BRISTOL — This past summer, Farhad and Amtul Khan fulfilled a lifelong dream and a spiritual obligation: they completed their pilgrimage to Mecca. To learn more about their journey, the public is invited to attend “Hajj: A Spiritual Journey” on Thursday, Feb. 28, at the Lawrence Memorial Library from 7-8:30 p.m. This event is sponsored by One World Library Project. It is free and handicapped accessible.
The Khans are active members of the Burlington-based Islamic Society of Vermont, which currently has a total of about 3,500 members from such countries as Bosnia, Somalia, India and Iraq. The Khans originally hail from India. Sixteen other members of ISVT joined the Khans on their pilgrimage.
The pilgrimage to Mecca, also known as the Hajj, is an elaborate journey taken by millions of Muslims each year during the last month on the Islamic calendar. It involves a number of ritual practices and a great deal of tradition. During the presentation, the Khans will share images of their journey while explaining the details of their pilgrimage. The program will be interactive; audience members are encouraged to ask questions during the presentation.
The Khans are Middlebury residents, owners of One Dollar Market, and parents of three children. Farhad is a past president of the Islamic Society of Vermont and also served as a vice president of Kids4Peace Vermont, an interfaith youth movement dedicated to turning divided societies into communities of lasting peace by bringing together Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and other youth for summer and school-year programs. Both Farhad and Amtul Khan are currently studying at CCV. Farhad Khan is also a Middlebury selectboard member.
For more information about this event or One World Library Project, contact the Lawrence Memorial Library at 802-453-2366, go to OneWorldLibraryProject.org or the One World Library Project Facebook page.