Saleem Ahmed will discuss his upcoming book, "Islam: A Religion of Peace?" at the Interfaith Open Table, 7 a.m. Oct. 1 at First Unitarian Church, 2500 Pali Highway.

To be released in February, the book is the second on the topic of Islam by the spiritual founder of All Believers Network.

Ahmed is spearheading the planning for the International Interfaith Conference, to be held in Hawai'i in 2011.

Also, John Heidel of the Interfaith Alliance will discuss "Faith and Politics in the Current Election."

Information: Heidel, 261-4585.

BOOK READING AT PALOLO ZEN CENTER

Robert Aitken will read from his new book, "Miniatures of a Zen Master," at 11:15 a.m. Sept. 28 at Palolo Zen Center, 2747 Wai'oma'o Road.

Aitken is the founder of the Honolulu Diamond Sangha.

Information: 735-1347, info@diamondsangha.org, www.robertaitken.net or www.diamondsangha.org.

CLASS TO FOCUS ON FEMALE SPIRITUALITY

A class on "Women's Spiritual Quest" will be taught by Jade Young beginning at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa Krauss Hall, Room 112.

The seven-week series will include topics on "feminine wisdom," seasons of life and attending to well-being.

Information: Jade Young, 734-5548, or jadeyoung13@gmail.com.

FUTABA LECTURE HOSTS OSU PROF

Thomas Kasulis, a professor of comparative studies in humanities and chairman of East Asian languages and literature at Ohio State University, will be featured in the ninth annual Futaba Memorial Lecture program from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 18.

The free lecture will be held at the Honpa Hongwanji Betsuin Annex temple, 1727 Pali Highway. The program includes a light lunch; donations welcome.

Information: Al Bloom, 263-8567.

HARVEST MOON FESTIVAL IS OCT. 4

The Hawaii Association of International Buddhists will hold its annual Harvest Moon Dharmachakra Festival honoring Shakyamuni Buddha's first teaching.

The program, which will begin with a 5:30 p.m. service Oct. 4, will be held at the Jodo Mission, 1429 Makiki St.

Cost: $8 (donation).

Information: 734-7543.