Source: Detroit Free Press
http://www.freep.com/article/20090702/NEWS02/90702070/1005/NEWS03
Shi’ite Muslims from across the U.S. are coming to Dearborn for a conference this weekend centered on the life of Imam Ali, the son-in-law of Islam’s prophet.
Organized by the Muslim Congress, the three-day event starting Friday is expected to draw up to 1,500 Muslims, say conference organizers. And it comes at a time of growing interest in the U.S. government about how to reach out to the Muslim world after President Obama’s major speech on Islam last month. The name of this year’s conference is “Imam Ali, The Perfection of Humanity.”
“It’s a great opportunity for Muslims and non-Muslims to learn,” said Bilal Dabaja, 24, of Dearborn, a conference volunteer.
The conference will feature scholars and religious leaders who are often relied upon by Shi’ite Muslims to help guide them in their lives. The sessions include lectures on marriage, stress, the Quran, and Imam Ali.