The Spirit of Tolerance in Islam

University of South Carolina and PICNA Host Dr. Reza Shah-Kazemi

The city of Columbia, South Columbia welcomed an Islamic Scholar of international repute in a high profile program at the University of South Carolina on April 6, 2015. USC's Department of Religious Studies and PICNA co-hosted Dr. Reza Shah-Kazemi who spoke about his latest book "The Spirit of Tolerance in Islam". The event, held at the USC School of Law auditorium, was also co-sponsored by The Walker Institute of Area & International Studies and the Islamic Studies Forum.

Dr. James Cutsinger, the Chair of Religious Studies Department, in his welcome address introduced Dr. Reza Shah-Kazemi, who is an accomplished writer based in the United Kingdom. Chaudhry Sadiq, President, PICNA, emphasized the need to present the true face of Islam and enlighten the society about Islamic values and principles, especially in these challenging times.

Dr. Reza Shah-Kazemi kept his audience spellbound with his highly enlightening arguments and research describing the historical and theological perspectives of tolerance in Islam. He quoted from the Qur'an on the one hand and reputed non-Muslim scholars on the other, to prove that tolerance, coexistence and compassion are an essential part of Islamic teachings.

The audience, comprising of faith and community leaders, students and the general public, thoroughly enjoyed the lecture and were treated to a Q&A session following the presentation. Members of the Muslim community offered their sunset prayers at the auditorium thus providing an opportunity for members of other faiths to witness the Muslim prayer first hand.