What actions are most excellent?
~ Prophet Muhammad
To gladden the heart of a human being.
To feed the hungry.
To help the afflicted.
To lighten the sorrow of the sorrowful.
To remove the wrongs of the injured.
That person is the most beloved of God
Who does the most good to God’s creatures.
Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and white supremacy are on the rise in this country and around the world. The October attack on the synagogue in Pittsburgh, the recent attacks on the two mosques in New Zealand, and the 2015 attack on the Black church in Charleston are horrific examples of this. We understandably react with so many emotions: fear for the safety of ourselves and loved ones, anger that these attacks continue, and deep sorrow for those killed or wounded.
Thankfully, many of us also respond with love, courage, and peace, doing “good to God’s creatures.” Both near and far, the examples of people coming together to offer support and strength in such times are inspiring. This outreach continues during better times too. Here and across the country, people are building local alliances that can make a difference socially and politically on many issues. Such work doesn’t often make the headlines, but it does make real change.
Much of what we do at Carleton seeks to enhance this welcoming and inclusive community on campus and beyond. In classrooms, offices, and dorms around campus, people are engaging with others in respectful and meaningful ways. I see examples of this in our many interfaith groups in the Chapel and in the daily lives of faculty, staff, students, and alumni making a difference all around the world. We look forward to continuing our work together, countering hate with acts of hope.
Carolyn Fure-Slocum, College Chaplain