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 further 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 on November 28, 2001, shortly after the September 11 tragedies.
  • In 2004, CISD found its permanent home at Nazareth College 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 the College'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 the Department of Religious Studies at Nazareth College.
  • He 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 College a leading institution in interfaith, diversity, and inclusion efforts — recognized nationally and internationally.
IIIT Chair Events (Co-Sponsored)

You are invited to:

October 18, 2023, Seminar on: Our People, Our City, Our Violence

Our People, Our City, Our Violence flyer.pdf

Oct.19,2023,  Seminar on: 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. Thanks

 

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.

When: August 15-19,2022 (Monday-Friday, both days are included)

Time : 7-8:30PM Via Zoom, Registration Fee: $39.00

RSVP to Register:  https://www.smore.com/1h9xn-listening-learning-and-healing

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 semester 2020

Global Citizenship Conference (GCC) March 15, 2023

GCC 2023 brochure second draft.pdf

Learn more

Train the Trainers

August 2023:

Women in Muslim Religion and Culture.pdf