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by mesutAugust 15, 2025 Latest News0 comments

AIC Welcomes Dr. Homayra Ziad as the New Dean of the Divinity Program and Director of the Hassan Institute for Interfaith Encounter

Dr. Homayra Ziad is a spiritual seeker, scholar-activist and nationally recognized interfaith practitioner, and she has served in spiritual care and leadership roles in both Muslim and interreligious settings. Earning her doctorate in Religious Studies from Yale, with a special interest in Islamic spirituality, philosophical Sufism, and Indo-Persian textual traditions, Dr. Ziad has served universities, seminaries, and faith-based nonprofits with her community-engaged teaching and scholarship grounded in equitable, compassionate relationship-building. She was Senior Lecturer and Director of the Program in Islamic Studies at Johns Hopkins University where she received the undergraduate teaching award, and was recognized for her innovative teaching and mentorship. Before this, she was Assistant Professor of Islamic Studies at Trinity College and then Scholar of Islam at the Institute for Islamic, Christian and Jewish Studies in Baltimore, where she spearheaded public engagement on Islam.

For two decades, Dr. Ziad has created educational and spiritual care programs that connect religion with the arts, public health, and mental health, and she has supported educators, activists, artists, and religious leaders in navigating pluralism and fostering networks of social change. While at Hopkins, she led a national faculty fellowship on community-engaged learning in Islamic Studies, partnered with American Muslim Health Professionals to mobilize students to address vaccine hesitancy and access in Muslim communities, and co-created Art, Religion and Cities with colleagues at Morgan State University and the Walters Art Museum. She also served on the founding teams of 99 Clay Vessels, an arts and social justice project by and for Muslim women, and Healing Khayal, a music and healing residency for young artists in Pakistan. Dr. Ziad was on the Board of the ACLU of Maryland and served for two years as Board President.

Dr. Ziad was founding co-chair of the American Academy of Religion’s (AAR) Interreligious and Interfaith Studies Group. She writes for academic and popular venues, consults on programs for film and media, and is co-editor of Words to Live By: Sacred Sources for Interreligious Engagement (Orbis Press, 2018). Most recently, she served as Director of Campus Partnerships at Interfaith America. 

“We are so thrilled to have Dr. Homayra lead our Divinity Program and take our Hassan Institute to new levels of transformative engagement and impact. Her wisdom and pastoral spirit will bring so much guidance and support to our M.Div. students, and her rich interfaith experience and international network will elevate and expand the work of the Hassan Institute, in sha’ Allah. Welcome Dr. Homayra!”

Dr. Timothy J Gianotti, President

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by mesutJuly 26, 2025 Latest News0 comments

An Interview with Aytug Izat on the Early Years of the American Islamic College

Date: July 26, 2025

Participants:

  • Aytug Izat
  • Prof. Dr. Alparslan Acikgenc
  • Interviewer: Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Ozdemir

Introduction and General Atmosphere

On the evening of July 26, 2025, I conducted a Zoom interview with Mr. Aytug Izat to preserve key memories and historical reflections on the early years of the American Islamic College (AIC). We were joined by Prof. Dr. Alparslan Acikgenc, a longtime friend of Mr. Izat from their time in Chicago and a former student of the late Fazlur Rahman at the University of Chicago.

At Mr. Izat’s request, the interview was conducted in Turkish. The discussion ranged widely, beginning with his arrival in the U.S. and continuing through his involvement in establishing AIC. The following is a chronological summary of the topics discussed.

Arriving in America: First Impressions

Aytug Izat:
When we arrived in the United States, we came with a vision shaped by old advertisements and idealistic portrayals. We believed America to be the center of democracy, human rights, and respect for free will. In many ways, this was true—but it was also a chaotic and contradictory society, full of contradictions between its ideals and realities.

I traveled via Moscow and spent three days there with Alparslan Bey—you may recall. Before entering the U.S., we were thoroughly searched at the Moscow airport, and even my tourist souvenirs and photos were confiscated.

I spent my first night in New York, and it quickly became clear how dangerous the streets were and how unsafe ordinary people felt. I later learned—much to my shock—that in 1974, the city had approximately 60,000 police officers but an estimated 66,000 gang members.

