About
Media Profile
Imam Zaid Shakir appears or is quoted regularly in public media, whether as a guest on television, at conferences, on radio, or in newspaper and magazine coverage.
December 27, 2020
CBS Sunday Morning
“Messages of Healing and Hope, After a Difficult 2020”, CBS Sunday Morning TV Show hosted three faiths reflections for those whose devotion may have been tested by a year of struggle and loss, to renew hope and expectation for the New Year. Featuring Rabbi Elaine Zecher, of Temple Israel of Boston; Imam Zaid Shakir of Zaytuna College in Berkeley, Calif.; and Judah Smith, lead Pastor of Churchome.
February 8, 2019
History.com
“40 Years a Slave: The Extraordinary Tale of an African Prince Stolen from His Kingdom”, Imam Zaid Shakir states, “During the isolation of being alone in the wilderness it dawned on him that he is no longer a prince, he’s no longer a warrior. From that point onwards his dignity was based on his ability to master the circumstances that he was in....”
May 3, 2018
CNN
“One girl’s pain led to his calling”, Imam Zaid Shakir, co-founder of Zaytuna College, tells the story of a young girl’s question, which helped catalyze his conversion to Islam."
March 30, 2018
Now This News
“Imam Zaid Shakir Calls for Action on Police Brutality at Stephon Clark’s Funeral”, Imam Zaid Shakir called for action against police brutality while speaking at Stephon Clark’s funeral. He stated, “Today, we’re gathered to memorialize and to subsequently bury Stephon Clark. But yesterday it was [Amadou Diallo,] and Sean Bell and Trayvon Martin, Walter Scott, Gary King, Oscar Grant, Alan Blueford, Tamir Rice, John Crawford, Alton Sterling Philando Castile, Eric Garner, Now This News,
March 29, 2018
USA Today
USA Today “Live stream: Funeral for Stephon Clark”, Imam Zaid Shakir, Rev. Al Sharpton, and other clergy deliver the eulogy at the funeral of Stephon Clark, an unarmed black man who was fatally shot by Sacramento police in his grandmother’s backyard, USA Today,
March 29, 2018
PBS NewsHour
“WATCH: Funeral of Stephon Clark in Sacramento, CA”, Imam Zaid Shakir, Rev. Al Sharpton, and other clergy deliver the eulogy at funeral held for Stephon Clark after he was killed in a police-involved shooting in Sacramento, CA.
November 10, 2017
ABC 7 News
“Bay Area Muslim Community Raises Money For Fire Victims”, Imam Zaid Shakir, Congressmen Ro Khanna, Eric Swalwell, Bay Area Community Unite, Muslim Americans for Peace and Prosperity, and hundreds of community minded people joined forces with Islamic Relief USA to raise money for North Bay fire victims.
June 12, 2017
ESPN
“The Greatest At Rest”, One year ago, Imam Zaid Shakir and a chosen few brought Muhammad Ali home for the last time. This is the story of how they carried out their sacred calling. This story by Tom Junod appears in ESPN The Magazine’s June 12 World Fame Issue.
July 16, 2016
Time Magazine
Sharia Is Nothing to Fear.
June 9, 2016
NBC New York
Ali Remembered in Prayer as Icon Who Pushed for Unity.
June 1, 2016
CBS News
“Muhammad Ali’s funeral to follow Muslim traditions”, Funeral arrangements are set for Muhammad Ali. The boxing champ will be honored by two events open to the public: an Islamic prayer service Thursday and a funeral Friday preceded by Imam Zaid Shakir. A former president, heads of state, Hollywood celebrities, and sports legends are expected to pay their respects. Jericka Duncan reports from the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, KY.
June 1, 2016
NBC Nightly News
“Muhammad Ali Memorial: Thousands Gather to Mourn ‘The Greatest’”, Former President Bill Clinton, Bryant Gumbel and Billy Crystal delivered eulogies at Ali’s memorial service. Imam Zaid Shakir preceded over the opening and closing, and thousands paid their final respects to the boxing legend in Louisville, KY.
