A Conversation with Imam Zaid Shakir

by Maria Kari | World Writer on Jan 31, 2011

Note: The opinions of the people we interview are not always a reflection of the opinions of Candor | Muslim Lifestyle Magazine or its affiliates. Thank you.

In the winter of 2010, Islamic Relief Canada hosted a two-part event featuring Imam Zaid Shakir in Vancouver, British Columbia.

A day-long affair, the event began with a hike in Lynn Canyon Park in the morning and ended with a talk, presented by the Imam, on the merits of living by example of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

After the event, I had the honour of interviewing the Imam, who accepted Islam in 1977 and since then has studied Arabic, Quran Studies and Islamic Law in various countries including Egypt, Syria and Morocco. Frequently cited as an example of Islamic moderation and listed as one of The 500 Most Influential Muslims in 2009, the Imam has emerged as one the continent’s top Islamic scholars.

Preparing for this interview was a complex task. There were so many questions I wanted to ask of the Imam and my twenty-minute slot proved to be very insufficient.

So, I made the decision to speak with the Imam on matters pertaining to identity, involvement and engagement in one’s community.

The reasoning behind the focus of my interview was two-fold.

First, for the better part of 2010 I had been immersed in these topics by virtue of my work with the Canadian Council for Muslim Women’s youth chapter, aptly titled Muslim Youth Canada (MYCanada).

Secondly, given the current climate of ‘Islamophobia’ permeating the lives of many Muslims living in the West, I felt it pertinent to address issues of faith-based identity and the importance of engaging this identity in a positive manner in one’s community............

For complete interview go to: http://candorstyles.com/a-conversation-with-imam-zaid-shakir/