Community Education
Voice of America Urdu,
Commentary Panelist (2012-Present)
How to be Relevant
(ICNA Convention, Rochester, New York - Published on Dec 17, 2013)
He started with a line from a Mahmoud Darwish poem the renowned Palestinian poet. “Sajjil Ana Arabi”, “Record that I am an Arab” the line goes. It’s all about identity he explained. WNYMuslims’ founder Professor Faizan Haq speaks about the struggle facing today’s Muslims to be relevant in an ever-growing society and modern world.
Issues Facing Arab Americans in Buffalo
(University at Buffalo, Amherst, New York - November 4, 2013)
Professor Isok Kim invited Professor Faizan Haq to speak to community members of Arab and locals of Western New York specifically social work opportunities available.
Engaging Community: Social Justice and Religious Faiths
(Hilbert College - October 8, 2013)
Part of Hilbert College’s annual cultural awareness program was a panel to discuss “Promoting Community through Social Justice”. As part of the conversation, Professor Haq expressed his views on how to bring about awareness and create thoughtful global citizens.
WNY Muslims No Apology Screening
(University at Buffalo, Amherst, New York, Niagara University, Niagara Falls, New York - August 29, 2013, October 17, 2013)
WNY Muslims produced a short film “No Apology,” in reaction to negative Muslim stereotypes in the media. Professor Faizan Haq was invited to speak about the importance of Muslims engaging in the media and redefining the Muslim image. In addition, community members were welcomed on stage to express their views.
Islam and Democracy
(Baptist Manor, Amherst Senior Center - May 20, 2013, July 17, 2013)
In 2011 revolutions spread across the Arab World during the “Arab Spring”. As these nations changed their leadership or government, questions emerged about the future of participatory government in the Islamic world. Professor Faizan spoke on Islam and democracy and answered questions such as: Are Islam and democracy compatible? Is there a model of “Islamic democracy”? Does it differ from American democracy? Also, discussed were the issues of freedom to voice an opinion, taking a political position, the freedom of electing our representatives, and how Islam endorses all these values.
Islam and Democracy
(Orchard Park, NY, Weinberg Campus, Getzville, NY - October 14, 2010, July 14, 2011)
This series on Islam and Women was by Faizan Haq and Riffat Sadiq, M.D. It examined the complex relationship defined by Islamic texts and the history and culture of the Muslim world. They also examined Sharia (Islamic Law) as it relates to differences between women’s and men’s roles, rights, and obligations, including marriage, divorce, civil rights, legal status, dress code, and education.