the main speaker who spoke eloquently on the great utility of Interfaith understanding, particularly among the youth.

Dr. Altalib emphasized IIIT’s continuing partnership with Nazareth College and presented the President with the IIIT’s gift of support for CISD’s fruitful endeavors.  “There is no doubt that CISD is unique in the sense that it achieved a lot in the area of Academia, as well as outreaching to the communities, thus combining Academia with community dialogue,” Dr. Altalib said.

Interfaith Perspectives on Earth-Friendly living was the third subject of preserving and sustaining the environment (the Air, Water, and Earth). The discussants recognized that Mankind was only a trustee on earth. We don’t own it and it is not only for us; it is for animals, plants, and birds also. We need to keep it pure for ourselves and the many generations to come after us. We are made from earth, to it we return, and from it we will be resurrected as the Qur’an emphasizes.

The Conference was well attended by the peoples of Abrahamic faiths, as well as Hindus and Buddhists. Dr. Mohammad Shafiq, the Executive Director of the Center for Interfaith Studies and Dialogue, ended the Conference thanking the participants and praying for success and peace for everyone in the interfaith endeavor.