Imam Sayid Hassan Al-Qazwini, the spiritual leader of the Islamic Center of America, will share his progressive views on interfaith harmony with Marquette audiences on Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 22 and 23.
Al-Qazwini is globally recognized for promoting constructive interfaith dialogue as a necessary step to achieve true justice and peace. His recent book, American Crescent, summarizes his life in Iraq before his family—perceived as an ideological threat to Saddam Hussein’s regime—was forced to flee. They sought refuge in Kuwait and then Iran before finally settling in the United States. His book also addresses the struggle against prejudice, the dangers of ethnocentricity and the future of Muslims and Islam in America.
Al-Qazwini joined the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn in 1997. He later founded the Young Muslim Association. Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, he has accelerated his efforts to depict a genuine representation of Islam and Muslims. His message focuses on mutual respect and peaceful co-existence.
The following public presentations, all free of charge, are scheduled during his visit: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, in Reynolds Recital Hall in C.B. Hedgcock at NMU; at noon on Thursday, Oct. 23, at St. Paul Episcopal Church on East Ridge; and a 3 p.m. community chat with tea and snacks at Messiah Lutheran Church on West Magnetic Street. He will also participate in a fireside chat with NMU students at the Lutheran Campus Ministry House.
The events are sponsored by several NMU and local faith organizations. |
