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A group of American Muslims in our nation's capitol is actively engaged in encouraging environmentalism and civic responsibility in the Muslim American community. The group, DC Green Muslims, recently played host to a film screening of Renewal at Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C., where 65 Christian, Muslim and Jewish attendees watched Renewal, the first feature-length documentary to capture the breadth and vitality of America's religious-environmental movement.
DC Green Muslims helps American Muslims, as well as people of other faiths, use activism and community engagement to empower their communities and to express their religious faith by caring for the environment. The group’s members aim to be inspired and inspire others by demonstrating a commitment to social justice and the environment. Additionally, DC Green Muslims hopes to foster a connection to the self among event participants. The organization uses environmental issues to effect change in our communities and in our country.
DC Green Muslims was founded in 2007 by Sanjana Ahmad, Sajid Anwar, Mohamad Chakaki, Nadia Janjua, and Esa Syeed, a group of young professionals who, Chakaki recalls, “felt that something was missing” from their lives. That “something” was a way to engage and improve their community. While the group started as a discussion among these five individuals, DC Green Muslims has grown because it encourages collective leadership and decision-making among its members.
The organization reaches out to mosques, as well as churches and synagogues, to educate people about the environment. Several upcoming events will engage the local Washington, D.C. community including a clean-up event at a Washington, D.C. park and a dinner event where up to 75 people of many faiths will enjoy locally grown organic food.
Posted on July 22, 2008
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