Rumi Forum

Scriptural Reasoning: “Forgiveness”
2025-02-13 18:30 - 20:00 UTC | Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir., Alexandria, VA, 22304, United States
Rumi Forum held its monthly circle on February 13, 2025, to study Abrahamic scriptures on “Forgiveness” with Imam Faizul Khan, our study leader from the Islamic Society of the Washington Area (ISWA) in Silver Spring, MD.
Scriptural Reasoning (SR) allows Christians, Jews, and Muslims to study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet monthly to read short passages on a topic from their respective scriptures. 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

Imam Faizul Khan is a distinguished religious leader and community advocate with over 45 years of service in social, religious, cultural, educational, and outreach initiatives. He is the founding member and Imam of the Islamic Society of Washington Area (ISWA) in Silver Spring, Maryland, a growing and diverse faith community established in 1973.
Originally from Guyana, Imam Khan has been actively involved in youth leadership, serving as President of the Muslim Youth League and General Secretary of The Guyana Assembly of Youth. His dedication to interfaith collaboration and community engagement has made a lasting impact in the Washington Metropolitan Area. He was recently appointed President of the Montgomery County Faith Advisory Council.
Imam Khan’s commitment to social justice has earned him seventeen national awards in domestic violence prevention, social services, and volunteerism. In 2011, Georgetown University recognized him as one of the 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World.

Quarterly Social-Winter 2025: "Personal Responsibility"
2025-02-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Friends Meeting of Washington, 2111 Decatur Pl. NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
Rumi Forum organized its “Winter 2025 Quarterly Social” at the Friends Meeting of Washington on February 22, 2025. Quarterly Social is an opportunity to meet individuals from various walks of life and engage in stimulating conversations. Each Quarterly Social gathering features a different theme on which participants share their reflections in an open and welcoming environment. The meetings take the form of facilitated conversations in which participants themselves are the speakers.
Our theme for the Winter 2025 Quarterly Social was “Personal Responsibility.” There were some questions to ponder before our gathering:

What are the biggest causes of meaninglessness among young people today? (Consider factors like social isolation, technology addiction, financial struggles, relationship difficulties, and lack of purpose.)
What have you seen—either in your own life or in others—that helps people overcome these struggles and find meaning? (Think about community, habits, faith, mentorship, career choices, or other key influences.)
How do work, financial stability, and relationships shape a young person’s sense of purpose, and what challenges make this difficult? (How do career success, economic security, and substantial relationships impact fulfillment, and what barriers stand?)
What does it mean to be a leader among your peers in a generation facing these struggles, and how can young professionals support each other in finding meaning? (What practical or philosophical approaches can help young people guide and uplift each other?)

Ramadan 2025 – An overview of Iftar programs
2025-03-01 05:00 - 2025-03-29 19:30
Ramadan 2025 was a time of togetherness, gratitude, and meaningful dialogue for Rumi Forum and our valued community partners. Our Iftars once again provided a space for connection, where old friendships were rekindled, new relationships were formed, and our shared commitment to fostering understanding and collaboration was strengthened.
We are deeply grateful to our partners, allies, and dedicated volunteers, whose presence enriched these gatherings and made this Ramadan a truly special experience. Beyond the joy of breaking fast together, we engaged in thought-provoking conversations about our collective aspirations and how we can continue working toward a more inclusive and compassionate society.
As we reflect on this sacred month, we carry forward the spirit of unity and renewal, inspired by the bonds we have strengthened and the meaningful exchanges we have shared. Thank you to everyone who made this Ramadan a time of deep connection and purpose!
Ramadan Reunion Iftar

Scriptural Reasoning on “Vulnerability” and Iftar at Virginia Theological Seminary

Maryland Community Iftar at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville (UUCR)

Braver Angels (Fairfax & DC) “Faith and Depolarization” Panel and Iftar

Microsoft Innovation & Policy Center Iftar

Northern Virginia Community Iftar at the American Turkish Friendship Association (ATFA)

2nd Annual Religious Freedom Community Iftar

Interreligious Communities Project (ICP) Iftar at Temple Rodef Shalom

New America Initiative “Why the World Needs a New Approach to Peace?” Panel and Iftar

