WHO: Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf
WHAT: A lecture — What's Right with Islam is What's Right with America
WHEN: Wednesday, March 7, 7-9 p.m.
WHERE: Recreation and Convocation Center; Overflow -- Jones Auditorium, Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center, St. Edward’s University
INFO: To RSVP, send e-mail to events@stedwards.edu or call 464-8882. The event is sponsored by University Programs.

His critically acclaimed book offers answers for today's toughest questions about Islam, and a vision for reconciliation between Islam and the West. The Christian Science Monitor calls the book, “An invigorating glimpse into the heart and mind of a wise Muslim seeking the higher ground.”

Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf of Masjid al-Farah in New York City is founder of the American Sufi Muslim Association Society, a nonprofit, non-political, educational and cultural organization dedicated to creating bridges between the American public and American Muslims. He also is a member of the board of trustees of the Islamic Center of New York and is Islamic advisor to the Interfaith Center of New York.

By establishing ASMA in 1997, he created the first Muslim organization committed to bringing Muslims and non-Muslims together through programs in academia, policy, current affairs and culture. As Imam of Masjid Al-Farah, he preaches a message of peace and understanding between people, regardless of creed, nationality or political beliefs. His inspiring sermons have made him one of the most sought-after Muslim clerics in the U.S.

Imam Feisal is also the architect of the Cordoba Initiative, an inter-religious blueprint for improving relations between the Muslim world and West and America. As a tireless advocate for an ecumenical solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he has impressed his vision on U.S. lawmakers and administration officials, most recently as member of the National Inter-religious Initiative for Peace in Washington, D.C.

Regarded as one of the world’s most eloquent and erudite Muslim leaders, Imam Feisal speaks frequently at major U.S. think tanks and international conferences, including Council for Foreign relations, YPO and World Economic Forum in Davos. In addition, his ability to motivate religious novices and experts alike has made him a popular teacher of Islam at many respected New York institutions, including the Center for Religious Inquiry at St. Bartholomew's Church and the Chautauqua Institution.

His published writings include the books Islam: A Search for Meaning, and Islam: A Sacred Law (what every Muslim should know about the Shariah). His latest book, What's Right With Islam: A New Vision for Muslims and the West was rated by Christian Science Monitor amongst its top four books on religion.

A charismatic public speaker, Imam Feisal has appeared in national and international media such as CNN, CBS, NBC, ABC, PBS, and BBC. He has been quoted in the New York Times, Time magazine, Washington Post, New York Daily News, Jerusalem Post, and Associated Press.

Born in Kuwait and educated in England, Egypt, and Malaysia, Imam Feisal has a degree in Physics from Columbia University in New York and a master’s degree in Plasma Physics from Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey.