DR. M. SALEEM SEYAL

October 12, 2021 | 0 COMMENTS | by admin

I have been a practicing Cardiologist in the Louisville area for 36 years. Being a Muslim, I am keenly aware of the increasing xenophobia and islamophobia in our community. Under the leadership of Dr. Riffat Hassan, The Salaam Network (TSN) has recruited highly qualified educators from diverse backgrounds who have helped disseminate the commonality of not only the three monotheistic religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam – but other faith traditions as well. I have an abiding interest in interfaith harmony and have strived through my presentations in TSN programs to improve interreligious understanding.

Through my presentations on Islamic Contributions to Western Civilization, Islamic Calligraphy, and Islamic Mysticism, I have aimed to disseminate knowledge about significant aspects of Islamic history, art and spirituality, in our local community. It is a sad fact that Islamic Contributions to Western Civilization and the remarkable “Convivencia” in Andalusian Spain when Muslims, Jews and Christians lived and worked together in relative peace, are not commonly taught in Western history books. Not many Americans know that while Europe stagnated a thousand years ago during the “Dark Ages”, the rich culture of the “Golden Age of Islam” was creating breakthroughs in higher mathematics, science, medicine, philosophy, architecture, and literature. This laid the foundation of the European Renaissance. Apathy towards the astounding achievements of Islamic Societies can be explained, at least partly, by the ignorance and indifference – if not hostility – of Western societies. Through my presentation, I endeavor to bridge an important gap in our education about the history of Western Civilization.

Though Rumi is well-known in the U.S. not much is known about Islamic Art and Mysticism. Through my presentation on “Divine Penmanship – Islamic Calligraphy,” I demonstrate the profound connection between seekers of God and their Beloved who is Rabb al ‘alameen (God of all peoples and universes). Islamic Art is focused on representing the divinely-revealed words of the Qur’an, making Calligraphy the highest of all art-forms for Muslims.

Islamic mysticism is the spiritual dimension of Islam focused on a believer’s quest to be close to God. It is practiced through chanted recitation called Zikr – remembrance of God’s names – and sometimes includes dance and music. My presentation explores the origin, history and evolution of Islamic mysticism into modern times. Education about the mystical or spiritual dimension of Islam is an effective counter-balance to the stereotype of Islam as a militant religion.

The Salaam Network programs are offered to the public at many accessible venues such as local churches, synagogues, mosques, Public Library branches, and other local venues. It is inspiring to witness people coming together to learn and understand other religions and cultures and promote peace through knowledge. I am honored to be a part of this important and worthwhile venture.

Dr. M. Saleem Seyal MD, FACC, FACP, Cardiologist

January 12, 2020