ICNYU Podcasts

Dr. Mermer has been studying the Qur'an to understand its message and apply it to the present day living conditions for half a century and has completed his degrees in Islamic Studies and Political Science and then did a PhD on Sociology of Religion at Durham University, UK.Support the Islamic Center at NYUOur operating and programmatic budget comes directly from donations and as our community grows, so do our expenses. If you are interested in making a one-time, monthly, annual, or general donation to the Islamic Center at NYU, please do so at https://icnyu.org/donate/.

Imam Khalid Latif is a University Chaplain for New York University, and Executive Director of the Islamic Center at NYU (ICNYU). Under his leadership, ICNYU became the first ever established Muslim student center at an institution of higher education in the United States. Imam Latif’s exceptional dedication and ability to cross interfaith and cultural lines on a daily basis brought him recognition throughout New York City, so much so that in 2007, Mayor Michael Bloomberg nominated Imam Latif to become the youngest chaplain in history of the New York City Police Department at the age of 24. Most recently, Imam Latif was selected as one of 60 New York City leaders to serve on Mayor Bill de Blasio’s transition team, helping to recommend and select individuals for key roles in the current NYC administration and was also appointed to a “Task Force to Combat Hate” by NYC Public Advocate Letitia James to deal with the rise in Islamophobic, antisemitic, and anti-Sikh sentiment in NYC. Support the Islamic Center at NYUOur operating and programmatic budget comes directly from donations and as our community grows, so do our expenses. If you are interested in making a one-time, monthly, annual, or general donation to the Islamic Center at NYU, please do so at https://icnyu.org/donate/.

Imam Khalid Latif is a University Chaplain for New York University, and Executive Director of the Islamic Center at NYU (ICNYU). Under his leadership, ICNYU became the first ever established Muslim student center at an institution of higher education in the United States. Imam Latif’s exceptional dedication and ability to cross interfaith and cultural lines on a daily basis brought him recognition throughout New York City, so much so that in 2007, Mayor Michael Bloomberg nominated Imam Latif to become the youngest chaplain in history of the New York City Police Department at the age of 24. Most recently, Imam Latif was selected as one of 60 New York City leaders to serve on Mayor Bill de Blasio’s transition team, helping to recommend and select individuals for key roles in the current NYC administration and was also appointed to a “Task Force to Combat Hate” by NYC Public Advocate Letitia James to deal with the rise in Islamophobic, antisemitic, and anti-Sikh sentiment in NYC. Support the Islamic Center at NYUOur operating and programmatic budget comes directly from donations and as our community grows, so do our expenses. If you are interested in making a one-time, monthly, annual, or general donation to the Islamic Center at NYU, please do so at https://icnyu.org/donate/.

Imam Khalid Latif is a University Chaplain for New York University, and Executive Director of the Islamic Center at NYU (ICNYU). Under his leadership, ICNYU became the first ever established Muslim student center at an institution of higher education in the United States. Imam Latif’s exceptional dedication and ability to cross interfaith and cultural lines on a daily basis brought him recognition throughout New York City, so much so that in 2007, Mayor Michael Bloomberg nominated Imam Latif to become the youngest chaplain in history of the New York City Police Department at the age of 24. Most recently, Imam Latif was selected as one of 60 New York City leaders to serve on Mayor Bill de Blasio’s transition team, helping to recommend and select individuals for key roles in the current NYC administration and was also appointed to a “Task Force to Combat Hate” by NYC Public Advocate Letitia James to deal with the rise in Islamophobic, antisemitic, and anti-Sikh sentiment in NYC. Support the Islamic Center at NYUOur operating and programmatic budget comes directly from donations and as our community grows, so do our expenses. If you are interested in making a one-time, monthly, annual, or general donation to the Islamic Center at NYU, please do so at https://icnyu.org/donate/.

Dr. Marwa Assar, a psychologist and psycho-spiritual teacher specializing in Islamic teachings, discusses awakening to ourselves and our power, the connection between worth and external factors, finding fulfillment and the power of affirmation, the importance of having Allah as the highest value, knowing oneself through psychology and spirituality, navigating forgiveness and self-protection, and the dangers of reputation.

Dr. Mermer has been studying the Qur'an to understand its message and apply it to the present day living conditions for half a century and has completed his degrees in Islamic Studies and Political Science and then did a PhD on Sociology of Religion at Durham University, UK.Support the Islamic Center at NYUOur operating and programmatic budget comes directly from donations and as our community grows, so do our expenses. If you are interested in making a one-time, monthly, annual, or general donation to the Islamic Center at NYU, please do so at https://icnyu.org/donate/.

