Thailand trip: Discussion between Sunni and Shiite leaders in Thailand

January 25, 2011

Today is my day to add the reflection of this wonderful trip. Today started off great. We had French toast with REAL maple syrup. Score! The few times we have had French toast it has been with honey. After breakfast I am off to 7eleven to buy more minutes for the phone for Don. I am it back in plenty of time to blog before getting in the van for the discussion between Shiite and Sunni Muslims in Bangkok.

The mosque that we are visiting is across the street from the French Embassy (French toast/French Embassy – see the theme). We walk through a narrow alley to get to our destination. There are lots of cats along the way. This mosque shares a wall with a Buddhist Temple. In this area is the location of the cemetery for the community. We were informed that the cemetery is about 80 years old.

The building is which the mosque is housed is about 100 years old. It was on the bank of the rive 200 years ago. The government wanted that land for a Custom House so the land was exchanged to the current location. This happened during Rama V reign. This mosque is unique in its symmetry. Arabic is read from right to left. When standing facing Mecca on the left the script is traditionally written in right to left. The right side is the exact opposite. I took a picture to show this symmetry. The windows also have this symmetry. It is quite beautiful.

Iman Abdul Ahad kindly tells us the history of the mosque and some background information on Islam. He stated that reason that Muslims stand so close together during prayer so that Satan cannot enter. He stated that Muslims should be taught to be kind and generous. When telling us Islamic principles, he liked to use stories to explain what he meant. I could tell he is a good teacher by the way he told his stories.

He stated that there are about 1,700 members of this mosque and about 400-500 more foreigners and guests that use this mosque. He then told us a few stories about the Prophet. He also used examples in Islam that parallel Christainity such as the story of Lot and his family; he discussed the line of Adam, Noah, Moses and Abraham. He stated that Islam’s mission is peace; that Islam means peace.

A question was asked if non-believers should be allowed in a Mosque. The Iman stated that there are only three sanctuaries that a non-believer should not be permitted – Mecca, Medina and one mosque in Jerusalem. Any other Mosque can host those want to come as friends. We then move from the Mosque itself to a conference area across the street. We are now joined with some men from the Iran Cultural Center. The Iman’s name was Qawwa.

Questions asked were how long have Sunni/Shiite’s been in Thailand? About 400 years both have been in Thailand.

The next question was what are the differences between Shiite and Sunni? This question was answered in a very around about way. There was agreement between the Iman’s that this is a question that American’s always seem to ask. They both agree that the worship the same and even will worship together. There is a discussion about leadership on whether an Iman is voted in or should be part of the Prophets blood line. Both agreed this discussion started before the Prophet had died.

I was asked what we they would want us to tell other American’s. They say tell people we live in peace. They also discussed the issues in the south of Thailand. There was agreement that the problems in the south have more to do with politics than Islam. South’s economy is 30% of the GDP for Thailand. Why use revenge when that would make you go to hell. It is written in the Q’uran that if you kill one person you kill the world. Killing is unacceptable in Islam.

We also each lunch with the leaders before they are called to prayer. I was sitting across from the Shiite leaders. Only one spoke really good English. I had a broken conversation with one of the gentleman. From our conversation I gather he has a brother in the States who is a massage therapist.

After they return from prayer there is a little more time to ask questions. The Iman states that the Q’uran slowly reveals its secrets. The Q’uran is a book of signs.

When the Iman is questioned about GLBT issues he states that homosexuality is forbidden. Punishment for gay people is isolation. When further questioned he states that isolation means that you live with your family but you should not be exposed to the public.

My feeling on this morning is that these two communities probably don’t get together very often. Not they have any problems with each but they just don’t dialogue much. It seemed when you get together with your cousin who gets on your nerves but in front of company you put on the best face. I was really glad for the experience because from what we were told this type of discussion would not happen in many other countries. I was glad that they took the time to meet with us for a few hours.