Past: Red Light Night

RED LIGHT NIGHT: Islamic Beliefs, Practices, its History and Various Forms of Islamic Art and Architecture

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO-- Thursday, September 8, at 7:00 p.m., the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri will host the first Red Light Night of this season with the topic “Islamic Beliefs, Practices, its History and Various Forms of Islamic Art and Architecture” featuring Dr. Tahsin Khalid, professor at the University as well as member of the Islamic Center in Cape Girardeau.

Dr. Khalid has taught at Southeast Missouri State University for the past 16 years in the department of Elementary, Early and Special Education. He has been a member of various panels, including one in 2004 at the Rose Theatre where over 200 people attended to learn about the Muslim faith. Dr. Khalid currently resides with his family in Cape Girardeau and daughter, a freshman at Central High School this fall.

During his presentation, Dr. Khalid will discuss what basic Islamic beliefs are including: what is the concept of God, various prophets, books, angels and the Hereafter. He will also present on Islamic religious practices such as daily prayers, annual fasting, paying charity and performing Hajj. Audience members will have the opportunity to dig a little deeper into issues with the faith that revolve around what Islam teaches its followers about relationships, interactions with parents, family, siblings, neighbors, animals and plants. Dr. Khalid also hopes to address the common question: Is there any connection between Islam and violence such as terrorism?

For those interested in how the arts tie into the Islamic faith, audience members will be treated to a review of the Quranic calligraphy, old written scriptures and pictures of religious architecture.

Red Light Night is a series of after-hours discussions on controversial and taboo topics within the arts. Red Light Night sessions are presented by guest lecturers and panelists at the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri in Downtown Cape Girardeau on select Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. Please note, topics and discussion are intended for a mature audience.