The country's first four-year accredited Islamic university is likely to become a reality in the near future.
A group of prominent American Muslim scholars led by Imam Zaid Shakir and Sheik Hamza Yusuf of California have been working with a group of American Muslims toward the opening of Zaytuna College, according to the Associated Press.
Zaytuna College will be an extension of the Zaytuna Institute started by Yusuf in 1996. Located in Berkley, Calif., the Institute is devoted to Muslim scholarship through Arabic summer courses, as well workshops and conferences with Muslim scholars across the nation, according to USA Today. Zaytuna College will also be based in Berkley. Hatem Bazian, an adviser at Zaytuna Institute, told the AP the college will look for accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Zaytuna's organizers did not respond to calls and e-mails for comment from The Eagle.
Representatives from Zaytuna stressed that the college will welcome all faiths, guarantee individual freedoms for students and not separate genders.
Initially, the college will offer two majors: Arabic language and Islamic theological and legal studies. It will not be a seminary, as administrators will strive to teach analytical skills, ethics and religious studies with the intent to provide students with the skills for a wide range of professions, according to USA Today.
For instance, students will have the expertise to explore careers in American Muslim nonprofit organizations or in further studies becoming Islamic scholars.
Mufleha Ahmad, a rising sophomore in AU's School of International Service, supports the proposed idea of Zaytuna College.
"I think opening up this university is a great idea," he said. "As a Muslim living in America, I have always wondered why we don't already have such an institution."
Patricia Ward, also a rising sophomore in SIS, is in favor of the plan. By launching Zaytuna College, the U.S. would be cast in a positive international light, she said.
"By establishing an Islamic university in the U.S., we, as Americans, are showing that we can embrace all religions and groups of people - and meet their needs accordingly," Ward said.
Ward also cited the numerous benefits that Zaytuna would provide the country.
"Having an Islamic university will attract newcomers to the U.S.," she said, "Perhaps this new influx of Muslim students will be the best way to break down stereotypes regarding Muslims. People will realize they are just students, too."
Abby Matousek, a rising sophomore in the School of Public Affairs, commented on the positive effects she believes Zaytuna would have.
"I think it will help make everyone more comfortable with the Muslim faith, given the current tension between America and the Mideast and the important role the region plays in international politics and issues," Matousek said.
Zaytuna College will also allow Muslim Americans to develop and expand their faith while not having to travel abroad.
"[Zaytuna College] will offer a chance for Muslims to learn about their faith while living in America," Ahmad said.
Similarly, Matousek said, "America has a growing Muslim population and everyone, no matter their faith, deserves to have religious and theological scholars and leaders available to them."
Advisers to the project will make a decision by vote this month on whether Zaytuna College can open in the fall of next year, according to USA Today.
You can reach this staff writer at ostitilis@theeagleonline.com.
