Reflections on a Journey: Lectures and Conversations in Abu Dhabi

Muhammad Akram Nadwi:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate
Journey to the United Arab Emirates
(5)
Wednesday, 18th Jumada al-Awwal 1446 AH

✍️ By: Dr.

Muhammad Akram Nadwi – Oxford

🕰️ Layover at Istanbul Airport
I spent around eight hours at Istanbul Airport after returning from Konya, where I had attended the 35th session of the European Council for Fatwa and Research. The session provided a valuable platform to discuss contemporary jurisprudential issues and enhance cooperation among Islamic institutions globally. This layover offered me some time to rest before continuing my journey to the next destination.

✈️ Flight to Abu Dhabi
At 7:30 PM, I boarded the flight to Abu Dhabi upon a gracious invitation from New York University Abu Dhabi to deliver a series of lectures. This was facilitated by my dear student, Dr. Jinan Youssef, a professor at the university.

🎓 Dr. Jinan Youssef
Dr. Jinan is a dedicated researcher known for her piety and humility. She completed her Ph.D. in London and has made significant contributions to Islamic studies. Her book on Allah’s Names and Attributes in English has gained wide acceptance among Western Muslims, fostering a deeper understanding of Allah’s greatness. Her work and lessons have greatly benefited scholars and students alike.

🛬 Arrival in Abu Dhabi
The flight landed at Abu Dhabi Airport just before 1:00 AM. The journey was mostly restful. Upon arrival, I was warmly welcomed by an airport staff member and an assistant, who expedited all procedures seamlessly, making the experience smooth and pleasant, alhamdulillah.

🏠 Settling In
After completing formalities, I arrived at my accommodation in the university’s residence by 3:00 AM. Feeling slightly fatigued with a mild headache, I decided to sleep immediately. I woke up for Fajr prayer and later resumed sleeping until 10:30 AM, which helped me regain energy for the day ahead.

🍽️ Lunch by the Sea
At noon, I joined Dr. Jinan for lunch at a renowned restaurant on Saadiyat Walk, overlooking the sea. The serene ambiance and the scenic beauty added a special charm to the meeting.

💡 Discussions
During lunch, we engaged in enriching discussions on key topics in Islamic thought, including Islamic economics, Islamic finance, and the objectives of Shari’ah (Maqasid al-Shari’ah). We exchanged ideas on modern challenges and opportunities in these fields, exploring ways to advance them effectively.

🌊 A Walk by the Shore
After lunch, we enjoyed a brief walk along the beach, with the gentle sea breeze and stunning views providing a soothing and memorable experience.

📚 Dr. Tahir Wyatt
An accomplished American scholar who embraced Islam in his youth. Dr. Wyatt has extensive experience in teaching and translation, holding a Ph.D. in theology. He spent 21 years in Saudi Arabia, combining studies and teaching, and became the first American appointed to teach in the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, a testament to his scholarly excellence.

📖 Justin Parrott (Abu Amina Elias)
A former American Christian who embraced Islam and now serves as a librarian at NYU Abu Dhabi, overseeing Middle Eastern and Humanities collections. He is also the founder of Daily Hadith Online, a platform dedicated to sharing and explaining Prophetic traditions. Additionally, he writes for platforms like Yaqeen Institute, addressing Islamic and cultural topics with a blend of tradition and modernity.

📜 A Heartfelt Story
Dr. Tahir shared an inspiring story about a young American Christian who chose Islam because of its uncompromising stance on alcohol. The young man revealed how his father’s alcoholism had wreaked havoc on their family life. Discovering Islam’s strict prohibition on alcohol gave him solace and hope, making him believe in its ethical system as a means of protecting society from harm.

🏢 Campus Tour
Dr. Jinan also guided us on a comprehensive tour of the university, showcasing its state-of-the-art facilities, including libraries, laboratories, and recreational centers. This exploration highlighted the university’s dedication to supporting education and research.

🕌 Lecture on Women in Hadith
After Maghrib, I delivered a lecture titled Women in Hadith Scholarship as part of the Legal Studies Program. The talk explored the pivotal role of women in preserving and transmitting the Prophetic traditions.

🎤 Key Highlights

Discussed renowned female scholars’ contributions to Islamic heritage.

Engaged with a diverse audience, including non-Muslims curious about the topic.

Addressed insightful questions about authenticity, methodologies, and the legacy of female scholars in Islamic history.

🚶 Evening Walk
Dr. Adil Hussain, a colleague from Lahore, Pakistan, accompanied me on a short walk around the campus. Dr. Hussain, with his extensive academic background from Germany and the UK, has been teaching at NYU Abu Dhabi for three years. His passion for academia and dedication to education were evident throughout our conversation.

📜 Translated by AI for accessibility and comprehension.
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