The Institute was created to facilitate dialogue between Abrahamic faiths, with special focus on dialogue between Jewish, Christian and Muslim relations in America as well as promoting interfaith dialogue between Muslim countries and America. Our symposiums welcome participation of scholars and graduate students from US and other countries. Through the Abrahamic Dialogue Institute, We hope that other educational institutions in America and Abroad, especially in the Middle East, will open academic centers for interfaith dialogue and will join these efforts. We welcome religious and social studies professors and graduate students to join us as visiting scholars to study and research the interfaith work at the Hickey Center and the rest.
Upcoming Online Seminer: August 2026
Why can we not get along? Is it political nationalism, economic greed, or cultural and religious ignorance? In the Abrahamic traditions, God is associated with Shalom, Salaam, and peace, so why do we continue to witness so much hatred and violence? Why are places of worship attacked and innocent lives lost?
Dialogue and a deeper understanding of our sacred texts can help heal these wounds. This week-long course will focus on the study of the Bible (both Jewish and Christian) and the Qur’an in order to explore their shared moral and spiritual foundations. Through thoughtful engagement and discussion, this class will build greater appreciation, mutual respect, and deeper religious understanding across traditions.
Required Textbook: Ted Brownstein, Kinship of the Bible and Qur'an
When: August 17-21, 2026 (Monday-Friday)
Time: 7:00 - 8:15PM Via Zoom
Registration Fee: $49.00
Registration ends on August 1, and a Zoom link will be sent to registered people. Please buy the book if you are participating.
Topics for discussion:
Monday, August 17, 2026: Abraham, Rejection of Idolatry and Polytheism: A Shared Faith, Presenter: Dr. Shafiq
Tuesday, Aug.18: Ten Commandments: Shared Heritage, Presenter Dr. Anwar
Wednesday, Aug. 19: Revelation and Prophets in the Bible and the Qur'an, Presenter: Dr. Kafrawi
Thursday, Aug.20: Love of God and Neighbors in the Sacred Texts, Dr. Shafiq
Friday, Aug 21: Ethics of War, peace, and non-violence in the Bible and the Qur'an, Presenter: Dr. Harry Murray
Please register: For registration with credit card payment, register here. Or for check, write your check to Nazareth University, Hickey Center and IIIT Chair and mail it to the address below:
Muhammad Shafiq, Ph.D.
Professor in Religious Studies
Executive Director Hickey Center for Interfaith Studies and Dialogue
IIIT Chair for Islamic & Interfaith Studies Chair
4245 East Avenue, Rochester NY, 14618
Nazareth University
To obtain further information, please contact us by e-mail at interfaith@naz.edu.