MUSLIMCREED Although the United States was founded on principles of religious tolerance, the treatment of Muslims in America can sometimes seem less than kind. For example, just look at the scrutiny many Muslim college students experience after joining campus organizations like Islamic student associations. In fact, some colleges have even gone so far as to say that Muslim student groups have no place on their campuses, claiming that Islam and American values are fundamentally incompatible with each other, despite the First Amendment’s guarantees of freedom of religion and speech.
What Are Their Programs?
The American Islamic University is a nonprofit educational institution that offers degrees in both religious and secular subjects. The university's diverse student body is made up of people from all different faiths, as well as those who have no faith affiliation. All courses are taught in Arabic, with the exception of certain English-language classes for non-Arabic speakers.
Students can choose between undergraduate or graduate degrees, depending on their academic background and level of experience. There are also several certificate programs available to be completed within two years of study. Classes offered at the university range from basic Arabic language instruction to more advanced topics such as law, psychology, and ethics.
Who is Teaching at the American Islamic University?
We are a community of teachers, learners, and leaders. Our faculty includes scholars from around the world, with diverse backgrounds in academia, business, law, medicine, engineering and many other disciplines. They bring a wealth of knowledge to the classroom as they share their experience in the classroom. Some of our esteemed faculty members include Imam Hamza Yusuf, Shaykh Abdal-Hakim Jackson, Dr. Sherman Jackson, Dr. Omid Safi and Rabbi Azizah Al-Hibri.
With such an impressive list of people teaching at the university it is no wonder that they have a reputation for religious tolerance and academic excellence. Furthermore, by including professors who come from a variety of backgrounds, this institution provides students with a better understanding and appreciation of different perspectives. The most important part about this university though is not just what they teach but how they teach.
The classes are interactive so students can be actively involved and develop more connections outside the classroom environment. It also emphasizes critical thinking which encourages students to explore topics on their own and draw conclusions without being spoon fed information. Overall, the American Islamic University is committed to promoting education that fosters dialogue between Muslims and non-Muslims, academics and laypeople, as well as diversity of thought among its own staff.
Where are they Located?
Located in the heart of Los Angeles, the American Islamic Station is housed in a sprawling 60,000 square foot facility. The ASU is home to a diverse student body from around the world who study at over 15 different degree programs.
In addition to providing religious education, the university strives to impart knowledge about other faiths and cultures. There are also many resources for non-Muslim students who want to explore Islam or learn more about it. These include language classes for both Arabic and Urdu, as well as courses on Muslim life in America.
One of the most popular courses on campus is entitled Islam 101 which teaches Muslims how to articulate their faith to non-Muslims so that they might better understand what Islam stands for.
Who Can Attend the Schools?
The American Islamic University welcomes students from all walks of life. The school is designed to be a place where Muslims, Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, atheists and agnostics can learn together in peace.
They also have an open door policy for interfaith engagement with the broader community. Students are able to attend classes on Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism and Hinduism at the university as well. Additionally, AIU's Muslim chaplain conducts interfaith dialogues with clergy members of different faiths throughout the year.
