Through the work of the IIIT Chair at Nazareth University, we seek to help dismantle stereotypes as they relate to Islamophobia, emphasize the importance of social justice and interfaith dialogue, and empower the Muslim community within the academic field.

About the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT)

The International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) was established as a non-profit, non-denominational organization in the United States in 1981. It is an international organization created with the intention of providing a platform for the unique perspective of Muslim thinkers, scholars, and practitioners in the humanities and social sciences.

Since its inception, IIIT has encouraged diversity and modernity in Islamic scholarly work, whilst emphasizing the importance of co-existence and the teaching of strategies to help communities navigate modern local and global challenges. IIIT functions with the goal of engaging to a wider community of learners and facilitating the academic study of religions and how people of faith interact with and influence society.

The IIIT Chair at Nazareth University encourages us to expand on our continuing academic and community programs, and create more opportunities of higher education in Islamic and interfaith studies. This program's presence at Nazareth University allows us to advance further our effort in promoting interfaith dialogue, diversity, and inclusion, attracting scholars from all over the world.

The IIIT Chair contributes to Nazareth’s rich culture and tradition in regards to interfaith education; to assist in teaching values of peace, justice and tolerance that will shape a generation of global citizens.

History of the Hickey Center and the IIIT Chair
  • In 1999, representatives from the Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist religions in Rochester, New York, came together to improve relations among people of all faiths, stand against hate, and build bridges of respectful understanding.
  • From this effort, the Center for Interfaith Studies and Dialogue (CISD) was formally created at Nazareth College (which later became Nazareth University) on November 28, 2001, shortly after the September 11 tragedies.
  • In 2004, CISD found its permanent home at Nazareth and the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) came to support these efforts through annual contributions. In 2011, when CISD was renamed the Brian and Jean Hickey Center for Interfaith Studies and Dialogue in honor of two of Nazareth's most dedicated long-time supporters, the IIIT Interfaith and Islamic Studies Chair was created with generous support from the IIIT.
Programs
  • Since the very inception of the Center for Interfaith Studies and Dialogue (CISD) in 1999, Dr. Muhammad Shafiq was the moving spirit behind these efforts with support from the representatives of the religious community at Rochester and Nazareth's Department of Religious Studies.
  • Shafiq continued to be the Executive Director of the Center and in 2011 was designated IIIT Interfaith and Islamic Studies Chair. He has worked with colleagues and community representatives to create academic conferences resulting in publishing five books, Global Citizenship Conferences for high school students, the Abrahamic Dialogue Institute, and seminars on various topics to promote the work of the Hickey Center and the IIIT Chair.
  • These efforts have made Nazareth University a leading institution in interfaith, diversity, and inclusion efforts — recognized nationally and internationally.
Global Citizenship Conference (GCC) March 19, 2025

Details: Global Citizenship Conference

See the GCC 2025 Brochure here

IIIT Chair Events (Co-Sponsored)

 

Summer 2024, August 12-16, 2024

SOCIAL JUSTICE IN ISLAM: READINGS FROM THE QUR'AN

Social Justice demands equal opportunities in economic, political, and social rights available to all irrespective of gender, race, class or religious affiliation. How does the Qur'an emphasizes equality and fairness for all individuals irrespective of religious affiliation, race or gender? In this week-long course, we will explore these concepts of justice and just society Islam.

 When: August 12-16, 2024 (Monday-Friday evenings)

Time : 7-8:30PM Via Zoom

Registration Fee: $39.00( See link below or please write check to Nazareth University, IIIT Chair and Hickey Centera nd mail it to Muhammad Shafiq, Nazareth University, 4245 East Ave., Rochester, NY 14618)

Speakers : Dr. Etin Anwar, Dr. Shalahuddin Kafrawi, and Dr. Muhammad Shafiq

Topics for discussion:

Monday, August 12, 2024, The concept of Justice in Islam and equal opportunities in the Qur'an

Tuesday, Aug.13, Wealth and Poverty in the Qur'an

Wednesday, Aug.14, Nature and Environment in the Qur'an

Thursday, Aug.15, Violence, non-violence and the defensive war concept in the Qur'an

Friday, Aug, 16, Race and Gender in the Qur'an

Reading materials and Zoom link will be emailed a few days before the classes.

Past Events:

October 18, 2023 seminar: Our People, Our City, Our Violence (flyer)

October 19, 2023 seminar, Stranger at the Gate: Love Conquers Hate

Stranger at the Gate Film Screening.pdf

Summer 2023

Listening, Learning and Healing: Women in Muslim Religion and Culture

Taliban's ban on women's education in Afghanistan and the veiling issue in Iran have raised doubts and confusion in the West and America about the rights of women in Islam and Muslim culture.

This Online non-credit certificate course aims to discuss the issue of women rights in both religious and cultural perspectives. Nazareth University, IIIT Chair and Hickey Center mission and vision is to educate public on critical issues for peaceful coexistence.

When: August 7-10,2023 (Monday-Thursday, both days are included)

Time : 7-8:30PM Via Zoom, Registration Fee: $49.00 ( Please write Checks to Nazareth University, IIIT Chair and Hickey Center and mail it to Muhammad Shafiq, Nazareth University, 4245 East Ave., Rochester, NY 14618)

Speakers and Topics for discussion:

August 7 - Women in the Qur'an, ( Dr. Muhammad Shafiq, Nazareth U. )

Aug. 8 - Women and Veiling in Muslim Culture and religion (Dr. Etin Anwar, HWS College)

Aug. 9 - Women in Muslim History (Dr. Shalahudin Kafrawi, HWS College)

Aug. 10 - Western and Muslim Feminism (Dr. Etin Anwar, HWS College)

Recommended reading:

1. Making Gender in the Intersection of the Human and the Divine , Edited by Thomas Donlin-Smith and Muhammad Shafiq

2. A Genealogy of Islamic Feminism: Pattern and Change in Indonesia,  by Etin Anwar

Registration for the course ends on July 15, please register via email: cisd@naz.edu and send us your registration.

Summer 2022

Understanding Islam's Relations with Other Religions, August 15-19, 2022

Online non-credit certificate course for teachers, religious leaders, businesses, nurses, and other professionals including public interested in understanding Islam's relations with other religions for peaceful co-existence and professional services.

Truth Over Fear: Combating Lies about Islam

Speaker Dr. Charles A. Kimball joined the Hickey Center for Interfaith Studies and Dialogue, along with the IIIT Chair for Interfaith Studies to discuss the growing problem of Islamophobia in the West. Dr. Kimball provided an overview of the historical developments pertaining to this issue, from the nineteenth century onwards, in order to provide the foundation necessary for the development of tools to form more pluralistic communities.

Speaking From the Soul: February 16, 2021
Speaker Tasleem Jamila presented a workshop highlighting the ways in which hip hop culture and spoken word theater can contribute to freedom, justice, and equality for all people.

Listening, Learning Healing Series, Fall 2020

Learn more

Train the Trainers

August 2023:

Women in Muslim Religion and Culture.pdf