We also faced the harsh reality of discrimination. Among the most unwanted groups in American society at the time were Turks and African Americans. Ironically, my research later revealed that Turkish Americans had a higher-than-average education and income level. In neighborhoods with large Turkish and Muslim populations, crime rates were remarkably low, and social problems like alcohol, drugs, gambling, and prostitution were nearly nonexistent. Despite this, dominant groups often sought to belittle Muslims and Turks—a contradiction that had a profound impact on me.

In response, I felt a strong calling to help raise awareness among Turkish and Muslim communities in America. In 1977, I co-founded the Muslim Lobby with Rahman Khan from Afghanistan. I even participated in the Republican Party Convention where Ronald Reagan was nominated, representing Muslim communities. This opened doors to communication with many political figures and Muslim leaders, including African American Muslims, the late Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, and many others.

Chicago State University and Dr. Mohammad Abdul Waheed Fakhri

While working at Chicago State University, I met Dr. Mohammad Abdul Waheed Fakhri, a distinguished Pakistani educator and a profoundly committed intellectual. I was leading a federally funded project evaluating university academic programs at the time, and we quickly became close colleagues.

Dr. Fakhri introduced me to several Islamic organizations, beginning with ISNA (Islamic Society of North America). During a visit, I was unexpectedly elected president of the Muslim Educators’ Association, a sub-organization under ISNA.

Prof. Ozdemir:
You served as president?

Aytug Izat:
Not of ISNA itself, but of the Muslim Educators’ Association. It was a surprising election. Dr. Fakhri said, “There are divisions among the groups here. We have a Turkish brother among us, and Turks are known for being organized and disciplined. Let’s elect him as president.” And so, they did.

However, it wasn’t an easy task. Despite setting clear rules and drafting bylaws, implementation was poor. The organizational disarray bothered me deeply, and I eventually stepped down. Looking back, I see how much both ISNA and AIC have changed since those days.

Chicago Elections and Harold Washington

In 1983, I was teaching a Social Sciences and Research course at Chicago State University. That year’s local elections presented a unique opportunity for fieldwork. My students and I conducted surveys and analyzed voting trends.

The university’s vice president, Dr. Williams, was a close friend of Harold Washington, a Black Democratic mayoral candidate. He asked if we had any analysis on the race. I told him we did. We knew the Italian-American mafia had significant influence over Chicago politics, and although Washington had strong grassroots support, many doubted he could win.

I said, “There are 250,000 Muslim voters in Chicago who typically don’t participate. It could shift the outcome if Harold Washington can establish a direct connection with the Muslim community.”

We included Muslim voters in the campaign strategy and submitted sealed predictions. The final results nearly matched our forecast—Washington won with a margin of only 0.3%. Muslim support proved decisive.

Mr. H Wasington, Ahmed Sakr, Aytug Izat (sitting), E. Donmez.

Following this success, I was asked to establish and lead the Commission on International Relations in Chicago, a position I gladly accepted.

The Founding of American Islamic College

Initial efforts to establish the American Islamic College (AIC) had begun during this period. A building was to be purchased, and Dr. Mohammad Abdul Waheed Fakhri had been offered the position of Dean and Professor, which he accepted. He invited me to visit AIC with him. During that visit, they said, “Why don’t you join us too?” And I agreed.

I had some friends over for breakfast on the Sunday before our visit. The television was on, and suddenly Ismail al-Faruqi appeared on the screen, speaking on Islamic topics. His face radiated light, and his words were powerful.

We were captivated. My guests were equally mesmerized.

I remember thinking, “There are still such noble people in the world…”

A few days later, Dr. Fakhri and I attended an event where I met Ismail al-Faruqi in person. I had admired him from afar and meeting him in person left an even deeper impression.

He said, “In sha Allah, you will come here.”
I replied, “We’re already planning to.”
Only later did I find out it was actually al-Faruqi who had arranged for me to be invited.

Prof. Ozdemir: So, it was al-Faruqi who invited you to AIC?

Aytug Izat: Yes, absolutely. If I had met him in my youth, we might have clashed. In earlier years, he was quite doctrinaire—strongly Pan-Arabist and Pan-Islamist. But over time, his views evolved. He began advocating for interfaith dialogue, conveying Islam’s universal message with greater inclusivity.

