World of American Muslim [F-21-23]

The course introduces audiences to the principles of Islam, the pillars of having faith, and the concepts that constitute both being a Muslim and being a believer. It is predominantly based on definition from Quran, as revealed by God, and the hadith, or the records of the messenger of God, Mohamed (Prayers and Peace upon him). It shares examples from history of the contribution of Islam and Muslims to the enrichment of the human experience. The course will also shed light on the geographic map of the Muslim world.

Tarik Ait Maatallah worked in management in retail, information technology, real estate, and healthcare administration. He was involved in activism like raising AIDS awareness in an era where affected folks suffered from disease, stigma, and taboos. He worked on issues of women’s rights, homeless children’s rights, and bridging cultural gaps. His passion for the human experience was why he chose to pursue a Bachelor’s in English instead of Med School, against maternal advice. He also holds a Bachelor’s in IT, an MBA in Management and International Business, and is now a candidate for a doctorate in Healthcare Administration. The more he learns, the more he discovers he knows only a little. He has been involved with the Potsdam Interfaith Community (formerly MAP), a group of faith leaders in Potsdam, since 2008. He is the president of the Potsdam mosque. He is fueled by a 7th century declaration of the Messenger of Islam, Mohamed (BPUH) who stated: “O! People (...) there is no preference for a white person over a black person, nor is there preference for a black person over a white person. You all go back to Adam, and Adam was made of dirt.” Tarik has called Potsdam home for more than 15 years. He and his wife, Badra, have nested here, and raise three children: Taha, Amina, and Aya. He is a firm believer that without accountability, society cannot function.

Other Information: Grab a translation of The Meaning of the Holy Qur'an (preferably by Yusuf Ali). Islamicity.com/quransearch has all translations of Quran and the website has good resources and articles about Islamic concepts. As I finalize the course, I may share PDF material with the class.

Special Instructions: You will be emailed a Zoom invite two days before the class starts. Click on the link in the invite to open your Zoom app.

Cap: 100