Imam Khalid Latif, University Chaplain and Executive Director of the Islamic Center at NYU, discusses the importance of treating people right, sourcing halal food, and the significance of intention and actions in Islam in this podcast. They explore the role of the Prophet as a mercy and the concept of 'amal', as well as reflect on a hadith about a kind woman and the implications of thinking negatively about ourselves.

Imam Khalid Latif is a University Chaplain for New York University, and Executive Director of the Islamic Center at NYU (ICNYU). Under his leadership, ICNYU became the first ever established Muslim student center at an institution of higher education in the United States. Imam Latif’s exceptional dedication and ability to cross interfaith and cultural lines on a daily basis brought him recognition throughout New York City, so much so that in 2007, Mayor Michael Bloomberg nominated Imam Latif to become the youngest chaplain in history of the New York City Police Department at the age of 24. Most recently, Imam Latif was selected as one of 60 New York City leaders to serve on Mayor Bill de Blasio’s transition team, helping to recommend and select individuals for key roles in the current NYC administration and was also appointed to a “Task Force to Combat Hate” by NYC Public Advocate Letitia James to deal with the rise in Islamophobic, antisemitic, and anti-Sikh sentiment in NYC. Support the Islamic Center at NYUOur operating and programmatic budget comes directly from donations and as our community grows, so do our expenses. If you are interested in making a one-time, monthly, annual, or general donation to the Islamic Center at NYU, please do so at https://icnyu.org/donate/.

Imam Khalid Latif is a University Chaplain for New York University, and Executive Director of the Islamic Center at NYU (ICNYU). Under his leadership, ICNYU became the first ever established Muslim student center at an institution of higher education in the United States. Imam Latif’s exceptional dedication and ability to cross interfaith and cultural lines on a daily basis brought him recognition throughout New York City, so much so that in 2007, Mayor Michael Bloomberg nominated Imam Latif to become the youngest chaplain in history of the New York City Police Department at the age of 24. Most recently, Imam Latif was selected as one of 60 New York City leaders to serve on Mayor Bill de Blasio’s transition team, helping to recommend and select individuals for key roles in the current NYC administration and was also appointed to a “Task Force to Combat Hate” by NYC Public Advocate Letitia James to deal with the rise in Islamophobic, antisemitic, and anti-Sikh sentiment in NYC. Support the Islamic Center at NYUOur operating and programmatic budget comes directly from donations and as our community grows, so do our expenses. If you are interested in making a one-time, monthly, annual, or general donation to the Islamic Center at NYU, please do so at https://icnyu.org/donate/.

Dr. Marwa Assar is a psychologist and psycho-spiritual teacher who specializes in providing counseling as well as psycho-spiritual education that are rooted in Islamic teachings and approached through an Islamic Psychological Lens. Alongside her constant pursuit of Islamic studies, Dr. Marwa has studied psychology extensively for 10 years.  In addition to completing both her bachelors and masters degree in psychology, she has also completed her doctorate of psychology (PsyD) degree at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.  Her doctoral research focus was on Islam & Psychology as she completed a research study titled,  "An Islamic Psychological Approach to Psychotherapy (2017)" highlighting what Islamic teachings have to offer to the world of psychological wellness and psycho-therapy with Muslim clients.  Through Her work as both a psychologist and teacher, she is dedicated to empowering others on a spiritual, mental, and emotional level, and has spent over a decade extensively exploring and merging traditional Islamic teachings with psychology to help others cultivate greater psychological health, navigate their human experience beautifully, and tackle the spiritual & psychological barriers that come between them and experiencing healthy, fulfilling relationships with God, themselves, and others.In addition to her studies, Dr. Marwa's training as a psychologist involved working in diverse settings from an inpatient substance abuse treatment facility, to schools, private practice, and mental health organizations.  Dr. Marwa is also The founder of The H.O.M.E Institute, which is named after her Heart Over Mind & Ego (H.O.M.E) approach to psycho-spiritual wellness, a methodology she conceptualized through an Islamic psychological lens to help others understand their psychological and spiritual design and experience greater inner peace and alignment. Through her work at The H.O.M.E Institute, Dr. Marwa offers both online and physical spaces for the hearts of others where students can learn the heart-centered knowledge and tools they need to thrive spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.Support the Islamic Center at NYUOur operating and programmatic budget comes directly from donations and as our community grows, so do our expenses. If you are interested in making a one-time, monthly, annual, or general donation to the Islamic Center at NYU, please do so at https://icnyu.org/donate/.