What was most compelling about him was his presence. That one televised appearance sparked admiration for Islam across viewers—but sadly, he was never invited to speak on air again. And tragically, he and his wife were later murdered in their home.

Thus began my journey with AIC.

Soon after, we returned to Chicago, and with the Islamic Development Bank’s support, the AIC property was purchased.

The AIC Campus and the Founding Phase

Aytug Izat: Ibrahim Bey, had you seen the AIC buildings before?

Prof. Ozdemir: Yes, I visited in 1997 for a conference and had the opportunity to tour the campus.

Aytug Izat: The buildings were magnificent and had formerly been used as a Catholic convent school. They were acquired for $3.5 million under the condition to be used for educational purposes. Today, I believe the property would be valued at $15–20 million.

We removed Christian symbols—crosses and decorative plasterwork—with a Lebanese friend from the upper floors. During this process, we faced threats. Dead animals were thrown onto our cars, and we received intimidating letters.

It was not an easy time.

I rented an apartment on the 17th floor of a building across from the college. During this time, I met Dr. Ahmad Sakr, who served as AIC’s Secretary-General. He was a charismatic and persuasive leader. When I joined the faculty, I was given the roles of Registrar and Admissions Officer and became responsible for student financial aid.

But our work wasn’t confined to the office. We would travel by car to various universities and cities to promote AIC.

The early years were spent mainly on the road.

We hadn’t even begun admitting students when Harold Washington and Muhammad Ali visited AIC. We didn’t yet have functioning meeting halls or classrooms.

Muhammad Ali visit. Aytug Izat, far right.

At that time, attracting students was a major challenge. We decided to offer free courses to all applicants.

Alhamdulillah, this approach brought in genuinely talented and committed students.

Internal Sincerity, External Criticism

We faced many curious incidents. Internally, we had decided to take turns leading Friday and daily prayers. One day, it was my turn. As I stepped forward, someone from the back objected: “You shouldn’t lead; you don’t have a beard!”

Someone else stepped forward and led the prayer instead. In that moment, I thought: Faith resides in the heart, yet some people judge solely based on outward appearance. They condemn without understanding.

There were also some somewhat naive attitudes at times.

The call to prayer was usually made by administrators or faculty members, based on the prayer times for the Chicago longitude. When new students heard the adhan during class, they would leave immediately and head to prayer without even asking the professor for permission.

Getting them to understand that disrupting a class was inappropriate and that the prayer could still be performed within its designated time window was quite a challenge.

In addition, some students considered eating at a desk “against the Sunnah” and insisted that meals should be eaten on the floor. We had to deal with those issues as well.

Over time, things became more balanced. However, before I left, I began to suspect that some students or staff had outside affiliations. It felt like they had been placed at AIC with a particular agenda.

That marked a serious turning point.

Meeting T. B. Irving: Scholar of Language and the Quran

One of the most influential people I met in those years was Professor T. B. Irving. Originally from Canada, he converted to Islam at age 19. He spoke more than 15 languages fluently and was a brilliant intellect.

While traveling in Latin America—perhaps Mexico—he once heard an epic poem, and by the time he returned, he had transformed it into verse and submitted it to a publisher.

He was meticulous about English and Arabic.

He had reviewed nearly 45 English translations of the Quran and criticized their use of Christian terms that distorted the Quranic message. His translation used accessible American English and was preceded by a detailed introduction explaining his method.

His analysis of the word “submission” still resonates with me. In Christianity, it often implies passive surrender, whereas in Islam, it signifies a conscious, voluntary orientation of the heart. He taught us the profound significance of linguistic nuance.

Institutional Challenges

Some colleagues tried to impose their cultural habits as if they were Islamic traditions. I would push back: “That’s your culture, not Islam.”

We had to focus on substance, not form.

Converts like T. B. Irving often grasped the essence of Islam better than those born into the faith.

Support from Mayor Harold Washington

One vital but often forgotten figure in AIC’s early success was Harold Washington, the first African-American mayor of Chicago. He supported AIC in accreditation and official procedures. Sadly, that relationship later deteriorated, perhaps due to mutual misunderstandings. Nevertheless, his support was critical.

History should remember that had Harold Washington not sought Muslim support, he likely would not have won the election.

Al-Faruqi’s Vision for AIC

Prof. Ozdemir: What was al-Faruqi’s vision for AIC?

