Al-Ma'idah Initiative Foundation

The Al-Ma'idah Initiative Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Seattle, Washington, with a focus on fostering understanding and dialogue between Christians and Muslims.

Mission and Objectives

The mission of the Al-Ma'idah Initiative Foundation is to promote and facilitate friendship and conversation between the Christian and Muslim communities. The organization aims to achieve this through three main pillars: Educate, Equip, and Engage.

• Educate: The foundation trains Christians to understand Islam as a worldview and Muslims as human beings. It emphasizes studying Islamic source materials and developing resources for Christians to engage in meaningful discussions with their Muslim neighbors[1][2].

• Equip: The initiative helps Christians feel confident and competent in interacting with Muslims by providing skills and knowledge to share their faith in a respectful and friendly manner[1][2].

• Engage: It assists local churches in building tangible relationships with the Muslim community by organizing events, activities, and networking opportunities that encourage mutual understanding and respect[1][2].

Background and Activities

The organization's name, Al-Ma'idah, means "the Table" in Arabic, symbolizing a gathering place for food and conversation. It has been working for several years to establish bridges between Christians and Muslims, facilitating real friendships and meaningful conversations among people of different beliefs and cultures[1][2].

The Al-Ma'idah Initiative Foundation is an unapologetically Christian organization, yet it emphasizes the importance of engaging in discussions without coercion, focusing on persuasion and mutual respect[1]. It believes that educating both communities about their respective worldviews and encouraging open dialogue can lead to significant positive outcomes[2].

Legal Status

The organization is registered as a nonprofit entity in the United States, with the Employer Identification Number (EIN) 824764897[3][4].