Interfaiths: Dr. Yasemin Saib on Rumi, Sufism, and Modern Islam
Interfaiths · Iqbal Akhtar
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Show Notes
In this episode of the Interfaiths Miami Podcast at Florida International University (FIU), Dr. Iqbal Akhtar sits down with Dr. Yasemin Saib—an FIU professor of religion, Muslim theologian, and key member of the Muslim-Jewish Dialogue. Born in Saudi Arabia and educated in strict Wahhabi madrasas for 12 years, Dr. Saib shares her remarkable transformation from a theology rooted in fear to one anchored in Divine Love. She discusses the pivotal moment she discovered the poetry of Rumi, her global travels across 70 countries, and why she believes moving beyond religious "cages" and legalism is essential for spiritual growth. Join us for a deep conversation on the challenges facing American Muslim communities, the difference between performative and genuine interfaith dialogue, and the pursuit of "Truth" beyond religious labels. Topics Discussed: Global Roots: Dr. Saib’s upbringing in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Iraq, and her experience attending strict Saudi schools. The Rumi Shift: How a banned book of poetry transformed her view of God from a figure of fear to a source of love. Theology of Oneness: Moving from the "form" of religion to the "essence" of Tawhid (Oneness of God). Community & Isolation: The challenge of finding inclusive intellectual spaces within American Muslim communities post-9/11. True Interfaith: Why sharing pastries isn't enough—defining interfaith work as "imagining the other's truth as your own." Future Generations: Advice on character, conduct, and serving humanity.
About the Guest: Dr. Yasemin Saib is a Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at Florida International University. Having lived in three continents and six countries, she brings a global and mystical perspective to Islamic theology and interfaith relations.
About the Host: Dr. Iqbal Akhtar is an Associate Professor at Florida International University, specializing in Islamic Studies and interfaith dialogue. #Interfaith #Islam #Rumi #Sufism #FIU #ReligiousStudies #Theology #Spirituality #MuslimJewishDialogue
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