Aytug Izat: It was crystal clear. He wanted an institution that could intellectually represent Islam—not just in theology, but also in the social sciences and the arts. He envisioned a Muslim university that could sit at the academic table alongside leading Western institutions—a bridge between the Muslim world and America, grounded in scholarship and ethics.

Lost Archives and Photographs

AIC once had many historic photographs—Harold Washington, Elijah Muhammad’s son Warith Deen Mohammed, Muhammad Ali, Dr. Ahmad Sakr, and I all in one frame. That photo was enlarged and displayed, but one day it vanished, as did many documents, archives, and memories.

Prime Minister Turgut Ozal’s Visit to AIC (1986)

In 1986, Turkish Prime Minister Turgut Ozal visited AIC during an official trip to the U.S. I joined the last-minute delegation upon Hasan Celal Guzel’s invitation. AIC was not initially on the itinerary. I briefed Ozal on the plane, and the visit was added.

Though brief—only 30 minutes—Ozal was impressed. He said, “Let’s support this institution,” and instructed his staff accordingly. Sadly, most photos taken that day were later lost—at least those in my possession.

Al-Faruqi’s Silent Vision and Lost Manuscript

Al-Faruqi was not a man of many words. Our conversations were usually brief, over breakfast or lunch. He believed interfaith dialogue was an ontological necessity.

“Each religion ascends the same mountain from a different side,” he would say.

Tragically, the manuscript in which he expressed these views vanished after his assassination—perhaps intentionally taken by his killer.

The Mission of Education: Cultivating Virtuous Individuals

Islam calls us to read, record, live ethically, share beauty, and be grateful.

It urges a harmony of knowledge, wisdom, and virtue—not mere form, but moral substance. Education and governance aim to cultivate ethical individuals and leaders who recognize that even animals and plants are part of our moral community.

Dr. Fakhri: The Quiet Founder

Dr. Abdul Waheed Fakhri was a perfectionist, dignified, and preferred to stay behind the scenes. In truth, he was the principal founder of AIC, both academically and administratively. He was responsible for at least 90% of the academic infrastructure.

Patient, visionary, and an exceptional communicator.

Remembering as a Responsibility

Many in today’s AIC leadership may not know this history. But remembering is not only a duty to the past—it is a legacy for the future.

May God bless all who contributed.
May He grant peace and wisdom to those still among us.

Final Note:

This interview offers a vital window into the early years of AIC, highlighting the sacrifices, testimonies, and contributions of Aytug Izat within a larger historical context. At its heart stands the visionary leadership of Ismail al-Faruqi, the dedication of Dr. Fakhri, and the rising consciousness of the American Muslim community amid political and cultural challenges.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Aytug Izat and Prof. Dr. Alparslan Acikgenc for this invaluable conversation. As I begin a new chapter in my life and leadership at AIC, their wisdom and support are deeply needed and appreciated.

Let us always remember and honor those who laid the foundation of this noble institution in the spirit of the timeless wisdom of our beloved Prophet ﷺ, who said:

إِنَّ الدَّالَّ عَلَى الْخَيْرِ كَفَاعِلِه ‏

“Whoever leads to good, he is like the one who does it.” (at-Tirmidhi 2670)

About Aytug Izat

Mr. Aytug Izat was born in 1943 in Elazig, Turkiye, and grew up in the village of Yurtbasi. From an early age, Aytug Bey was inspired by one guiding principle: to help others truly, one must first gain deep knowledge and then pass it on. This conviction led him to pursue a life devoted to education.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in special education and educational psychology from Ankara University and a Master’s in Curriculum Development and Evaluation from Hacettepe University.

In 1974, he traveled to the United States to pursue doctoral studies in Comparative Education at the University of Chicago. During this time, he also served as a research assistant and taught courses at the University of Chicago and Chicago State University. He was the Registrar and Admissions Officer of AIC.

Upon returning to Turkiye in 1984, he worked at the State Planning Organization under the Prime Ministry, serving within the Education Group. He later joined Hacettepe University as Assistant to the Director, contributing to academic administration and program development.

From 1985 to 1991, Mr. Izat served as Deputy Undersecretary at the Ministry of Culture, where he played a key role in shaping national cultural and educational policies.

