The family is the foundation of every society, which includes a balance of psychological, biological, spiritual, and educational stability. What are the responsibilities of parents, spouses, children, and the extended family? Dr. Osman discusses the family structure before Islam, which focused on tribalism, and after Islam, which reformed the rights of women and children. How did Islam change Arab society? And how did the Prophet exemplify the family structure? Although Islam liberated women, patriarchal societies still dominate. What are the consequences of a patriarchal society and has the role of women created instability? Also, Dr. Osman discusses marriage and dating. What role should parents and children have? Other topics discussed include pre-marital sex, divorce, and polygamy.
The Muslim Perspective on the Environment, Nature, and Life
Dr. Fathi OsmanTime: 56 minutes 32 seconds
Dr. Osman discusses our responsibilities toward the preservation of the environment. What does it mean to be viceregent of our planet Earth? Topics discussed include science, animal testing, the guidelines for slaughtering animals, and the ethics of war.
Dr. Osman discusses tehe Abrahamic faiths: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. What are the similarities and differences between the three monolithic religions and how we worship God? Did the message from God change from one prophet to another? Also, Dr. Osman reviews the foundations of Islam including the five pillars and how they strengthen our relationship with God, justice, and the legal system. Finally, Dr. Osman examines how the monolithic religions view the end of the world.
How did Islam impact the responsibility of raising children? Dr. Osman compares pre-Islamic Arabia and the role of the tribe to the changes after Islam in the physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual development of children. What is the role of education and the community in the development of Muslim children? How does segregation influence future generations? Dr. Osman examines these issues as well as the challenges future generations face that are raised in the United States.
How has jihad become synonymous with violence? Dr. Osman explores the topic of jihad by examining the many conflicts that led to violence in the Middle East. Beginning in the early 20th century, Dr. Osman discusses how colonialism gave rise to nationalism (pan-Arabism) and the Islamic movements (Egypt, Afghanistan, and India). How did nationalism and religion collide and what were the consequences after independence? Also, the emergence of the United States and its unrelenting support for Israel and the rise of terrorism are examined.
Dr. Osman traces the political events of the Middle East beginning with the Ottoman Empire to the Iran/Iraq war. What events led to the partitioning of the Middle East after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire? What has been the effect of the emergence of the United States after WWII? The following topics are also examined:
The rights and roles of women: Is Islam a patriarchal religion or does society and culture play a bigger role? What are the rights of women and how did the Quran elevate the role of women in society? Dr. Osman reviews examples of prominent women in the Quran and during the time of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. What are the sources for the rights of women in Islam?
The Children of Adam: Islam and Pluralism within the Society and the World
Dr. Fathi OsmanTime: 1 hour 5 minutes 50 seconds
What is the difference between tolerance and pluralism? Dr. Osman defines pluralism in religious terms and how we can achieve pluralism in global and local societies. How do we retain our identity and culture while promoting pluralism? Dr. Osman specifically examines the United States with its many ethnicities and the opportunities that are available.
In this interview, Dr. Osman defines sharia law (laws pertaining to the ruler, the ruled, criminals, family, labor, and general daily life) and discusses the widely held misconceptions among non-Muslims and Muslims. What contributions have Muslim jurists made in Islamic legal thought? How can the same sharia laws be applicable today as they were centuries ago? Dr. Osman argues the flexibility of sharia by comparing the general and detailed principles in the Quran.
Dr. Osman examines the role of religion in our fast paced changing society. Does religion have to compete with science and how does religion work with the government? He compares progressive Muslim thinkers (those who adapt to change) to historical Muslim thinkers (those who restrict their beliefs to the past) and the danger of terrorism and extremist ideology.