When Mary Ann Borkowski first attended an interfaith book club meeting at the Islamic Center of Boston, Wayland in 2001, she knew she had a lot to learn.
Borkowski, a Wayland resident of more than 36 years and a member of the town’s Lutheran church, had little exposure to religions outside her own.
Twenty-five years later, Borkowski still attends the book club meetings. In addition to a deeper appreciation for faith, she said, she has formed a lasting friendship with the club’s founder, Shaheen Akhtar.
The Interfaith Book Club of the Islamic Center of Boston, Wayland marked its 25th anniversary Oct. 17, with a celebration at its location on Boston Post Road. The event welcomed community members from all religious backgrounds and emphasized the club’s message: “Come as a neighbor, leave as a friend.”
For Akhtar, that message dates back to the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. At a time of national grief and religious tension, Akhtar said she turned to the Quran’s teachings about people of different backgrounds coming to know one another. She said she founded the club to encourage understanding across religious traditions and challenge prejudice through conversation.
“To live together, build together, and to thrive together, we must make the conscious effort to get to know one another,” Akhtar said.
What began as a reading group has grown into a broader community, with hundreds of people connected through the club’s email list. Akhtar said some members attend meetings regularly, while others follow the discussions from a distance.
Akhtar, who has spent more than three decades involved in interfaith outreach, said the club has helped replace misconceptions with education while strengthening relationships between people of different backgrounds.
“Every discussion has been a bridge built to understand someone else’s story,” she said.
For Borkowski, those conversations have become an important part of her life.
Before joining the club, Borkowski became involved in a school integration program when her children were in first grade. She said the experience made her more aware of racial inequalities and strengthened her interest in social justice.
“I had a lot to learn,” Borkowski said.
Over the years, the club has explored books addressing Islam, Christianity, Judaism and religious diversity.
One of Borkowski’s favorite selections was “The Faith Club,” a memoir following three women — one Christian, one Jewish, and one Muslim — whose conversations about religion develop into a deeper understanding of one another.
“I could really relate to that,” Borkowski said.
Other selections have included Karen Armstrong’s “Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life” and Eboo Patel’s “Sacred Ground: Pluralism, Prejudice, and the Promise of America,” which Akhtar said prompted a larger community discussion.
Borkowski said the books also have encouraged her to consider what religious freedom means in a country where Christian traditions often dominate public life.
“It’s critical to me that we have religious freedom in our country,” Borkowski said.
Borkowski said her relationship with Akhtar has developed through 25 years of shared experiences and efforts to bring people together.
As the club celebrated its anniversary, Borkowski reflected on the work Akhtar has put into keeping the group together.
“This has been really quite a life’s work for her,” Borkowski said.
Akhtar said she hopes the anniversary will encourage others in Wayland and beyond to create similar spaces for conversation in their own communities, describing how meaningful exchanges do not require large organizations.
For Borkowski, the milestone is a reminder of the friendship that began when she first walked into the Islamic Center 25 years ago.
“I’m happy that I’ve been able to be a companion in her journey,” Borkowski said before correcting herself, “Our journey.”
