Submission, Faith and Beauty 

                                                                              May 31, 2009

                                                                          1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

                     Venue: Trayes Hall, Rutgers University, 100 George St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

                                                      

Submission, Faith and Beauty is an event that seeks to examine the essence of the religion of Islam, featuring Guest Speaker Imam Zaid Shakir.

Professor, writer and noted scholar, Imam Zaid Shakir has been described as a "leading intellectual light" by the New York Times and as "one of the towering principle voices not only in contemporary Islam, but in American society." The Imam is fast becoming one of the most influential voices for Islam in the West, as well as a compelling force for the improvement of race relations in America.

Through his writing, speaking and teaching, he pragmatically directs Muslim thought, literature, and practice to enrich the societies they are part of. The Imam brings clarity of mind and engaging honesty to even the most controversial issues. Trained in both the academic and religious intellectual traditions, Imam Shakir is uniquely qualified as a commentator on the substantial issues of our time.

Born in Berkeley, California to a family descended from African, Irish and Native American roots, Imam Shakir spent his formative years in housing projects. These early experiences instilled in him a compassionate and realistic work ethic, as well as an unshakeable desire for social change and economic justice. And, as an American who came of age during the civil rights movement, he brings both sensitivity about African-American and poverty issues and scholarly discipline to his faith-based work.

A former member of the US Air Force, Imam Shakir remained in the military for four years and received an accommodation medal for his dedicated service. His purposeful goal to work for the common good of all, led him to earn a BA in International Relations from the American University in Washington, DC in 1983. A summa cum laude graduate, Imam Shakir went on to receive his Masters in Political Science from Rutgers University where he was also a student leader. His many selfless projects included spearheading a community revival program and grassroots anti-drug efforts.

Imam Zaid Shakir is an important voice, particularly in President Obama's America. In the spirit of the great scholars of the past, the Imam embodies the rationality, spirituality and breadth of traditional knowledge, as well as cutting-edge academic intellect. Imam Shakir leaves a lasting impression; his ability to move hearts and minds encompasses all faith denominations and walks of life.