Since retiring, he has made his home in Izmir, continuing to share his knowledge and experiences through writing, mentorship, and community engagement.

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by mesutJuly 22, 2025 Latest News0 comments

More Good News from AIC!

American Islamic College has achieved membership with NC-SARA, State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement, which authorizes AIC to provide quality distance learning to students across the United States, Alhumdulillah!

To students living outside Illinois (across the USA and across the globe): This is your opportunity to access a faith-rooted, academically rigorous education in Islamic studies—right from your home state. We warmly encourage you to apply and become part of our growing, diverse online learning community.

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by mesutJuly 15, 2025 Latest News0 comments

Get to Know Dr. Ibrahim Ozdemir

Meet New AIC Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Ibrahim Özdemir

 A former university president and internationally respected environmental philosopher, VPAA Özdemir shares how he will be a part of President Timothy’s team and how his leadership ethos shapes his engagement with students, faculty, and the broader AIC community.

Leading with an Open Heart and Mind

Four Ways AIC’s New Academic Leader Embodies Authenticity, Dialogue, and Shared Growth

Dr. Ibrahim Özdemir is the newly appointed Vice President for Academic Affairs of AIC. Known internationally for his scholarship in environmental ethics and interfaith dialogue, Özdemir brings with him not only a distinguished academic career but a deep commitment to inclusive, curiosity-driven, and student-centered education.

Having started in his new role on August 1st, Dr. Özdemir is already gaining recognition across the AIC community for his warm, approachable presence and intellectually open spirit.

As a former university president and advisor to global sustainability initiatives, he brings a collaborative, service-oriented mindset to academic leadership. “We are not just preparing students for jobs—we’re preparing them to be compassionate and critically engaged global citizens,” Özdemir says.

Here are four ways Dr. Özdemir is helping shape a renewed academic culture at AIC—one rooted in shared inquiry, deep listening, and ethical leadership.

  1. Lead as a Co-Learner and Collaborator

“In every setting—from meetings to talking with students—I don’t come with all the answers,” Dr. Özdemir says. “I come to learn as much as I come to lead.”

He invites colleagues and students to co-create solutions when discussing curriculum development or student research projects. “Great teams grow through mutual respect and the joy of discovery,” he adds. His academic philosophy is grounded in shura—the Islamic principle of collective consultation—and reflects his experience fostering inclusive dialogue across faiths and disciplines.

“As educators and leaders, we must embody the ethical integrity and open-mindedness we wish to inspire in our graduates. Let us remember that our beloved Prophet ﷺ was described as a ‘living Qur’an’—bringing the Qur’anic wisdom and values to life through his actions, character, and example.” — VPAA Özdemir.

  1. Embrace and Admit Uncertainty

Dr. Özdemir quickly acknowledges when he doesn’t have an immediate answer. But rather than see that as a limitation, he views it as an invitation to engage.

“As a philosopher, I hold that authenticity carries greater weight than authority. When I don’t know something, I acknowledge it openly, inviting others to explore the answer with me.” — VPAA Özdemir.

This attitude creates space for shared problem-solving and allows AIC’s academic leadership to be transparent, reflective, and responsive. He frequently redirected questions to the faculty senate or student governance bodies, reinforcing their agency and voice in institutional decisions.

  1. Ask Open-Ended, Meaningful Questions

Whether speaking with faculty over coffee or engaging students after Jumu’ah, Dr. Özdemir is known for his thoughtful questions:

  • What inspires your work right now?
  • What barriers to learning should we be addressing together?
  • What makes you feel seen and heard at AIC?

He believes that good leadership begins by allowing others’ stories to emerge.

“We listen not just to respond, but to understand what kind of community we’re building together.”     — VPAA Özdemir.

  1. Be an Active Listener, Always

For Dr. Özdemir, the most powerful ideas are rarely born in boardrooms—they emerge in genuine conversation. A self-described student of Socrates, he applies the Socratic method across his academic and professional life, guided by the conviction that “dialogue is a form of mutual care.”

His leadership style is grounded in attentiveness—keeping his ear to the ground, learning as much from hallway exchanges as formal meetings. Whether advising students on their capstone projects or mentoring faculty toward publication, he meets people where they are. “We are shaping something greater than ourselves,” he often reminds his colleagues, “and that requires attention to both vision and voice.”

