FIRST TANGAZA ANNUAL SUMMER SCHOOL ON ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY IN DIALOGUE IN AFRICA (TASSICDA). The amazing, informative and exciting week that was! The month of July came with a miracle spell that was realized through the second summer school at Tangaza University College. The Summer School opened its doors on 1 st July with the arrival and registration of participants from near and far. The participants were drawn from as far as Iran, Turkey, Tanzania, Zambia, Uganda, Kenya and other countries. The hosts and organizers of this great and noble event were Matthias Eder (AGEH- CPS) and Fr. Innocent Maganya, M.Afr (HOD Mission and Islamic Studies) of the Theology School. The two noted in their welcome remarks that the summer school under the topic of Islam and Christianity in Dialogue in Africa is intended to bridge the knowledge gaps between the two Abrahamic religions in order for the adherents to not only tolerate but to live in harmony with one another. The introductory sessions, the learning and excitement of the participants made the first day fly fast. The organizers spiced the first day with a well thought of dinner at the Bedouin Restaurant, which sits on the Karen Mosque compound. The Christian guests found it both amusing and a bit of physical exercise to sit
crossed legged on the carpets but any discomfort was soon soothed by the well-spiced and mouthwatering lamb chops, chicken biriyani and many other Arab themed delicacies which were, in turn, washed down by steaming cups of tea or coffee. The participants discussing over tea break. The first week weaved through the history of Islam delivered by Prof. Khoddami from the International Institute for Islamic Studies in Qom in Iran. Prof. Khoddami gave a mastery and an interactive piece on the origin of Islam and its spread throughout the world. After Prof Khoddami, Prof. Reginald Cruz stepped in to give the other side of the coin -the Brief History of Christianity with a memorable mastery that made the session very engaging, informative and gratifying. The two background lectures were followed by the lively lecture on Catholic Ecclesiology by Rev Sr. Leonida Katunge. Sr. Leonida, a seasoned scholar, caused lots of laughter by her candid presentation. Later on, Sr. Leonida teamed up with Prof Khoddami to speak on the concept of community-umma (Islam) and ekklesia (Christianity). Prof Khoddami brought the session to a logical conclusion by wisely discussing the Islamic creed and rituals. All these sessions were eye openers to the participants who were made to appreciate the similarities between Islam and Christianity. Some of the participants who had come with the sole minds of attacking each other soon found themselves holding common positions on matters of both creed and even rituals.
Class in session Prof Seyed Mohaddes, an Iranian scholar explored the topic of Anthropology in the Islamic teaching in a very engaging manner. He further took participants on a journey of how Islam views other religions and especially the Christians. Fr Innocent Maganya and Fr Charles Odira followed Prof Mohaddes presentation with Christianity and other religions: Official teaching of the Catholic Church (pre- and post-vatican II). The two gave the highlights of how the Catholic Church viewed and interacted with other religions before Vatican II, and the rapprochement brought about by Vatican II. The fathers presentations were followed by a synthesis of the two views-islam and Christianity- by Dr Remi Caucanas who gave a very well prepared and interesting historical account under the theme of History of Muslim-Christian dialogue. Many participants acknowledged the diversity and convergence of the two religions and expressed gratitude to the organizers for a well thought out program that had excellent lessons to from as well as new insights.
Fr. Innocent and Prof Kodammi discussing with some of the participants. The week was concluded with a very significant event where the participants joined the Friday prayers (salaat-ul-juma) at the Karen mosque. This was another remarkable event for most of Christian participants who were praying in a mosque for the first time. While it is usual practice in mosques for ladies and gentlemen to sit separately, the Imam, kindly allowed members of the summer school to sit together at the back of the congregation in order for the members to have a bird s eye view of the goings-on. The service started at 12.45 pm with the Imam s sermon on hygiene based on the Qur an verses. After the sermon, the prayers of the people (salaat), just as in the Christian churches, (salaat) began. The participants and especially the Christians realized that the prayers of the people in the Mosque are quite similar to those conducted in the Catholic Church, only that they are carried out in Arabic. The imam during the khutbah or formal preaching and prayer carried a wooden staff in his left hand. Some of the ladies preparing themselves for prayers.
The prayers ended at exactly 1.30 pm with the congregation saying as-salaamu alaykum wa rahmatullah or praise be to God. The congregation said this concluding remark twice: one for the Imam and the second one for the members of the congregation on the right and those on the left. This is done with the supplicants turning their heads right and left. This is a sign of peace and greetings to the angels around. After the service, Fr. Innocent had a friendly conversation with the imam of the Karen Mosque, which belongs to the Sunni community. Next Friday the participants hope to visit a Shi a mosque. Meanwhile the summer school is in its second week. And the update continues