American Islamic College Set to Reopen

By Soyoung Kwak in News on Oct 2, 2010 5:45PM

It would be safe to say that national interest in the Islamic faith and culture has been at a steady high over the past decade, and Muslim leaders all around the country are attempting to take progressive steps in challenging the negative attitudes toward Islam. One of those steps will take place right here in Chicago: the American Islamic College is set to be open for classes this upcoming week, with Muslim leaders hoping that classes about Islamic history, arts, and theology will instill a whole new understanding of Islam to those who may not know so much about its tradition and roots:

"The whole of America needs an Islamic institution of Islamic thought," said Ali Yurtsever, a former research scholar at Georgetown University, who is overseeing the effort. "If you don't have Islamic colleges, then people are misled, they'll easily be deceived and the clash will continue to grow."

The Islamic college has big hopes to become a four-year accredited institution. Last open in 2001, it has been nearly a decade since the college has offered any classes. Currently, more than half of the students enrolled in classes slated to begin next week are non-Muslim. Regardless of student size and demographic, the main goal of the college appears to be creating a space for dialogue and discussion:

Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, secretary general of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, said a rising tide of Islamophobia is being caused by lack of knowledge, and added that the college fulfills a moral obligation of American Muslims. "Today, American Muslims have a role and duty to lead the way through sound moral conduct and active participation in positive political movements toward the creation of a just, peaceful and righteous society," he said.

The American Islamic College was established in 1981 and has been offering classes on and off for several decades.