May 20, 2016
Courier Journal
“Highlights from the Muhammad Ali Memorial Service”, Friday’s memorial service began with Imam Zaid Shakir and other religious and faith leaders, and ended with eulogies from family and friends. It was long—about three hours—but there were moving tributes and remembrances throughout the service.
July 7, 2015
Huffington Post
“How American Muslims Are Helping Black Rebuild After Spate Of Fires”, Imam Zaid Shakir, an Islamic scholar at California’s Zaytuna College explained,“we do, however, understand the climate of racially inspired hate and bigotry that is being reignited in this country. We want to let our African American brothers and sisters know that we stand in solidarity with them during this dark hour.”
July 7, 2015
Huffington Post
“How American Muslims Are Helping Black Churches Rebuild After Spate Of Fires.
February 8, 2019
CNN
“New Charlie Hebdo Cover Depicts Prophet Mohammed”“Let us ignore the provocations and defamation and get about the work of being a source of good and mercy to all we may come into contact with”, Imam Zaid Shakir, a popular cleric and scholar from California, posted on Facebook this week. “May Allah bless you all and make things easy for you and your families during these trying times”.
June 1, 2013
USA Today
“Muslim college carves niche in USA”, Until Zaytuna opened its doors three years ago, American Muslims who wanted to study and grow in their faith mostly had to look overseas for a college education.
March 21, 2011
CNN
“Why Do Muslims Pray Five Times A Day”
September 9, 2010
USA Today
“Muslim college opens in California”, Berkeley, California — Amid the uproar over the proposed mosque near the site of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York, a new Islamic college recently opened its doors in California with plans to educate a new generation of Muslim-American leaders.
August 3, 2010
CNN
This Just In, “Today’s Intriguing People”.
June 18, 2009
USA Today
Islamic Education in America.
June 22, 2007
Bill Moyers Journal
Born in Berkeley, California and raised in the Atlanta and Hartford projects alongside six other children, Imam Zaid Shakir converted to Islam in 1977, and today is one of the foremost Islamic scholars in the west.
June 18, 2006
New York Times
Islamic Seminary in America.
January 18, 2002
Bill Moyers Now
Being Muslim In America.
March 5, 2017
New Straits Times
“Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali Honoured For Spirit, Strength in Upholding Islam”, A two-day conference, which also featured leading American Muslim scholar Imam Zaid Shakir and co-founder of Zaytuna College, Putrajaya, Malaysia.
September 6, 2016
Euro News
Louisville mourns Muhammad Ali with prayer service.
June 10, 2016
Mirror UK
Muhammad Ali Funeral Recap: Celebrities and Fans Pay Tribute to Boxing Legend in Moving Public Service.
June 9, 2016
BBC News
Muhammad Ali memorial begins with Muslim prayer service.
June 1, 2016
TRT World
“Religious Advisor of Ali family Imam Zaid Shakir Talks About Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali”, Imam Zaid Shakir discusses his fondest memories of Muhammad Ali who passed away on June 3, 2016, Louisville, KY.
April 25, 2016
Alliance News
“Record 175 Countries Sign Historic Paris Climate Agreement”, Islamic leaders from around the world presented the UN with a declaration in support of the climate agreement.”
July 7, 2015
RT Question More
Muslim Groups Fundraise to Restore Black Churches, Support Victims of Arson.
July 7, 2015
Daily Sabah
Muslim organizations in US fundraise to rebuild burned black churches.
July 7, 2015
Quartz
Muslim non-profits are raising money to rebuild black churches because “all houses of worship are sanctuaries.
July 7, 2015
Al Jazeera America
“US Muslim groups launch fundraiser to help rebuild burned black churches”, the American Muslim community cannot claim to have experienced anything close to the systematic and institutionalized racism and racist violence that has been visited upon African-Americans,” organizer Imam Zaid Shakir.