Drawing on his experience with UNESCO’s environmental ethics initiative, Dr. Özdemir extends this principle beyond the campus. He urges institutions to recognize that fundamental transformation begins when academic goals align with moral responsibility—to the Earth, society, and future generations.

Looking Ahead: AIC’s Promise for Transformative Education

As American Islamic College expands its academic programs, strengthens interfaith engagement, and prepares students for leadership in a complex world, Dr. Ibrahim Özdemir remains focused on one guiding mission: cultivating a culture of learning grounded in integrity, openness, and hope—values envisioned by the late Ismail R. al-Faruqi as the enduring spirit of AIC.

“Our role is to teach facts and help students cultivate wisdom, humility, and courage. That’s what an Islamic liberal arts education is truly about.” — VPAA Özdemir

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by mesutJuly 10, 2025 Latest News0 comments

AIC Welcomes Dr. Ibrahim Ozdemir: Vice President of Academic Affairs

We are delighted to introduce Dr. İbrahim Özdemir as AIC’s new Interim VP for Academic Affairs and welcome him to the talented, diverse, and growing AIC team. Dr. Ibrahim is a professor of environmental philosophy, and his works span the fields of environmental philosophy and ethics, ecology and religion, practical ethics, philosophical counseling, critical thinking, and Islamic philosophy. More specifically, his work explores the ethical responsibilities of individuals, communities, and governments towards the environment and advocates for a more sustainable and ecologically conscious approach to human activities.

Dr. Ibrahim has held teaching and senior administrative positions at universities in Turkiye, the US, and Finland since 1992. These include Harvard university, Hartford International University (formerly Hartford Seminary), Uskudar University, Abo Akademi University, and University of Turku – Finland. A widely respected Muslim environmentalist and lecturer, he is a life member of the World of Philosophy and the Turkish Association of Philosophy. In addition to his own scholarly books, articles, and presentations, he has served as a member of the drafting team for the Islamic Declaration for Global Climate Change (2015) and Environment, Religion and Culture in the Context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2016), which was published by UNEP. Presently, he is a core member of the draft team preparing the “al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth” document, which will be presented to UN.

He was noted in the book, Contemporary Thought in the Muslim World: Trends, Themes, and Issues by Carool Kersten (Routledge Press, 2019), as “the most prominent Islamic environmentalist in Turkey for many years”.

Welcome, Dr. Ibrahim!

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by mesutFebruary 28, 2025 Latest News0 comments

Religion, Peace, and Encounter: AIC Certificate in Interreligious Peacebuilding

American Islamic College’s application for the Dana Abadi Pesantren Micro-Credential 2024 Initiative was selected by the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs resulting in a global partnership for intercultural and interreligious education. The Hassan Institute was honored to welcome 20 Indonesian scholars and teachers who journeyed for a 2-month non-degree certificate program titled “Religion, Peace, and Encounter: An AIC Certificate Program in Interreligious Peacebuilding.”

The program offered structured academic coursework and experiential learning opportunities through coordinated site visits to academic, civic, and religious facilities, as well as planned dialogue events across Chicagoland, as well as a trip to Washington D.C. The participants met with and learned from expert faculty and dedicated leaders about inter-and intra-religious understanding, cross-cultural dialogue, conflict management, and peace-building initiatives. In turn, we learned from them about their experience with religious moderation and madrasa education in Indonesia. View their public talk at AIC here. These exchanges were transformative in a multitude of ways and we were so grateful to have had these encounters, alhumdulillah.

This resulted in the historic signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between AIC and Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Thank you to all the organizations that welcomed the delegation to learn more about your important work.

