This is the first blog in hopefully a long series of blogs about current Egypt called EGYPT’S CRUSADE FOR MODERNIZATION. As the world has witnessed since January 2011, Egypt has been experiencing many struggles in its efforts to become a true democratic nation and a future world power. Because of this, the media has concentrated mainly on the revolutions with its numerous protests of which some of them have become violent and have resulted in deaths and injuries of its citizens and the arrests of others. As an American who has lived in Cairo as a teacher and tourist for a total of five months in 2011, 2012, and early 2013. I know that many positive activities, organizations, businesses, and kind deeds are occurring and do exist in Egypt in spite of the ongoing unrest.
Today’s topic will describe a project designed by true Muslims who proudly wish to spread the truth about their faith. AHLAN (which means “welcome”) is a joint venture between CIMS (Conveying Islamic Message Society) and the “Tarh El-Kheir” society that is seeking the pleasure of Allah and performing acts and deeds they feel Allah has commanded them to do. The ultimate goal of AHLAN is to spread the true words and message of Islam to non-Muslims and any Muslims who still need to learn by using professional aid tools and competent, highly trained volunteers. It is committed to presenting the real face of Islam rather than the stereotype that depicts it as terrorism and violence. The Quran teaches love, non-violence, world fellowship, and religious acceptance of other faiths. Thus, the elimination of this false world stereotypical perception is one of the main goals of this group. 
The members of AHLAN must complete a training program before they begin to speak to the public. Each volunteer receives a brief which includes a registration form for the volunteer to complete and a sign-up sheet for times and places that the volunteer will be able to work.
The formal training involves the information about Islam that the group wants tourists and other non-Muslims to know and understand. It, of course, teaches about God, Jesus, the Holy Mary, Moses, and the other Islamic prophets found in the Quran. Members must memorize this material and be able to recite it in a positive and effective manner. They take courses in English about Islam and must learn the proper and best ways to deal with the public. These are not easy courses and could take much time to complete successfully. Traditional practices of Islam are taught. These are the ones that will be presented to the public. Excellent public speaking skills and adequate language skills in English, Spanish, French, German, etc. are essential in dealing with and talking with foreign tourists from around the world. Proper etiquette is taught on ho w to address foreigners in respectful ways at all times. Eye contact is important but does not include inappropriate staring; lowering of the gaze when speaking to a woman and not shaking her hand are emphasized to give her the respect she deserves. In Islam, a woman belongs to her family so non-family members must respect this and treat her with the highest regard. Each member must smile and be friendly but not be aggressive. He or she must be honest and only give factual information to the person(s) he or she is addressing and admit lack of correct knowledge is unknown to answer a question. If the foreigners are with a tour guide, he or she must get permission from the guide to talk with the group. These demonstrations or lessons about Islam occur in tourist places, such as the pyramids and mosques. 
Free copies of books printed at the expense of the volunteers are written in ten foreign languages and are presented to the foreign tourists. Two of the most popular ones are A Brief Illustration to Understanding Islam and Women in Islam. These books and others similar to these can also be found in mosques and in the Library of the prestigious and famous Mohamed Ali Mosque. Business cards and other contact information, such as Facebook sites, websites, and phone numbers may be given to those tourists who show additional interest in wanting to learn more about Islam. This group of volunteers has proudly and successfully been able to convert many non-Muslims to Islam through this interaction.
A new AHLAN Arabic Center has recently opened. It is situated in the heart of ancient Islamic Cairo near the vibrant area of Khan El Kalili. This area is a large shopping area and also offers opportunities to experience Egyptian culture with its souks, coffee houses, and restaurants. I have personally been to this area several times and have always found it to be charming, beautiful, and very educational. The recently renovated AHLAN center is a 400-year-old building that now has air-conditioned classrooms and a reception area that offers free tea and coffee and a library that guests can explore. The cultural programs offer excursions to historic sites, museums, and desert oases as well as seminars on various topics. Students are encouraged to take part in community literacy projects that operate from the building under the auspices of FEDA, an Egyptian non-governmental organization. http://www.fedaeq.com The program provides members a wonderful opportunity to speak Arabic with local people as well as well to teach the student members Modern Standard Arabic and Egyptian Colloquial Arabic and to provide lessons on Egypt’s rich culture and history. 
One of the members of this prestigious organization is my dear friend Mahmoud Khairy. Mahmoud provided me with much of this information, and therefore, I wish to acknowledge him and to express my genuine appreciation for assisting me in the writing of this blog. Mahmoud is a twenty year old, third year student at Al-Azhar University in the Faculty of Languages and Translations. His family home is El-Rahmaniya, Al Buhayrah, Egypt, but he resides in Nasr City (near Cairo) when attending the university. He is a highly intelligent and motivated young man. He is fluent in English already which enables our many chats both oral and written to be exciting and fun. Being currently undecided about his future career choice at this time, Mahmoud has reflected on these possible careers: university professor, journalist, or tour guide. He is also a huge and passionate football (soccer) fan and spends much of his time enjoying this sport. I am certain that whatever he decides to pursue will be achieved with great success.
Randi D. Ward
September 17, 2013 
