January 25th, 2001 - The Graduate School of Islamic and Social Sciences (GSISS) hosted a group of eighteen non-Muslim military chaplains, members of the Military Chaplain's Association (MCA), which includes all branches of the Armed Forces. The event was coordinated by Chaplain Brogan, the President of the local chapter of the MCA and the Arlington National Cemetery Chaplain.

The visit focused on providing the non-Muslim chaplains with an increased understanding of Islam. After a short welcoming tour of the School, Dr. Taha Jabir Alalwani, President of GSISS, gave a presentation on Islam and some issues particular to Muslims serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Dr. Taha pointed out that frequently in the interaction between Christians and Muslims old fears, rooted in the historical experiences of the Crusades, are substituted for the process of developing an understanding of shared beliefs. He drew an important distinction between defining the identity of a given nation by the beliefs of its majority population or the values practiced by its leaders. Dr. Taha asked the audience to evaluate a conflict between nations from the standpoint of which nation is most Islamic in practice.

A second presentation by Dr. Iqbal Unus, of the Fiqh Council, and Chaplain Abdur-Rasheed Muhammed from Walter Reed Hospital, discussed the history of Islam in America from the standpoint of the immigrant and from the standpoint of the African-American. This presentation was followed by a question and answer roundtable that included Imam Johari Abdul Malik of Howard University; Imam Mohammed Magid of George Mason University and the ADAMS Center; School chaplain candidates; students; and faculty. Questions discussed included: Muslim holidays; timing of prayers; observations that are obligatory and obligations that are preferred (sunnah); funeral requirements; and problems faced in establishing Muslim mosques and schools. A sincere desire to serve the needs of Muslim families and the value of having clearly written Islamic information circulated through the chaplain's offices of all branches was expressed by the non-Muslim chaplains.

The visit was one of several groups of military chaplains and/or military officers that have visited the School to expand their understanding of the way Muslim chaplains are trained and their understanding of the basic tenants of Islam.