AIR DATE JULY 14, 2022
Title: Faith Communities in Central Florida: Part 2
Emily speaks with more leaders of various faith traditions in central Florida and explores their core beliefs and practices.
Guests and Locations
Islamic Society of Central Florida, Imam – Hatim Hamidullah
Carter Tabernacle CME Church, Pastor – Rev. Dr. James T. Morris
Politics and Personal Faith Find Common Ground in Central Florida
It is encouraging to see people having the courage and freedom to express their faith daily. Many develop a beautiful lifestyle that helps them grow, serve others, and love their neighbors.
I’ve also seen how politics and religion can be a combustible mixture for those who incorporate these elements into their daily routines.
Recently I spoke with Imam Hatim Hamidullah from the Masjid Al-Haq mosque in Orlando about this issue. He is also an Executive Committee Member with the Interfaith Council of Central Florida.
“The common thread is faith,” he told me. “I always say that there is a golden thread of unity with all the religions, especially the major ones, if I might use that term: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.”
The issue with politics is that it tends to focus on the self instead of one’s neighbor. “We have what is called the Muslim Social Services,” said Imam Hamidullah. “We’re in association with more than eight mosques, or masjid, around the city… and we provide all types of services. We believe that every citizen has the right to live freely, and to be able to climb the ladder of excellence our country offers.”
Emotion Can Be a Strength for a Person’s Faith
The Reverend Dr. James T. Morris is also a board member of the Interfaith Council of Central Florida and serves at the Carter Tabernacle CME Church in Orlando. He told me that peace and justice should be afforded to every human being, regardless of who they are, where they live, or their personal politics.
He says it can be challenging for someone to see a boisterous reaction to a critical political subject as being compassionate because the person on the outside is witnessing a stranger.
“There are times when my daily action may not seem to be compassionate because an issue demands that it be addressed,” said Dr. Morris. “It may demand being loud and boisterous. It may demand organizing to protest. It may demand taking to the streets.”
When someone’s politics differ from another’s, even in the same faith, it can create significant tension. Imam Hamidullah can relate. “When people mention the Muslim name, they don’t think of a peaceful person wanting peace. They think of terrorists. They’re synonymous with one another, and it’s unfortunate.”
Taking care of others when they need help is always the first step to finding common ground. Dr. Morris says they take food to the homeless just as readily as they care for those in their congregation who may be hungry. “We also provide scholarships regularly, not only to our students in our congregation, but also in the community. We provide the traditional things of Christmas time, meals for families, toys, and clothing.”
The common thread is that faith grows when people care about their communities and want to get involved, no matter what name their faith carries.
If you want to learn more about Islam and the Muslim faith, you can contact Imam Hamidullah directly at hhamidullah@hotmail.com. You can also connect with the Carter Tabernacle CME Church on Facebook or by visiting https://www.cartertabernaclecme.com.
