Lectures
Why Do Muslims Fast in Ramadan?
Practicing Muslims fast for 30 days in the holy month of Ramadan. Yet, their motivations and expectations vary. Ordinary Muslims fast primarily to discharge a religious obligation; the more spiritually-minded Muslims fast in hopes of spiritual transformation / rejuvenation. Imam Muhammad al-Ghazali, the preeminent Islamic scholar, identifies three categories / degrees of fast: ordinary, extra-ordinary and perfect fast. Ordinary fast involves curbing the appetite of the stomach and the appetite of sex. Extra-ordinary fast involves the tongue, eyes, ears, hands and feet. The perfect fast involves the heart. In this presentation, we will explore the spiritual dimension of the Ramadan fast using al-Ghazali’s classifications.
Videos
Is Islam Inherently Violent?»
Atrocities carried out by terrorist organizations like ISIS, Al-Qaeda and Boko Haram around the globe have fueled perceptions of Islam as a religion of violence, war and intolerance. More than half of Americans today believe “extremism” is spreading within the Muslim community across America. So, is Islam inherently violent? This presentation will explore the facts […]
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The Spiritual Fruits of Ramadan»
Ramadan is the most sacred month in the Islamic calendar, because it opens up vast opportunities for spiritual rejuvenation and personal growth. True fasting is not about starving the stomach, but the Carnal Soul; it is not about losing weight, but vices. This lecture will explore the spiritual dimension of Ramadan. We will discuss 3 […]
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Spiritual But Not Religious: A Sufi Perspective»
This lecture was conducted by Hamid Entezam at ICCF in Fresno on May 30, 2015.
Topic: “Spiritual But Not Religious: A Sufi Perspective”.
Duration: 78 Minutes
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Love and Spritual Growth»
This lecture was conducted by Hamid Entezam at ICCF in Fresno on November 14th, 2008
Topic: “Love and Spritual Growth” (The Essential Teachings of Rumi)
Duration: 90 Minutes
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Speech in Fresno, California»
Guest Speaker at Clovis Community College. Date: Thursday, December 6, 2018 at 6:00 P.M. Topic: Is Islam Inherently Violent? Address: Clovis Community College. 0309 N. Willow. Fresno, CA 93730. Phone: (559)325-5200
Articles
Christ in Islam»
The Monotheistic religious tradition is dominated by the trio of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. All three religions trace their lineage to Abraham. This common root inevitably leads to adoption of a common general framework for spirituality. Not surprisingly, we find substantial commonality among Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; nonetheless, we still have three distinct religions, not one. Their differences primarily stem from their focus.
Jihad, Violence, and Intolerance»
Historically, the Christian West has not viewed Islam favorably. Western scholars ordinarily characterize Islam as a religion of sword, a tradition inherently devoid of reason or love. Islam’s Prophet Mohammad is often portrayed as a warlord who imposed his beliefs on a reluctant world by the sword. The rapid spread of Islam outside its birth place (Arabia) is credited to invading Arab armies who gave the conquered peoples a simple choice: adoption of Islam or annihilation…
Christ In Christianity»
Christianity is a faith that revolves around Jesus’ life and death. As such, one cannot overemphasize the centrality of Jesus to Christianity.
Jesus was quite unique by any standards. The circumstances of his birth, his life experiences, and his death are nothing short of extraordinary…
Media Coverage
Find a Little Light This Holiday Season- Interview with the New York Times»
At the end of a tough year, spiritual leaders offer some ways to prepare yourself for whatever comes next.
Is Islam Inherently Violent? Interview with GVWire»
ISIS and the Iranian government have damaged the reputation of Islam, almost to the point of no return. That is one of the assessments of lecturer Hamid Entezam. And it’s why he is constantly on the lecture circuit addressing perceptions about the Islamic faith.
Interview on KYNO about the NY Mosque»
This is a Radio Interview conducted by Alan Autry with Hamid Entezam for Alan Autry Show on 1300 AM KYNO in Fresno, California on September 14, 2010.
Format: Audio
Duration: 23 Minutes
Questions and Answers
Why does God allow so many innocent children die in Africa every day?»
Q: If God is Just and Compassionate, why does He allow so many innocent children die in Africa every day due to malnutrition and starvation? What have these helpless kids done to deserve this horrible fate? A: We cannot blame God for malnutrition and starvation around the world. God has created sufficient resources on planet […]