Rumi Forum had its monthly circle on February 23, 2023, to study Abrahamic scriptures on the topic of “Mediation” with our study leader, Imam Talib Shareef, from Masjid Muhammad, The Nation`s Mosque.
Scriptural Reasoning (SR) is a practice where Christians, Jews, and Muslims study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet monthly to read short passages from their respective scriptures on a certain 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 own scriptures, as well as the development of strong bonds across faith communities.
Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible
Christian Scripture: New Testament Islamic Scripture: Quran
This Month`s Study Leader
Talib M. Shareef is President and Imam of the historic Nation’s Mosque, Masjid Muhammad, in Washington, D.C. Imam Shareef is a retired U.S. Air Force member with 30+ years of service; he has a Doctorate Degree from Global Oved Dei Seminary and University, an MBA from American Intercontinental University, a Diploma from the Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, and the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center in Arabic and Middle East studies. Imam Shareef served 30 years as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a chief master sergeant.
He used his extensive interfaith leadership experience to help reform the military’s frequently fraught relationship with its Muslim personnel. With others, Shareef played a pioneering role in introducing Muslim chaplains to the U.S. armed forces. He was also the first Muslim to serve as a chaplain for the FBI.