Hussein Hussein is Like Lightning
Kevin has a good sense of humor. It’s a photo from an old conference.
New York City Leadership Program: Religion and Politics
On Wednesday, March 4, 2009, I was asked to speak at the New York City Leadership Program about “Religion and Politics in the American Public Sphere.” It was a panel discussion with a Rabbi and Reverend. Fantastic panelists and an amazing group of participants.
Music for Introducing Islam
I often give talks along the theme of introducing Islam for non-Muslims. I have a great deal of fun at these events because they are usually full of interesting, intelligent people looking to learn. My basic approach follows from the belief that “Islam doesn’t speak, Muslims do.” I try to emphasize the living traditions of Muslims. I’ve had my greatest success with music, and invariably I am asked for a list of the music I used. Below is the basic play list I rely on, with occasional additions depending on the audience and focus of my talk. Where possible, I have tried to link to the source on Amazon, otherwise you should be able to get the music on the iTunes music store.
- Adhan. Radio and Television Orchestra of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Bismillah: Highlights from the Fes Festival
- Surah al-Fatihah. Yusuf Islam. A is for Allah.
- Recitation of Verses from the Qur’an. Various. Voices and Lutes: Music in the World of Islam.
- Rakan Selawat. Raihan. Puji-Pujian.
- Bismillah. Turkish Sufi. Ocean of Remembrance.
- Dhamal Qalandar. Sindhi Music Ensemble. Sufi Music from Sindh.
- Mahdiyu Laye. Youssou N’Dour. Egypt.
- Tala’a Al Badru Alayna. Yusuf Islam. Life of the Last Prophet.
- Sultan of Madina. Aashiq al-Rasul. Sultan of Medina.
Forensic Scriptures Conference
I’ll be speaking at a conference in May 2009 at Riverside Church in NY. The event is called “Forensic Scriptures: What the Qur’an Reveals about the Bible.” If you are in the area and would like to attend, you can enter “Friend of Hussein Rashid” under the “position” field to receive a $100 discount on the registration page. Make sure you also check the “affiliate” price.
Upcoming CRI Courses – Spring 2009
I will be teaching three courses at the Center for Religious Inquiry in the Spring of 2009:
Introduction to Islam (starting 2/9 for four weeks)
Basic Arabic (one day intensive, 2/21)
Muslims and the Prophets of Judaism and Christianity (starting 4/22 for four weeks)
One Spirit
I will speaking at One Spirit during the month of February. The event is not open to the public.
Quoted: HuffPo on Political Islam
Is Political Islam a Threat to the West?
As Hussein Rashid, a PhD candidate in Harvard University’s Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, remarked, “One thing to keep in mind is that ‘Islam doesn’t speak, Muslims do.’ It is Muslims who define what Islam says and does, within broad parameters. The new generation is engaged, informed, and articulate. It scares the Islamists, because [the new generation] won’t fall for the ideologues.”
Quoted: AltMuslim on Political Islam
Is Political Islam a Threat to the West?
“One thing to keep in mind is that ‘Islam doesn’t speak, Muslims do.’ It is Muslims who define what Islam says and does, within broad parameters. The new generation is engaged, informed, and articulate. It scares the Islamists, because [the new generation] won’t fall for the ideologues.”