HWS News
19 October 2023 An Evening of Inclusion and Understanding with Zaidi '12
Islamic civilizations researcher Dr. Syed Zaidi ’12 returns to campus as part of cultural and religious diversity and awareness events.
Islamic civilizations researcher Dr. Syed Zaidi ’12, who serves as a lecturer in the Theology Department at Fordham University, will share his perspectives on fostering inclusion, diversity and faith with the HWS community. Zaidi’s visit is one in a series of events held in conjunction with the campus celebration of Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogues Week happening Friday, Oct. 20 through Tuesday, Oct. 24.
After receiving his bachelor of arts in international relations from HWS, Zaidi earned a master’s in Islamic studies from George Washington University and his Ph.D. from Emory University. As an HWS student, Zaidi founded the Colleges’ Project Nur club, organized to create conversation among multiple religious groups on campus. He was a member of Hillel, Hobart Student Government and Young Democrats, and lived in the Abbe Center for Jewish Life. After graduating, he helped to establish the campus’ first Muslim prayer room in 2012.
Zaidi has published several book reviews and articles in the Journal of Iranian Studies, the Journal of Islamic and Muslim Studies, the Kronos philosophical journal and a chapter in A Guide to Sufi Literature. He is currently working on two monographs, the first on the philosophy of the Brethren of Purity (Ikhwān al-Safā’) and the second on the history of Hermetic thought from the late antique period to the 10th century.
“I believe that Syed Zaidi’s visit will create a positive and lasting impact on our community and foster a sense of belonging among all of us,” says Professor of Religious Studies Etin Anwar, a Kinghorn Fellow and the lead organizer of Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogues Week. “As a student, Syed inspired so many to come together across differences to engage in dialogue, and he has spent his time since graduating to better understand the history and future of Islam and Muslim Studies. We are honored to have him on campus.”
Zaidi will deliver a lecture, “Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogues: A Life of Consequence” on Monday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. in the Sanford Room of the William Hunting Smith Library. The talk will promote understanding about intercultural and interfaith engagement in today’s world.
During his stay, Zaidi will also attend multiple classes and events hosted by HWS Hillel and the Muslim Student Association.
Zaidi has presented his work at several conferences including the American Academy of Religion, the Middle East Studies Association, the International Qur'anic Studies Association and The British Association for Islamic Studies. His research also explores the theology of Aristotle, and the works of Ibn Sīnā, Mīr Dāmād.
Prior to joining Fordham, he worked as an IT specialist for Apple and later as a press office assistant for Representative Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.).
Zaidi’s visit is sponsored by the Office of Spiritual Engagement, Religious Studies Department, Adams Intercultural Center, Muslim Students Association, Kinghorn Global Fellowship, Institute for Global Studies, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Office of Academics and Faculty Affairs and the Young Memorial Trust for International Peace and Understanding.
