Islam is at the forefront of world politics. It is the second largest religion in the world. Yet, given our post 9-11 society, Islam has become widely misunderstood.
These are just some of the issues that Dr. Seyyed Hossein Nasr will address as part of Guilford’s Religious Emphasis Week (Jan. 25-31).
Nasr, head of Islamic Studies at George Washington University, will visit on Jan. 28 to give a lecture entitled “The Heart of Islam” (7 p.m. in Dana Auditorium). He will also participate in a forum on religion and science.
Nasr is a leading Islamic scholar, former president of the University of Tehran, and former professor of religious studies at Temple University. He has written over 50 books and hundreds of articles on religion and science, Sufism, and the spiritual and natural world.
It is no wonder that such a prominent Islamic scholar is speaking at Guilford College given the importance of Islam in our community. For the first time in Guilford County’s history, more Muslims live here than Quakers.
“What people are not exposed to is the compassionate aspect of it and the beauty of Islam – the more human side,” said Assistant Professor of Religious Studies Shelini Harris, who is using Nasr’s book The Heart of Islam in her Islam class this semester. “He goes against the stereotype.”
Campus Ministry Coordinator Max Carter worked with Nasr at Temple University. He describes him as “very gentle, very warm, and very approachable for a person of that stature and reputation.”
“I’m really excited for [Nasr] to come,” said junior Mohammad Khalaf, an active member of Guilford College’s Muslim club. “He explains a lot about the true side of Islam. It means a lot to the Muslim community.”
Nasr’s speech is part of Guilford’s 14th annual Religious Emphasis Week.
“It is an opportunity for different religious groups and clubs to help advertise their wares,” said Max Carter. “Religious Emphasis Week helps us showcase what is available on campus.”
In addition to displaying Guilford’s 11 religious clubs and organizations, Religious Emphasis Week events allow the community to speak openly about issues they might not otherwise feel comfortable discussing. One of these events is the interfaith student discussion of spiritual formation in college, entitled “Faith after Four Years at Guilford,” which will be held on Jan. 27.
The week also features the Luby Casey Campus Ministry Visitors, Michael Birkel and Mike Heller, who will speak on “The Timeless Quaker Wisdom of John Woolman.” Or, for the lighter side of religion, come to a viewing of Monty Python’s Life of Bryan on Jan. 29.
The week will conclude on Jan. 30 with a Chow down, Center down, and Hoedown – a potluck, silent worship, and contra dance.
All events are free and open to the public. For more information, check the current issue of the College Activities of Worship (Guilford Council of Religious Organization’s newsletter) or the Guilford Beacon, or contact 336-316-2445.