July 5, 2015
Daily Pakistan
Muslims Gather Money to Rebuild Burnt Black Churches.
May 17, 2015
Al Jazeera Third Rail
“Debating The Merits of Religion: Does It Do More Harm Than Good?”, Atheist scholar Daniel Dennett, evangelical Christian Larry Alex Taunton and Muslim scholar Imam Zaid Shakir debate.
October 20, 2011
News 7 Australia
Interviewed by Angela Cox along with Simon Kennedy, and Rhais Bhuyian on the 10th anniversary of 9/11.
August 2, 2010
Voice of America
“America’s First Muslim College Opens This Fall: US institution hopes to cultivate native-born Islamic scholar”.
May 1, 2010
Washington Report on Middle East Affairs
“Zaytuna College Fundraiser”, Why a Muslim College in America? The topic for a panel discussion including co-founder Imam Zaid Shakir.
June 7, 2009
The Guardian
First accredited Islamic college planned for US.
January 16, 2017
North Jersey
First Imam Speaks at MLK Celebration in Ridgewood.
June 9, 2016
Times Leader
Thousands of fans, dignitaries and faithful from across the globe filled a Kentucky arena Thursday to honor Muhammad Ali.
January 1, 2015
The Dallas Morning News
“North Texas Muslims, Neighbors Gather to Call For Peace”, Imam Zaid Shakir told the crowd that Muslims have to “touch the hearts” of their neighbors.“Our religion is focused on our hearts,” he said. “It started in the heart of our prophet, and he spread it to the hearts of his companions. They spread it to the hearts of the successors, and it reached our hearts.”
July 1, 2014
Houston Chronicle
“Middle East turmoil weighs heavy as local Muslims gather for Eid”, Imam exhorts 15,000 area Muslims gathered to mark Eid: “Let us endure as they endure. Let us advocate for peace”.
February 16, 2011
Jackson Free Press
“Bridging the Gaps”, Jackson Convention Center, Jackson, Miss., Keynote speaker and panelist with Dr. James Loewen, scholars, filmmakers and experts.
November 18, 2005
San Francisco Gate
French Violence, No Easy Answers.
September 9, 2010
KQED Radio
"Zaytuna College". A talk with two of the college’s co-founders about their mission, and about what it means to be a Muslim American today.
September 8, 2010
KQED Radio
"New College Teaches Young American Muslims". Interview with 2 co-founders and students of Zaytuna College.
July 18, 2010
NPR Radio
"Founders, Students Defend Islamic College". Interview with co-founders of Zaytuna College.
July 29, 2008
NPR Radio
Roundtable: Muslim Americans Battling Bias.
February 6, 2007
NPR Radio
Muslim Liquor Store Owners Face Criticism. Activists in Oakland, Calif., have long fought the concentration of liquor stores in their communities. Now they have new allies in Muslim groups who say Muslim owners of these liquor stores are hurting the neighborhood and violating religious principles.
September 11, 2006
NPR Radio
Mecca and Main Street.
June 28, 2020
American Muslim Institution
“Race Awareness: In The Name of God”, Dive into Race, Racism, and the Role of Faith with Imam Zaid Shakir, Rev. Dr. Faith Harris and Pastor Willie J. Barber II, as they shed light on the issue with values instilled in their faiths.
Jan., 2019
Muslim Matters
"The Unfinished Business of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.", Imam Zaid Shakir states, "While most remember Dr. King for his soaring oration, symbolized by his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered before a sweltering throng at the Lincoln Memorial, August 28, 1963, Dr. King was far more than a moving orator. He was a formidable intellectual, an effective organizer and a passionate advocate for the freedom of his people."
June 3, 2018
Muslim Matters
“God’s Plan and Muhammad Ali”, Imam Zaid Shakir states, “It is time we started listening to Ali. It is God’s plan…”.
