For many non-Muslims, it can be difficult to distinguish Islamic religious practices from cultural practices in Muslim-majority countries. Farhana N. Shah, of the Muslim Community Center in Silver Spring and a content specialist in Montgomery County Public Schools, focuses on examining the differences between the faith of Islam and the cultures found in the Muslim world.
She defines some of the most misunderstood Arabic terms (among them, jihad, Sharia, Sunni, and Shia Muslim); examines commonalities between Islam and Abrahamic faiths; investigates myths and misconceptions conveyed by Western media and political agendas; and offers a look at American Muslims today. The program also includes an informal Q&A conversation with audience members.
