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Within the context of our nation at this time, our perceptions of Islam are driving our greatest fears. Islam is the subject of deep misinformation, misunderstanding, and political distortion. As the result, few of us have an accurate understanding of Islam or are aware that there are broad-based efforts and many Muslim activists in peacebuilding throughout the Muslim communities around the world. Consequently, it is vital, in my mind, that we hear often from the voices of Muslim peace workers. There is no better place to start than with my guest for this episode.
Chaplain Rabia Terri Harris, Founder of the Muslim Peace Fellowship, launched MPF as an associate organization of the Fellowship of Reconciliation in 1994, and has nurtured it ever since.
The child of a Jewish father and a Christian mother, Rabia embraced Islam in 1978, receiving her religious education through the Halveti-Jerrahi Order. She holds a BA in Religion from Princeton University, an MA in Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures from Columbia University, and a Graduate Certificate in Islamic Chaplaincy from Hartford Seminary. In 2009, her three decades of experience in spirituality and community service led to her being chosen as the first president of the Association of Muslim Chaplains.
As a theorist and investigator in Islamic peacebuilding and multireligious solidarity for justice, Rabia writes extensively and has lectured and offered workshops nationally and internationally.
Currently Rabia serves as Chaplain and Scholar with Community of Living Traditions, a multireligious organization devoted to the pursuit of peace and justice through earthcare and hospitality. You can learn more about Community of Living Traditions on their Facebook page here.
Rabia coauthored Peace Primer II: Quotes from Jewish, Christian, and Islamic Scripture and Tradition with Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb and Rev. Ken Sehested. There are references from this book made in the interview.
The music for this episode is from a clip of a song called ‘Father Let Your Kingdom Come’ which is found on The Porter’s Gate Worship Project Work Songs album and is used by permission by The Porter’s Gate Worship Project. You can learn more about the album and the Worship Project at theportersgate.com.