Member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Rotterdam Junction which, along with the Saratoga Springs congregations of Temple Sinai and Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church, is raising money for disaster relief efforts.

Background: Born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland. She and her husband, Mahmood, came to America in 1998, living first in Albany and later Pennsylvania. She is office manager for her husband’s primary care medical practice in Amsterdam. They live in Glenville with their five children — “girl, boy, girl, boy and oh, boy!” — ranging in age from 15 to 6.

What was it like growing up in Scotland’s capital as the daughter of a British nurse and Pakistani doctor?

My parents got married in the 1960s when interracial marriage was taboo. He was a Muslim and she was a Methodist. She wanted to be a missionary. She wanted him to be her first convert. When she spoke to him, she realized that she wouldn’t give up anything but would add to her belief. She converted to Islam out of conviction and proposed to him. We had Muslim culture in our house, not British or Pakistani. I have three younger brothers. We were all brought up to serve and are doing so.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim community began as a revival movement in India in the 19th century. How did it confront religious intolerance?

Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, who we believe was the messiah, wanted to end religious wars. He said jihad meant jihad of the pen and would do prayer duels rather than physical fights. He advocated for justice. I feel very passionate about this too. My beliefs are pacifist.

When people claim the monopoly of truth, they become arrogant. It is not understanding the message of God.

What motivated you to help organize the benefit dinner?

The impetus was the Japanese earthquake. Since then, we’ve had a lot of domestic tragedies from tornadoes and floods.

I am so happy to be involved in this. Whatever way we can help as a community we are grateful to do so. It is pure Islam, to bring people together. The Ahmadiyyas’ motto is “Love for all, hatred for none.” We wanted to include as many communities as possible. I hope such events serve not only the victims but forge friendships and love for each other.

All of us want to serve humanity. We are all taking part to show the world we can be unified. We can show love for each other.

We hope to have 300 attendees and to raise $3,000. It will be a green event, with no paper products. In addition to helping our sisters and brothers in Japan and this country, we will help planet Earth.

The money you raise will go to ShelterBox.

It’s something we’re proud to be a part of and endorse. It provides shelter and life-saving equipment. It is a great idea to have a box set up for survival, with a small grill, a burner and pots for cooking, blankets, water purifier, saw and hammer and nails.

Source : Albany Times Union