West Windsor Police Host Program on Islam
The four-day event took place recently at the Princeton Junction Fire Department and featured daily speakers from the Institute of Islamic Studies (IoIS) in East Windsor, covering aspects of the Islamic religion, cultural practices and sensitivities of the Muslim community.
"I would say I made new friends,'' said Sgt. Mark Lee, who helped organize the event. “We are building bridges of understanding.''
IoIS has been located on Princeton Hightstown Road in East Windsor USA for nearly 20 years and last year broke ground on a new mosque to be built at 2030 Old Trenton Road in West Windsor.
Tahir Zafar, the institute's board chairman, said working to build trust between police and the communities they serve helps both sides. Learning about Muslim culture, given the current political climate, is especially important, Zahar said.
"Without the trust of the community, law enforcement can't function," Zahar added. "We all have to work together to build that trust.''
The Islamic Center members served as speakers, covering topics like traditional Muslim dress, the timing and meaning of Muslim prayer, religious holidays and Muslim obligations, Zahar said.
It was the first time the institute put on a symposium on Islam, and Zahar said he thought the event went well, drawing a surprising number of people.
Noteworthy that West Windsor Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh was among those who attended the symposium on Islam and Muslim culture hosted by the West Windsor Police Department.
Source: IINA
