Source: Tenessean
http://tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070203/NEWS06/702030329/1023/NEWS
Olive Tree Education is a non-profit group that has been formed in Nashville to address the issue of Islamic education and outreach.
The importance of education of society has become a vital part of our lives as, indeed, education removes one from a state for being unaware and uninformed. Our world is alarmingly out of balance and polarized, and lack of education has entrenched patterns of hostility and mistrust.
In a post 9/11 era, Islam has come under intense scrutiny, and the ability of Muslims to coexist with people of other faith has been questioned. This can be attributed to lack of understanding of Islam and Muslims and the legacy of the 1.5 billion followers of Islam. Specifically, meaningful and structured programs for the public to learn about this major world religion are not available in this part of the world.
Over the last six years, I have visited many churches, civic clubs, schools and colleges to talk about the truth with respect to Islam. I continue to meet many Americans that are still poorly informed about Muslims and their faith.