Public invited to Islamic prayer services Friday

University administrators and members of the Islamic Society of Stanford University (ISSU) will host an open prayer service on Friday from 1:30 to 2 p.m. in the Old Union Courtyard. The service, co-sponsored by the Office of Religious Life, will include a short sermon in English by Dr. Hisham Abdullah, "How the Terrorists Tried to Hijack Islam," explaining Islam's condemnation of acts of terrorism. Provost John Etchemendy is expected to welcome guests to the service.

The service will provide an opportunity for the Stanford community to learn about Muslims and Arabs on campus, said society member Sohail Yousuf, who added that he hoped it will promote understanding and tolerance. Although the Islamic Society has received a number of e-mail threats since the Sept. 11 attacks, all originating off campus, it has received hundreds of e-mail messages expressing support from Stanford students, faculty and staff, said Omar Latif, a medical student and ISSU president. Of all places Arabs and Muslims could be right now, the Stanford campus is one of the best, he said.

"It is our hope that the Stanford community will be a catalyst in helping all Americans understand the difference between vile terrorists and their peaceful American Muslim neighbors," the ISSU said in a statement.

The Islamic Society regularly conducts Friday prayer services in the Old Union ballroom. SR