Omid Safi and the Importance of Remembering the Prophet

Omid Safi and the Importance of Remembering the Prophet

Most Muslims agree it is important to remember the Prophet Muhammad, but should non-Muslims take time to consider the spiritual impact Muhammad had on human history? Dr. Omid Safi of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill argues yes, and in an important lecture at George Mason University on September 23rd explained why students and educators of all faiths should consider Muhammad “one of the key figures in our shared human history.”

Dr. Safi was invited to speak by George Mason’s Center for Global Islamic Studies, and his presentation was so well attended that students arriving late found standing room only.  Safi had come to talk about his newest book, Memories of Muhammad: Why the Prophet Matters, released in 2009. The book takes aim at misconceptions about the Prophet of Islam among Muslims and non-Muslims alike, arguing for a middle ground in the “public discourse about the Prophet Muhammad,” which is polarized by ultra-conservative Muslims on one side and “Muhammad-bashing” polemicists on the other.

Safi began his lecture by explaining how each religious tradition has stories that are passed down from generation to generation. These narratives, Safi explained, transmit the tenets of the faith, and are vital for understanding the ideals and values which are foundational to the religion. Taking this principle and applying it to Islam, Safi related that his goal in writing the book was to explore the key moments in the Prophet’s life that have come to embody the highest spiritual values of Islam.

Safi also shared his thoughts on the status of Muslim communities in the United States. Despite the fact that Islam has dominated popular discourse in recent years, he argued that there is still very little understanding about Islamic history or values. Part of this lack of understanding comes from the Muslim community. As Muslims, Safi said, “we spend too much time proclaiming what Islam is not.” Instead, Safi expressed the need for Muslims to proclaim what Islam is, by increasing awareness about the values of religion, love, forgiveness, and compassion that are carried through the Islamic faith.

Safi has given over 500 lectures in universities, mosques, synagogues, and churches, and his lecture at George Mason University was further testament to his ability to communicate with diverse audiences. As history undergraduate Kyle M. said after the lecture, “I felt like the author was relatable and interesting.” She added that Safi’s lecture had changed her mind about Islam. “A lot of people could benefit from hearing his message, and I think there is much to be learned from Islam.”