Interfaith Museum

David Kasbow
July 7, 2009

An Ambassador for Peace in metropolitan Detroit has made a significant contribution to interfaith understanding and harmony in his newly opened Interfaith Museum. Imam Hassan Al Husainy of the Karbala Islamic Education Center in Dearborn, Michigan, has studied the parallels between the three Abrahamic faiths, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. On the basis of his research, he has commissioned an artist to paint some three dozen four-ft.-by-four-ft. canvases showing the similarities among the founders and histories of the three faiths.

“God is a God of justice and evenness,” says the Imam. “We can now see that in our histories.” For Christians and Jews, visiting the museum is a unique chance to easily study the history of Islam, something most people know very little about. For Muslims, a visit is a reminder of how much they believe in both Christianity and Judaism.

A good starting point is the picture showing Moses, Jesus, and Mohammad with groups of 12 men behind each of them. Behind Moses, these men represent the leaders of the 12 tribes; behind Jesus, they are the 12 disciples; and behind Mohammad, these men represent the 12 imams, the 12 major leaders in the history of Islam. In another painting we see the 12th Imam and Jesus. Al Husainy explains that many Muslims believe that at the end of the world the last Imam will return at the same time as Jesus returns, and they will restore the world to Heaven together.

Al Husainy explains that the museum is already getting much attention. A few weeks ago, a group of Christians from South Carolina came to visit. The pictures stimulated much conversation concerning the nature of heaven, salvation, and God’s work in history. He was pleased with the conversation because they all learned from each other.

From a Unificationist viewpoint, his research confirms the parallels of history as explained in the Divine Principle. Further, his work adds another parallel that creates a bridge between Unificationism and Islam. He also reminds us of what the Catholic Church knew long ago; namely, that painting and art are great vehicles for teaching.

Written by Rev. David Kasbow