Discuss 'Islam, the Misunderstood' with imam Aug. 16

The basic beliefs of Islam - and separating fact from fiction - are highlights of an upcoming talk on the religion Sunday at the First Church of Christ, Unitarian, also known as the Bulfinch Church on the Lancaster Town Green.

The talk, "Islam and Muslims: The Misunderstood," is part of an informal series on various faith practices, said Sue Billings, a member of the church worship committee.

"It's for people who want to know more about what Islam is all about … I just want to understand it in the full context political and personal issues," Billing said, adding that she has a nephew who has served in Iraq twice.

As Muslims become a growing part of the U.S. religious community - and as the U.S. evaluates its relationship to Muslim-majority countries worldwide, Billing said, "We want to learn more about other people's beliefs."

The guest speaker is Imam Abdul Karim Hassan, of the Worcester Islamic Center, a Worcester resident and middle school teacher.

Hassan, a native of Somalia, studied in traditional Islamic schools, furthering his studies in Mombasa, Kenya. He became a full-time imam - a mosque leader - in Minneapolis, Minn., in 2001, and has traveled to more than 20 countries giving lectures on Islam.

Margaret Smith is the Times & Courier's arts and calendar editor. E-mail her at msmith@cnc.com.

Free lecture: 'Islam and Muslims: The Misunderstood'

Where: First Church of Christ, Unitarian, 725 Main St., Lancaster.

When: 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 16.

More info: Call 978-365-2427 or visit www.firstchurchlancasterma.org.