The threat of carnage and chaos that ISIS and its allies impose globally can be vanquished if people of all faiths act locally, seriously and consistently.

iStock/Townsquare Digital
iStock/Townsquare Digital
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That's one of the conclusions drawn and reinforced during the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA's 67th annual Jalsa Salana interfaith convention in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

According to Abdul Nasir of Freehold, the group's Central Jersey outreach coordinator, the conclave fosters not simply communication among followers of Islam, but also exchange of ideas with people of many faiths and elected officials. More than 8,000 delegates and guests attended from across America and around the globe.

"The biggest purpose at this time is to share the true picture of Islam," Nasir said.

For many attendees, "the only introduction they have to Islam is the one they see in the media. Our guests - friends in Christianity, Judaism, and other faiths - shared what we have in common, versus our differences. When we share the practices of the prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him, and his lifestyle, they see that it is not exactly what is known through the media about Islam," Nasir  said.

Attendees rediscovered the threads that bind the world's major religions through practical dialogue.

"One great topic of conversation was the the belief on the messiah of the latter day," Nasir said. "We all agreed, in the perspective of our respective faiths, in the utmost need of unity of humanity. It's essential for global peace."

The conclave also generated introspection among religious leaders, Nasir said, such as "what does true Muslim leadership look like...how Islam connects religion, freedom and peace...and what is the correct manner to respond to allegations the Prophet and Islam - not by violence or aggression, but through dialogue and peaceful connection with each other."

If each attendee extends the message of hope in his or her own spheres of influence, it becomes pervasive and persuasive. It must be accomplished "by continuing outreach to local faith leaders and government officials...building bridges for harmony...by writing letters to local papers" as well as meeting regularly for mutual support, Nasir said.

ISIS perperates an overestimation of its true power and influence through skillful media manipulation, Nasir noted. "It's not reflective of the teachings of Islam. It's more for political purposes." The danger is in convincing alienated young people that the world order oppresses them, and promising to upend it by all means necessary.

"We've started a campaign called "Stop The CrISIS," Nasir said. The peer-to-peer  exchange, currently growing rapidly in Canada, offers commentary and perspective shorn of hyperbole, as well as news of related events on campuses, libraries and meeting halls.

"We believe that coming together, as a community, as US citizens, educating ourselves on this issue, we can counter it together," Nasir said.

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