On Tuesday, February 8th Mohja Kahf (Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from Rutgers University) offered a reading of poetry and prose. The Ali Vural Ak Center for Global Islamic Studies event was well attended by students, faculty, and community poetry enthusiasts.
Dr. Kahf's reading was energetic and engaging. Several times she stepped away from the podium and joined audience members in reading her works.
Dr. Kahf'spresentation addressed diverse yet interconnected themes: the celebrated Syrian poet, Nizar Qabbani; a poem on men who wash dishes; hypothetical conversations between Hagar and Sarah; the struggles of fasting during Ramadan; and a recitation of select passages from the Quran.
The event concluded with a question and answer session in which the audience gained deeper insight into the readings Dr. Kahf presented as well as several other of the poet's compositions.