June 24, 2018
Muslim Matters
“This Is Who We Are”, Imam Zaid Shakir states, “Madeline Albright, infamously and casually agreed that over 500,000 dead Iraqi children who died during the six years US sanctions had been in place in Iraq to that point, was worth it...”.
October 28, 2018
Religious News Service
“Muslim #MeToo isn’t just a man problem. It’s also a male-led theology prob …”, Imam Zaid Shakir states, “I could have framed the issue better and I again apologize for misrepresenting clear Islamic teachings. However, the precedent being established by this case is extremely dangerous, and I would argue it is not one supported by our religion.” Some sisters have been harmed, and I am not in the business of harming people… I apologize from the bottom of my heart for anyone who has been harmed by my words”.
October 24, 2017
The Islamic Monthly
“Ignorance of Islam Is Incomprehensible Today”, For those with less time, there are a number of 15 minutes or less sound-bite lectures by world-recognized Muslim scholars, such as “Becoming a Muslim” by American Imam Zaid Shakir.
July 7, 2015
Christian Science Monitor
Why Muslims Are Raising Money for Black Churches Destroyed By Fire.
March 19, 2011
Dartmouth College
Reflections from the Chaplaincy, “Service with Zaytuna College and Berkeley Muslim Students’ Association”.
September 21, 2009
Euro-Islam.Info
Islamic Scholars Plan for America’s First Muslim College.
June 25, 2009
Tikkun Daily
Imam Zaid Shakir on the Tikkun Phone Forum.
2017
The Muslim 500
The Worlds Most Influential Muslims Muhammad Ali: A Humble Mountain.
February 23, 2018
The Daily Northwestern
“Muslim Scholars Discuss Faith As Motivation in Discover Islam Week Keynote”, Northwestern Muslim-cultural Students Association invited keynote speaker Imam Zaid Shakir and Imam Omar Suleiman for a conversation about reconstructing the perception of achievements by Muslim Americans. The keynote presentation of the two Scholars advocated the use of faith as fuel for personal achievement and discussed fighting for greater social justice.
April 28, 2017
Yale Daily News
“Not So Simple Truths”, The IMC (Ivy Muslims Conference) is an annual conference that brings together Muslim students from across the Ivy League for two nights of spiritual and intellectual discussion with Imam Zaid Shakir and other prominent Muslim personalities, New Haven, CT.
September 8, 2010
State University
First Muslim College Opens in United States
September 21, 2009
The Chronicle of Higher Education
Islamic Scholars Plan for America’s First Muslim College
April 24, 2007
Various Sponsors & UC Berkeley
KPFA 94.1 FM, Cody’s Books, the Near Eastern Studies Department, and the Religion, Politics, and Globalization Program at UC Berkeley sponsored "Can We Talk About God". A capacity crowd gathered for a thought-provoking conversation between Roger Scruton and Imam Zaid Shakir, two thinkers with some common ground—and some sharply differing perspectives. The event moderated by Sandy Tolan of the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism.
October 24, 2017
The Islamic Monthly
Ignorance of Islam Is Incomprehensible Today.
June 1, 2016
The Courier-Journal
“Thousands expected for Muhammad Ali funeral”, Muhammad Ali Press Conference with Imam Zaid Shakir in Louisville, KY.
April 1, 2013
Washington Report on Middle East Affairs
“Zaytuna College Hosts Historic Workshop on Environmental Education in Islamic Schools”, At the opening night reception, Imam Zaid Shakir, co-founder of Zaytuna College, delivered the keynote address on “Planting Seeds for a Greener Tomorrow, Northern California Chronicle.
November 13, 2010
Marian Ronan's Blog
Learning about Muslims
March 29, 2010
In These Times
“Who Are ‘They’?”
February 1, 2010
Emel Magazine
“Saving The Ship of Humanity”
2007
EzineArticles.com
Expert Contributor.
2003
Cross Currents
American Muslims and a Meaningful Human Rights Discourse in the Aftermath of September 11, 2001.