On a basic level, ilm means knowledge in Arabic. Within Islamic traditions, the pursuit of knowledge is something that is considered a sacred obligation. Seeking knowledge, study, learning are all considered to be integral to the pursuit of a devout Muslim life.

Historically, the pursuit of knowledge is also meant to be non-hierarchical. To be educated doesn’t implicitly confer additional social, political, or economic status. Rather, it’s the responsibility of the individual to use that information for the common good.

This page accretes a list of my public talks, panel discussions, etc directed for a non-academic audience.

• August 12th, 2020: Abolitionist Theologies: Religious Resistance to Policing and Prisons for UUA Chicago
• September 10^th, 2018: INCL(YOU)SION: Voices of Underrepresented Muslim Identities, CAIR-Chicago, panelist 
• April 10^th, 2018: Women’s Power: Fueled by Faith, panelist. Depaul University Division of Mission and Ministry 
• May 19^th, 2016: Out, Proud, & Muslim: Center on Halsted Chats with Fawzia Mirza and Zaynab Shahar 
• May 15^th, 2016: Prayer of the Oppressed, panelist. American Islamic College
• December 9^th, 2015: Black Lives Matter: Strategies for the Struggle, Chicago Theological Seminary, panelist  
• March 31^st, 2015: Interfaith Firsts, ECOmmunity Presentation, Panelist & Documentary film maker 

Interviews

• “We Have to Dream: Meditations on Queer Black Sufi Philosophy” for the Gadfly Magazine (Febuary 23,2022)
• “Muslim LGBT women seek support, brace for Trump presidency”– Medill Reports (Northwestern University, Winter 2017)
• “The Conversation: Masjid al-Rabia and Cultivating Faith from the Margins” – New City (July 28, 2017)
• “Is God Inaccessible” on Power Not Pity Podcast (Summer 2017)
• Pain Should Open Your Heart Wider, Not Close It: BGD’s Crush of the Month Featuring Zaynab Shahar- Black Girl Dangerous (July 12th, 2016)