Mayor Brandon Johnson and The City of Chicago
The Illinois Muslim Civic Coalition
Interfaith America
Catholic Theological Union
World Council of Muslims for Interfaith Relations
Masjid al-Taqwa
Mosque Maryam
Salaam Community Center
Sajida House
Turkish American Society of Chicago
Mosque Foundation
Universal School
Viator House
The University of Notre Dame, Ansari Institute
The Lutheran School of Theology, CCME
The University of Chicago, Middle East Studies & Divinity School
Seldon Institute
CAIR-Chicago
Ta’Leef Collective
Darussalaam
MECCA Center
Bahai Temple
Indonesia Consulate General
The Zoroastrian Center of Chicago
Chicago Dawoodi Bohra Community – Masjid Anjuman-e-Saifee
Macedonian Orthodox Church Sv Kiril i Metodij

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by mesutFebruary 7, 2025 Latest News0 comments

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Omer Awass

The expansive book by Dr. Omer Awass, Fatwa and the Making and Renewal of Islamic Law: From the Classical Period to the Present (2023), might be considered the culmination of a scholar’s lifelong research. For Dr. Awass, it’s just the start.

This winter break he spent in Dali, Yunnan province, China, where he immersed himself in Chinese language and culture. Over the last few years he has been studying Chinese with the aim of eventually being able to read Chinese historical texts. “After thoroughly exploring how Muslims have rationalized about the world,” he wonders, “How is it that other civilizations have reasoned? Long term, I would like to do a comparative view of the intellectual history of China.”

Dr. Omer Awass visits a historical Buddhist monastery, abbreviated as “San Ta” (in mandarin it means Three Towers), in Dali, Yunnan province, China, where he has been studying over the winter.

This Spring at American Islamic College, he is teaching Introduction to the Science of Hadith, Islamic History & Civilization 1800-Present, and a graduate course on Hadith Sciences. The history course parallels his forthcoming book, due out in 2026, Imposing Modernity in the Global South: Studies in the Coloniality and Decoloniality of Muslim Societies, a series of studies over the past two centuries concerning issues of coloniality and decoloniality. When talking about hadith sciences, he gets animated. “It’s really a uniquely developed way of doing historiography unlike other civilizations. The methodology is a distinct way of preserving history and historical reasoning. Here at AIC we get to teach our students these different ways of thinking. Hadith science wouldn’t be taught this way at other institutions,” he says. Beyond looking at it theoretically, he trains students to investigate hadith and practice the methodology. With so much focus on the breadth of history, when asked what he thinks about the future of Islamic law in light of the massive changes in technology and the impact of AI, he remarks, “Rationality is one of the characteristics that defines us as humans. How much of our own rationality are we going to surrender, instead of developing that which defines us? How can we purposefully use AI to enhance our humanity and not diminish it?”

Dr. Omer Awass at Lake Erhai in Dali, Yunnan Province, China, where he frequently went to study.

Walking helps clear his mind, and he is drawn to doing his research by the water – whether that’s Lake Michigan in Chicago or Lake Erhai in Dali, Yunnan Province, China.

Dr. Omer Awass is Associate Professor of Arabic & Islamic Studies and the Director of the MA program in Islamic Studies at American Islamic College.

By Stephanie Mirza, Staff Writer

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by mesutJanuary 20, 2025 Latest News0 comments

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Shabana Mir

Dr. Shabana Mir’s fall courses on Islam & Gender, Cultural Anthropology, and Research Methods all relate to her extensive travels. Over the winter break, for example, she traveled to Pakistan, where she spoke at Lahore College for Women University on “The Religious Politics of Domination and Control in Marriage: Qualitative and Textual Analysis.” Reflecting now on the subsequent audience discussion she remarks, “Things are changing. Women (in Pakistan) are essential members of the economy and are in touch with the global discourse.” Women’s disempowerment is still a cultural issue, but she finds hope in the younger generation of men, such as those who choose to shut down jokes about polygamy.

Dr. Shabana Mir at Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, December 2024.

Her spring courses at AIC couldn’t be more timely in the light of current events in the United States. They include, Introduction to Political Science, Islam in America, and, at the graduate level, Special Topics: Islam in World Cinema. The film course focuses on the representation of Islam and Muslims in popular media. While we are well aware of overt Islamophobic patterns in Hollywood, Dr. Mir points out that seemingly benign Islamophilic films can be subversive as well. She gives the example of Victoria and Abdul (2017), the British biographical historical film in which Abdul, a Muslim from India, piques Queen Victoria’s interest. As Dr. Mir points out, however fondly the Queen regards Abdul, his place is always that of a servant. In addition to the lineup of movies on the Muslim experience she selects for the class, Dr. Mir solicits suggestions from the students at the beginning of the term for possible inclusion in the syllabus. When it comes to teaching political science and Islam in America, she goes beyond the textbook approach to bring in critical readings to understand not just the theory, but the reality on the ground. She invites leaders of non-profit organizations , such as Muslims for Just Futures and CAIR, to talk to the class about their grassroots work to combat Islamophobia.

