Presented by Zia H Shah MD

The interviewer is Robert Lawrence Kuhn an agnostic Jew and the interviewee is Hamza Yusuf.

Hamza Yusuf (born Mark Hanson in 1958) is a prominent American Islamic scholar and educator, widely recognized for his efforts in promoting classical Islamic learning in the Western world. He is the co-founder and current president of Zaytuna College in Berkeley, California, the first accredited Muslim liberal arts college in the United States.

Early Life and Education

Born in Walla Walla, Washington, Yusuf converted to Islam in 1977 at the age of 19. Following his conversion, he dedicated over a decade to studying Arabic and Islamic sciences across the Muslim world, including countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Morocco, and Mauritania. In Mauritania, he studied under the renowned scholar Murabit al-Hajj, deepening his understanding of traditional Islamic disciplines.

Zaytuna College

In 1996, Yusuf co-founded the Zaytuna Institute, which evolved into Zaytuna College by 2009. The college integrates the classical liberal arts curriculum with traditional Islamic education, aiming to produce morally committed professional, intellectual, and spiritual leaders. Zaytuna offers programs that blend the trivium (grammar, rhetoric, and logic) with rigorous training in Islamic disciplines.

Scholarly Contributions

Yusuf is a leading proponent of classical learning in Islam and has authored numerous works on Islamic theology, ethics, and spirituality. His publications include translations and commentaries on classical texts, as well as essays addressing contemporary issues from an Islamic perspective. He serves as the editor-in-chief of Renovatio, the journal of Zaytuna College, where he explores topics ranging from metaphysics to modern societal challenges.

Influence and Recognition

Recognized as one of the most influential Islamic figures in the Western world, Yusuf has been listed among the top 50 in The 500 Most Influential Muslims publication . He is known for his eloquent lectures and writings that bridge traditional Islamic scholarship with contemporary issues, making him a respected voice among English-speaking Muslims.

Engagement in Interfaith and Global Initiatives

Beyond academia, Yusuf participates in various interfaith and global initiatives. He serves as vice-president of the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies and is involved with organizations like Religions for Peace. His work often focuses on fostering dialogue and understanding between different religious and cultural communities .Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2

For more information on Hamza Yusuf’s work and teachings, you can visit Zaytuna College’s official website.

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