Session 2
The Black Contribution to Islam: Sultans, Sages, and Scholars
Speaker: Ustadh Muhammad Mendes
Date: February 12, 2012
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam
Summary: A compelling and informative presentation exploring aspects of the the unique political, intellectual, and mystical contributions of Blacks to the Muslim world and edifice of Islam. Highlighting great personages from Luqman the Wise Sage to Nana Asma bint Uthman ibn Fodio to Imam Makandal of Haiti.
Speaker Bio: Ustadh Muhammad Adeyinka Mendes established the Annual Rawdah (www.therawdah.org), a grassroots educational initiative, continued his studies with various scholars in Houston and Pittsburgh, and has focused on translating and teaching rare Arabic manuscripts concerning theology, jurisprudence, ethics, and spirituality authored by some of West Africa’s greatest spiritual and intellectual giants.Muhammad Mendes challenges people to learn the fundamentals of theology, worship, and spiritual evolution in accord with Revealed Scripture and Reason, appreciate their commonality as human beings, celebrate the God-given diversity that makes each one of us valuable, and to live lives of spiritual and material significance that leave their corner of the world in a better condition than that in which they found it.Currently, he and his family reside in Atlanta where he teaches at the Risala Institute on weekends, works full time, and continues his studies with various scholars.
