NYU Islamic Center Podcasts

Due to various geo-political factors, as well as a misunderstanding of classical texts, many believe that Shia Muslims have a different Quran, which undermines the promise of God, where He maintains that He is the protector of His book. In this discussion, Dr. Sheikh Faiyaz responds to these misconceptions in three dimensions: 1- The Shia Belief in the Quran 2- Defining the Mushaf of Fatima 3- Defining the Sahifa of Ali

The religion of Islam embraces cultural practice and in no way prohibits its expression unless its in conflict with religious law. In this lecture, Dr. Sheikh Faiyaz discusses how culture can be used for positive growth, but can also serve as a barrier in one way or another, particularly when it comes to marriage. The lecture is in three primary dimensions: 1- Defining Culture 2- Where is there Room for Culture in Islamic Law? 3- Cultural Barriers in Contemporary Marriages

Access religious knowledge, for many, is a challenging and intimidating feat, but the nonetheless it’s an important step for those who are serious about their spirituality. In this lecture, Dr. Sheikh Faiyaz discusses the importance of centering the Hadith of the Prophet and his family in our lives on three dimensions: 1- The History of Hadith 2- The Legitimacy of Hadith of Ahlul Bayt 3- The Benefits of Reading Hadith

Criticisms of religion have existed for centuries, and may cause doubt and confusion with regards to how we should perceive our personal faith. In this lecture, Dr. Sheikh Faiyaz discusses the conflict around religion in three dimensions: 1- The Historical Roots of Religious Criticism 2- The Primary "Problems" with Religion 3- Differentiating the Religion of God vs. the Religion of Man

Understanding our identity is a vital study across various academic disciplines, and for many believers, subscribing to their religious identity is the most valuable means to explain who they are. In this discussion, Dr. Sheikh Faiyaz discusses how Ashura rituals have become an integral symbol of our social identity, but that comes with its own unique challenges. The discussion is in three dimensions: 1- Defining Social Identity 2- Shia Islam, Ashura Rituals & Social Identity 3- Allowing Symbols to Transcend

Imam Khalid Latif is a University Chaplain for New York University, and Executive Director of the Islamic Center at NYU. Under his leadership, the Islamic Center at NYU 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 the 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 NYC leaders to serve on May Bill Deblasio’s Transition Team, helping to recommend and select individuals for key roles in the current NYC administration and also appointed to a “Task Force to Combat Hate” by NYC Public Advocate Tisch James to deal with the rise in Islamophobic, anti-semitic and anti-sikh sentiment in NYC.Imam Khalid Latif is a University Chaplain for New York University, and Executive Director of the Islamic Center at NYU. Under his leadership, the Islamic Center at NYU 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 the 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 NYC leaders to serve on May Bill Deblasio’s Transition Team, helping to recommend and select individuals for key roles in the current NYC administration and also appointed to a “Task Force to Combat Hate” by NYC Public Advocate Tisch James to deal with the rise in Islamophobic, anti-semitic and anti-sikh sentiment in NYC.