Reclaiming the Faith from Orthodoxy and Islamophobia

Today’s guest is Saqib Qureshi, a Fellow at the London School of Economics and Political Science, where he earned his Ph.D. in International Relations and Epistemology. Saqib is also a successful entrepreneur, film producer, and best-selling author.

In this insightful interview, Saqib discusses his new book, “BEING MUSLIM TODAY: Reclaiming the Faith from Orthodoxy and Islamophobia.” He shares that the inspiration for writing the book came from his son’s question about whether Islam is a violent religion. Saqib delves into his research undertaken to answer this important question.

We explore how people of any religion can manipulate beliefs to suit their agendas, the unfair stigmatization of Muslims due to the radical actions of a few, and the contrasting lack of stigmatization for other religions with radical elements. We also discuss how media often misinterprets and misrepresents Quranic verses, fueling misconceptions and discord.

Saqib’s goal with this book is to educate readers about Islam, its history, and factual information, with the hope of dispelling stereotypes. We touch upon the renowned poet Rumi, a Muslim scholar whose quotes are widely shared on social media, yet many remain unaware of his background. I read a quote from Rumi: “Listen with ears of tolerance, see through eyes of compassion, speak with the language of love,” which encapsulates the essence of Saqib’s message.

“BEING MUSLIM TODAY” provided Betsy with new perspectives and information. Saqib also highlights historical instances, such as Jewish people seeking refuge in Muslim countries during times of persecution, and the relatively low crime rates in Muslim-majority countries, underscoring the peaceful principles of Islam.

This book is a treasure trove of rich history and fascinating insights. Betsy believes this book should be included in the curriculum for Social Studies and History. Please visit his website for more information and to connect with Saqib Qureshi.