Islam’s rich history and theology is often misunderstood by Americans. One of the Abrahamic Religions, Islam is the second largest religion in the world after Christianity, with about 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide. The Arabic term islām, literally means “surrender.” It illuminates the fundamental religious idea of Islam—that the believer accepts surrender to the will of God (in Arabic, Allāh). Allah is viewed as the sole God—creator, sustainer, and restorer of the world.
Come learn about the personal experience of Islam from Dequ Dhalac and an academic perspective from Dana Sawyer.
Fee: $45
Dequ Dhalac is a member of the South Portland City Council. Deqa has her Masters in Social Work and a second Masters in Development Policy and Practice. She immigrated to the United States from Somalia 28 years ago.
Dana Sawyer is professor emeritus of religion and philosophy at the Maine College of Art and a member of the advisory board for CHIME. He has written a critically acclaimed biography of Aldous Huxley and the authorized biography of Huston Smith, the renowned scholar of world religions. In addition, he has written articles for many journals and magazines, including "Tricycle: The Buddhist Review." "Parabola," and "Yoga Journal."
