Mohammed Said Farsi Chair of Islamic Peace
School of International Service, American University
The Mohammed Said Farsi Chair of Islamic Peace is the first chair endowed at any university in the United States that is devoted to the study of Islam and peace. The Chair promotes the study and understanding of Islamic values and traditions, and of Islamic contributions to the quest for global peace, world community, and human solidarity.
Left to right: Mr. Hani M.S. Farsi, Dr. Mohammed Said Farsi, Professor Abdul Aziz Said.
On December 6, 1996, American University received a gift from Dr. Mohammed Said Farsi to establish the Mohammed Said Farsi Chair of Islamic Peace. President Ladner noted that "this endowment will further enhance American University's already strong programs in peace and international studies."
The first occupant of the Chair is Professor Abdul Aziz Said, founding director of the International Peace and Conflict Resolution Program in the School of International Service at American University. Islamic perspectives on social justice, the environment, conflict resolution, cultural diversity and governance, as well as the contemporary and historical role of Muslims in peace making, will be explored through teaching, curriculum development, scholarship, academic conferences, and outreach to a broad audience that includes high schools and community colleges.
"The establishment of the Chair of Islamic Peace will advance the understanding for the benefit of Muslims and non-Muslims alike--that peace and reconciliation are principles that reside at the very heart of Islam. Islam is perhaps the most misunderstood religion today, both among non-Muslims as well as among some Muslims themselves. The saying of the Prophet Muhammad appears to have been realized: 'Islam began as a stranger, and it will revert again to the condition of being a stranger. Blessed are the strangers.' The media-driven caricature of Islam in the West portrays it as an alien ideology driven by violence, intolerance and irrationality. This negative image compromises Western policies toward the Islamic countries and undermines world peace."
--Abdul Aziz Said, American University, December 1996
For more information about the
Mohammed Said Farsi Chair of Islamic Peace, contact
Professor Abdul Aziz Said
American University
School of International Service
4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016-8071
Phone: (202) 885-1632
Fax: (202) 885-6999
E-mail: tawhid@american.edu