Quarterly Social-Spring 2025: "Breaking Social Norms"
2025-05-15 18:30 - 20:00 | Friends Meeting of Washington, 2111 Decatur Pl. NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
Rumi Forum organized its “Spring 2025 Quarterly Social” at the Friends Meeting of Washington on May 15, 2025. Quarterly Social is an opportunity to meet individuals from various walks of life and engage in stimulating conversations. Each Quarterly Social gathering features a different theme on which participants share their reflections in an open and welcoming environment. The meetings take the form of facilitated conversations in which participants themselves are the speakers.
Our Spring 2025 Quarterly Social theme was “Breaking Social Norms.” There were some questions to ponder before our gathering:

What social norms shape your day-to-day life, community, or culture?
Do you agree with them, or find yourself pushing back?
How do responses to social norms differ between Gen Z and other generations?
What are the pros and cons of preserving vs. challenging these norms?
And how do we decide which to uphold and which to leave behind?

CFIG Panel:Fethullah Gülen’s Legacy&the Hizmet Movement’s Forward Trajectory
2025-10-29 17:00 - 19:00 | University of Southern California Capital Campus, 1771 N Street Northwest, Washington, DC, DC, 20036, United States
On the first anniversary of Fethullah Gülen’s passing, the Rumi Forum’s Center for Faith, Identity, and Globalization (CFIG) hosted a special panel featuring two distinguished scholars—Dr. Ori Z. Soltes and Dr. Anwar Alam—to reflect on Gülen’s intellectual, spiritual, and social legacy. The event drew a strong turnout and featured a lively, illuminating dialogue on how the Hizmet Movement continues to evolve in today’s complex global landscape.
Moderated by Lyndsey Eksili, the discussion explored how Gülen’s philosophy of education, interfaith dialogue, and civic engagement continues to inspire new generations to pursue peace, pluralism, and service (“hizmet”) across borders.
As participants marked a year since his passing, the conversation served as a meaningful reflection on Gülen’s enduring contributions and an engaging exploration of the path forward for the Hizmet Movement—its challenges, hopes, and role in shaping a more compassionate and pluralistic future.
Event Video

Event Photos

Panelists

Ori Z. Soltes, Ph.D., is Professorial Lecturer in Theology and Fine Arts at Georgetown University and former Director of the B’nai B’rith Klutznick National Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, where he curated over 80 exhibitions on a variety of subjects. He is the author of articles, exhibition catalogs, essays, and books on a range of topics, including Our Sacred Signs: How Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Art Draw from the Same Source; The Ashen Rainbow: Essays on the Arts and the Holocaust; Christianity and Islam: Searching for Oneness; Tradition and Transformation: Three Millennia of Jewish Art and Architecture; Magic and Religion in the Greco-Roman World: The Beginnings of Judaism and Christianity; and God and the Goalposts: A Brief History of Sports, Religion, Politics, War, and Art.
He also wrote Embracing the World: Fethullah Gülen’s Thought & Its Relationship with Jelaluddin Rumi and Others (2013) and Between Thought and Action: An Intellectual Biography of Fethullah Gülen (2022).

Anwar Alam, Ph.D., is currently a Professor with the Department of International Relations, Ala-Too International University, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and a Distinguished Fellow with Policy Perspectives Foundation, New Delhi. Earlier he served as Full Professor of International Relations and Deputy Vice Chancellor at Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja; Full Professor at Department of International Studies, Zirve University, Gaziantep, Turkey, Professor and Director at Centre for West Asian Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, (New Delhi); Associate Professor at Centre for West Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, and Assistant Professor at Department of Political Science, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh.
Dr. Alam has authored more than 35 articles in national and international journals, as well as two books, six edited books, one co-edited book, and 17 chapters in edited books, all related to West Asia, Indian politics, Indian foreign policy, Islamic movements, and Muslim Politics. His latest publications are For the Sake of Allah: The Origin, Development and Discourse of The Gülen Movement (2019) and The Disintegration of ISIS: Implications for Indian National Security (2023).
Panelists

Lyndsey Eksili, Ed.D., is an experienced educator, writer, and advocate for holistic development and mental health. As the editorial director for Youth Titles at Tughra Books and a content editor for The Fountain Magazine, she combines nearly 20 years of educational leadership with her passion for creating meaningful, youth-focused content. She serves as the School Board President at Pinnacle Academy, contributes to the Early Childhood Development Task Force of Childhood Education International, and writes for and serves on the board of the Green Dome Foundation. Through her work, she champions early intervention, cultural understanding, and the intersection of faith and mental well-being.
Dr. Eksili holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration from Liberty University, as well as certifications in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Clinical Trauma.
