Rumi Forum held its monthly circle on November 7, 2024, to study Abrahamic scriptures on “Curiosity” with Fatimah Popal, our study leader from MakeSpace.

Scriptural Reasoning (SR) allows Christians, Jews, and Muslims to study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet monthly to read short passages from their respective scriptures on a topic. Facilitated by a study leader, each session is an opportunity to listen and share various perspectives. SR sessions help participants reflect on a curious list of topics within the Abrahamic tradition. The result is often a deeper understanding of others and one’s scriptures and the development of strong bonds across faith communities.

                Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction                       Islamic Scripture: Quran

               Christian Scripture: New Testament               Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible

This Month`s Study Leader

Fatimah Popal is a co-founder and Managing Director of MakeSpace (est. 2013), a third space serving as an inclusive community of God-conscious, compassionate, and empowered American Muslims, providing a platform for those often sidelined – women and youth. Before MakeSpace, she served as a community builder at a local mosque for over a decade, focusing on outreach, interfaith collaboration, youth empowerment, and pastoral care. Ms. Popal is also an Interfaith Communities for Dialogue (ICD) board member who promotes mutual understanding and positive relationships amongst faith-based communities.

Ms. Popal holds a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University. Her specializations are identity, trauma and healing, interpersonal and organizational conflict, and restorative justice. She also serves as the first Muslim chaplain for Fairfax County’s police department.