One of the first things you learn about Dr. Shabana Mir is her care and concern for students. Her keen observation picks up when a student is struggling, or when they’re having that lightbulb moment. When asked what activity makes her lose track of time, she replies instantly, “Gardening. I can work 10 hours in the garden and still feel energized.” She loves the coneflowers and cupped roses, yet when she describes them you get the sense she could be talking about her students. “When you’re a gardener, you notice, ‘that plant has a new leaf today’ – it’s so exciting.”

Dr Shabana Mir in her happy place, the garden.

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by mesutNovember 13, 2024 Latest News0 comments

AIC Welcomes A Delegation of Educators from Indonesia

We are both honored and excited to be hosting an Indonesian delegation of 20 religious teachers and scholars who will be with us through December for a study exchange program. The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) is working with us as we journey through this 2-month non-degree certificate program titled “Religion, Peace, and Encounter: An AIC Certificate Program in Interreligious Peacebuilding.”

The program offers structured academic coursework and experiential learning opportunities through coordinated site visits to academic, civic, and religious facilities, as well as planned dialogue events. The 20 Indonesian delegates will meet with and learn from expert faculty and dedicated leaders about inter-and intra-religious understanding, cross-cultural dialogue, conflict management, and peace-building initiatives. In turn, we are learning from them about their experience with religious moderation and madrasa education in Indonesia.

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by mesutMay 22, 2024 Latest News0 comments

AIC Welcomes Dr. Mahan Mirza, Visiting Vice President for Academic Affairs

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Mahan Mirza to the talented, diverse, and growing AIC team. Dr. Mahan serves as the Executive Director of the Ansari Institute for Global Engagement with Religion at the University of Notre Dame. The Ansari Institute is part of Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs, where he also serves as a Teaching Professor. Acting as a living bridge between Notre Dame and AIC, Dr. Mahan will continue to direct the Ansari Institute while assuming his new responsibilities as AIC’s chief academic officer in 2024-2025. Like AIC, Notre Dame is a faith-based institution that fosters academic freedom, celebrates diversity, and advances social justice as it seeks “to create a sense of human solidarity and concern for the common good” (https://dulac.nd.edu/university-mission-and-vision/mission/). We look forward to fruitful collaborations in the many areas where our institutional missions and visions align, in sha’ allah. As a graduate of Notre Dame myself, I am particularly excited about the possibility of such collaborations.

Dr. Mahan earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering from University of Texas Austin, his MA from Hartford Seminary in Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations, and his PhD in Religious Studies (specializing in Islamic Studies) from Yale University. His doctoral research was on the intellectual world of al-Biruni, an 11th-century Muslim scientist from Central Asia, and Dr. Mahan has an abiding research interest in field of cosmology. At Notre Dame, he was responsible for implementing Madrasa Discourses, a project led by Prof. Ebrahim Moosa to advance scientific and theological literacy at the Keough School’s Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies. Prior to that, he served as Dean of Faculty at Zaytuna College in Berkeley, California. Throughout his career, he has taught a wide range of courses in Arabic and Islamic studies, western religions, history of science, and global affairs, along with foundational subjects in the Liberal Arts, including logic, rhetoric, ethics, and politics. Dr. Mahan has also edited two special issues of The Muslim World and has served as assistant editor of The Princeton Encyclopedia of Islamic Political Thought. His recent articles include “Deed over idea: Toward a shared Caliphate” (2022), “Between Tyranny and Anarchy: Islam, Covid 19, and Public Policy” (2023), and “Divine Command and Religious Liberty: A Theological Reflection on Islamic Constitutionalism” (2024).

Dr. Mahan comes to AIC at a critically important time. With our academic accreditation now secured, he will, in sha’ allah, help to guide the process of growing the College into a vibrant American university that is proudly Muslim, firmly committed to the benefit of all of humankind, and deeply conscious of our responsibilities as stewards of the creation. Welcome, Dr. Mahan!

Timothy J. Gianotti, Ph.D.
President and Acting Provost

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