Speeches

Dr. Hathout gives a brief description of Islam to an audience of Muslims and non-Muslims. In an effort to generate discussion, Dr. Hathout opens the majority of the forum’s time to Q&A.

The belief that death is better than life has been glorified by those who use the Quran to justify violent acts. Dr. Hathout sites Quranic verses, hadith, and sharia to show the value of life over death in Islam.

Is there such a thing as a moderate Muslim? Dr. Hathout explains what the term ‘moderate muslims’ means and what it does not mean.

What are the traps facing American Muslim youth? How do parents contribute to the confusion of today’s youth? Dr. Hathout addresses youth and parents to discuss the obstacles of growing up as a first generation American Muslim.

In a historic moment, Dr. Hathout reminds the audience that there is hope in times of despair.

The Middle East Peace Process: The one-sided role of the United States government.

What are the benefits of Muslims participating in politics and how can we encourage Muslims to be a part of American pluralism? Dr. Hathout outlines the reasons for being politically active.

Dr. Hathout discusses the importance of donating, especially during difficult financial times.

Dr. Hathout explains the purpose of the MPAC media awards.

Taking a look at the history of Muslims and Jews in relation to the Palestinian conflict. What will work and what will not work to resolve the problem.

In his last public appearance, Dr. Hathout discusses reform. What is reform and why is it considered bad? Also, what is the tribal ideology among Muslim groups? What have been the consequences of authoritarian religious rule and how has it affected the core of Islam and freedom of choice?

What is the concept of Love? Is it just an emotion? Dr. Hathout defines love and its importance. Also discussed is why we are created different and what our role is supposed to be toward one another.

How alcohol erodes a society and the approaches that can be taken to combat it.

Rachel Corrie was an American activist protesting against the demolition of Palestinian homes in the Gaza Strip. On March 16^th, 2003, Rachel was killed when an armored bulldozer, run by the Israel Defense Forces, ran her over.
Dr. Hathout defines courage as he honors Rachel Corrie’s parents for Rachel’s stand against injustice in Palestine and for the sacrifice of her own life.

Dr. Hathout compares the prevailing Islamic movements, their characteristics, and how they reflect on our society: The traditionalists, the modernists, the puritans, and the reformists. Followed by Q&A.

Dr. Hathout defines Dawah and discusses whether the method of Dawah is the same all over the world. The components of Dawah:

• Creed
• Devotion
• Reason
• Relevance of Ideology
• Methodology

The role of the Muslim community after 9/11. Dr. Hathout presents a three-point grassroots action plan to fight terrorism and hate crime.

In recent times, it has become commonplace to blame Islam for acts of terror. In this presentation, Dr. Hathouth explains how Muslims and non-Muslims have twisted verses in the Quran pertaining to the laws of war and peace, as well as the rules of engagement in the battlefield. How does the Quran promote peace rather than war? Verses in the Quran will be analyzed. Followed by Q&A.

Who and what are we working for? What makes a movement undefeatable? The importance of building a movement: the obstacles, goals, and how to work together to acheive the goals. Followed by Q&A.

Dr. Hathout discusses how Muslims should be representing Islam instead of the so-called experts defining who we are.

What are the goals of Muslim youth? What do they want to acheive? Dr. Hathout demonstrates how other persecuted groups in the history of America rose to become powerful lobbyist and how Muslims should have the same goals. Followed by Q&A.

What are the components of leadership? Using examples from the leadership of the Prophet Muhammad, Dr. Hathout explores six components required for effective leadership, as well as the traits that can lead to failure. The six components discussed are:

• Service
• Vision
• Strategy
• Team Building
• Pioneering
• Style

Do we want an America based on religious freedom and democracy or an America that is bigoted and infringing on the rights of its citizens?

American Muslim Leaders on an Alternative to Extremism
Dr. Hathout discusses the difference between the ‘religion of God’ (what God intended for people to follow) and the ‘religion of people’ (tribal mentality). Is the ‘religion of people’ threatening democracy in America?