Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue

Akbar Ahmed on the Importance of Interreligious Dialogue

Ambassador Akbar Ahmed is the Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies in American University’s School of International Service and a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. In addition, he is a visiting professor and was First Distinguished Chair of Middle East & Islamic Studies at the U.S. Naval Academy. Previously, Ahmed has held various positions at the University of Cambridge, include Iqbal Fellow, fellow of Selwyn College, Diane Middlebrook and Carl Djerassi Visiting Professor, and visiting fellow of Jesus College. Ahmed belonged to Pakistan’s senior civil service and was the Pakistan High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ireland. His numerous publications include The Thistle and the Drone (2013), named one of the “Books of the Year” in the Times Literary Supplement and awarded the 2014 Karachi Literature Festival’s German Peace Prize; Journey into America: The Challenge of Islam (2010); and Journey into Islam: The Crisis of Globalization (2007). He holds a Ph.D. from the University of London School of Oriental and African Studies….

Interreligious and intercultural dialogue is not only urgent but critical to the survival of the human species. In our globalized, blended world, where different religions and cultures encounter each other daily, you will have nothing but turmoil and violence unless you actively promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue to achieve harmony and understanding.

–Akbar Ahmed [The Importance of Interreligious Dialogue, May 3, 2010 (Berkley Center website)].

Ilm in the Synagogue

Ahmed did end on an optimistic note, referring specifically to this “incredible young generation,” which he believes, with some serious guidance, will change the world.
Among the many powerful responses was that of audience member Andra Baylus, the president of the Greater Washington Muslim-Jewish Forum: “I cried all the way home wondering what in God’s name I could do to help raise consciousness among my fellow Americans of our ethical responsibility as privileged citizens to help those suffering around the planet which we all share and call home. Ambassador Ahmed gave us hope, reminding us that our respective faith traditions teach us to be compassionate and merciful and to put these teachings into action every day of our lives.”

–Patrick Burnett [“Ilm in the Synagogue,” published in The Express Tribune, Opinion, November 19th, 2017)].

Pakistani-American professor wins ‘teacher of the year’ award

Thankfully, there are still moments of great pride for American Muslims in this toxic environment. On May 10, Ambassador Akbar Ahmed, the Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies at American University (AU), was awarded the 2016-17 School of International Service (SIS) Scholar/Teacher of the Year award. As a leading faculty member of SIS, one of America’s top ten schools of international affairs, Ahmed received this award in recognition of his “innovative and important scholarship” and his “dedicated, rigorous, and inspiring mentoring of our students.” Joined by his family and two top assistants, Ahmed was presented this prestigious award before a standing ovation of SIS staff and faculty.

Awarded by SIS Dean James Goldgeier, who described Ahmed as “a legend,” the award ceremony warmly celebrated Ahmed’s achievements as a member of the SIS faculty. Goldgeier spoke highly of Ahmed’s contributions to both his field and the student experience in SIS. He also discussed the tremendous impact of Ahmed’s quartet of studies examining relations between the West and the Muslim world, highlighting in particular Ahmed’s forthcoming book, Journey into Europe: Islam, Immigration, and Identity (Brookings Press)….

The impact of Ahmed’s award also reflects in the lives of his students. When Ahmed and I first met in 2013, I was just another American college student with very little international experience. I was the only male student in Ahmed’s course on Islam in America, and Ahmed used to joke that I simply could not get sick and miss a class, as I would leave our gender wholly unrepresented. Two years later, mere weeks after graduating with my bachelor’s degree, I was offered the opportunity to take over as his chief of staff.

May this great teacher remain uncowed by rampant Islamophobia and teach the students of American University, America, and the world how to light the path to peace. I am so delighted that Ahmed has now received this award which celebrates his remarkable attributes as a great scholar/teacher.

–Patrick Burnett [Published in The Express Tribune, Opinion (May 15th, 2017)].

Additional Akbar Ahmed Quotes

“If change is to come-as it must-it needs to be from within an Islamic framework and introduced by Muslims who have credibility within their own society.”

–Akbar Ahmed [Journey into Islam: The Crisis of Globalization].

“The job of the teacher is to present knowledge to students and encourage them to think for themselves on a rational basis. I would recommend these five books to anyone seeking to understand our complicated and divided world with a view to healing it.”

–Akbar Ahmed [Recommended Reading, June 9, 2017].