Who is IECS?
The Islamic Educational Center of Seattle (IECS) is a non profit organization located in Mountlake Terrace, WA. The IECS offers programs about Islam in both Farsi and English on Friday and Saturday nights, respectively.
What is the mission of IECS?
In order to provide a forum for better understanding of Islam, the IECS members accept diversity of opinion, and work within the framework of mutual honor and respect. The IECS has an inclusive attitude, seeking and encouraging participation from all Muslims regardless of race, national origin, class, gender, school of thought, or political views.
Why does IECS do Interfaith?
The IECS believes that the purpose of interfaith is not conversion but for people of different traditions to come together through religion seeking understanding, for as the Holy Qur’an says:
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ
وَالْعَصْرِ {1}
[Yusufali
103:1] By (the Token of) Time (through the ages),
إِنَّ الْإِنسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ {2}
[Yusufali 103:2] Verily Man is in
loss,
إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا
وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا
بِالصَّبْرِ {3}
[Yusufali 103:3] Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy.
The IECS has worked hard to foster relationships with people of other traditions raising awareness about issues which concern all of us. The IECS has been very successful in building bridges of friendship and understanding with the greater communities through educational, social and cultural events. The Interfaith Committee members always look forward to connecting with other organizations by working together synergistically, recognizing that religion is not a tool of division but unity. However, unity does not mean uniformity but the oneness of Truth in the midst of multiplicity. For it is when people get together that a transaction happens and it is through this transaction that we find our humanity.
How does IECS connect with the greater community?
IECS has conducted numerous presentations in churches, middle schools, elementary schools, high schools, etc. reaching an upward of 3,000 people. The IECS Interfaith Committee members are always ready and willing to participate in events where there is an exchange of ideas, knowledge, and sharing the wisdom of other traditions. This openness of heart and mind is but a reflection of the universal message of Islam where the oneness of God transcends the label of religion. Due to this openness, the Interfaith Committee has been able to bring the message of Islam to different settings and in a variety of formats, gaining extensive experience. The IECS has offered classes, seminars, and workshops geared toward different levels to a diverse group of citizens. IECS has offered classes of various durations: one time presentations, full day events, multi-day events, semester long courses, as well as year long classes.
How to contact IECS interfaith outreach committee?
Please contact: