Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Islam

“Decoding Rituals and Symbols of Islam”

Our presenter, Jihad Turk, is founder and president of Bayan Islamic Graduate School in Claremont, California. Launched in 2011, Bayan aims “to produce dynamic and ethical leaders and scholars grounded in the Islamic tradition.” Jihad brings an engaging sense of humor and a scholar’s depth of understanding of Arabic and Islam delivered in terms that everyone can grasp. Here, packed into two hours of humanity, scholarship and humor, is everything you always wanted to know about Islam. Starting with how to greet a Muslim person, Jihad covers the Five Pillars of Islam, shares images and commentary on what it meant personally for him to go on pilgrimage and deepen his faithfulness, and more. You will experience the clear and touching love of Allah conveyed by a man devoted to Islam.

The Guibord Center always tries to respect our attendees by beginning and ending programs on time. When we stopped the program we encouraged people to stay to ask questions and enjoy refreshments. Our film crew shut down the cameras. As the team began wrapping up, a crowd gathered around Jihad with heartfelt questions about Islam that troubled them. They asked pointed and useful questions. And Jihad answered. For well over an hour the questions continued and Jihad patiently answered each one. Finally he invited those remaining to join him in the prayer space as he led them through Muslim prayers.

The degree of interest that kept so many at the Islamic Center until nearly nightfall tells us that there is a significant hunger for more information. The Guibord Center will continue to be a platform for meaningful discussion and demystification.