Speeches

Understanding Islam
Dr. Maher Hathout
Time: 1 hour 10 minutes 47 seconds

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.

Theology of Death vs. Theology of Life
Dr. Maher Hathout
Date: 2007
Time: 12 minutes 28 seconds

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.

Voice of Moderate Muslims
Dr. Maher Hathout
Date: 2001
Time: 7 minutes 54 seconds

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

Parenthood in the 21st Century
Dr. Maher Hathout
Date: 1997
Time: 1 minute 23 seconds

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.

Pope John Paul II’s Visit to Los Angeles
Dr. Maher Hathout
Date: 1987
Time: 8 minutes 47 seconds

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

Middle East Peace Conference
Dr. Maher Hathout
Date: 2005
Time: 7 minutes 10 seconds

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

Political Participation of Muslims
Dr. Maher Hathout
Date: 2000
Time: 10 minutes 40 seconds

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.

Giving During Difficult Times
Dr. Maher Hathout
Date: 2008
Time: 14 minutes 2 seconds

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

Purpose of the Media Awards
Dr. Maher Hathout
Time: 7 minutes 53 seconds

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

A Brief History of the Palestinian Conflict
Dr. Maher Hathout
Time: 26 minutes 8 seconds

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.

Extremism: Between Wrong Policy and Corrupt Ideology
Dr. Maher Hathout
Date: December 19th, 2024
Time: 26 minutes 19 seconds

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?

The Concept of Love
Dr. Maher Hathout
Date: 2011
Time: 12 minutes 36 seconds

Dr. Hathout explores the concept of love and how we are required to treat one another.

Awareness of Alcohol
Dr. Maher Hathout
Time: 11 minutes 42 seconds

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

A Celebration of Courage: In Memory of Rachel Corrie
Dr. Maher Hathout
Date: 2003
Time: 6 minutes 42 seconds

Rachel Corrie was an American activist protesting against the demolition of Palestinian homes in the Gaza Strip. On March 16th, 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.

Contemporary Islamic Movements
Dr. Maher Hathout
Date: 1997
Time: 52 minutes 48 seconds

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.

Defining Dawah
Dr. Maher Hathout
Date: 1983
Time: 29 minutes 8 seconds

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

Fighting Terrorism and Hate Crimes
Dr. Maher Hathout
Date: 2002
Time: 10 minutes 29 seconds

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

Laws of War & Peace
Dr. Maher Hathout
Time: 8 minutes 3 seconds

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.

Leadership and the Movement
Dr. Maher Hathout
Date: 2002
Time: 56 minutes 56 seconds

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.

Representing Ourselves
Dr. Maher Hathout
Date: 2003
Time: 12 minutes 36 seconds

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

Civic Engagement from an Islamic Perspective
Dr. Maher Hathout
Date: 2009
Time: 50 minutes 17 seconds

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 lobbyists and how Muslims should have the same goals. Followed by Q&A.

How Did the Prophet (PBUH) Lead?
Dr. Maher Hathout
Date: 2013
Time: 16 minutes 43 seconds

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

What Kind of America?
Dr. Maher Hathout
Date: 2010
Time: 5 minutes 56 seconds

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?

Creating a United Front Against Terrorism
Dr. Maher Hathout
Date: 2013
Time: 47 minutes 54 seconds

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?