A Convert in Islamic Education – Hamzah Henshaw

Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily Life

Episode 33,
Hamzah has traveled an unexpected path from his Episcopalian childhood. Befriending an Indian Muslim classmate in 10th grade, he became enamored of Islam and accepted the faith after months of study. It has remained his true path and he has spent most of his career in Islamic education. Despite the unusual conversion, Hamzah has not rejected his upbringing religiously or educationally, continuing to hold the values of learning and faith. He lives a model of steady progress towards big dreams, even if the path remains unclear.

Highlights:
· Converting to Islam did not mean rejecting the Christianity of his childhood.

· Islam is the newest and final ‘operating system’ of the Abrahamic faiths, after Judaism and Christianity.

· Investing in the stock market is permitted, as there is risk involved, but the investor must avoid in forbidden products such as alcohol that counter Islamic principles.

· Dual enrollment programs allow students in high school to take college courses, helping students to grow beyond the high school’s curriculum.

· Islamic schools in New England are young but there is community interest in growth.

· Hamzah has a passion for teaching literature and poetry.

Quotes:
“It's long been a dream of mine to have a Muslim boarding school similar to the ones that I was fortunate enough to attend.”

“Many of our students sort of sail through and actually change their college environments. They're very proud of their Muslim faith and heritage, and they practice it openly.”

“There are enormous resources within the Muslim community, so some of the challenges on the school side is to prove their product is great.”

Social Media links for Hamzah:
Website – https://hamzahhenshaw.com/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamzah-henshaw-a13a94215/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/MabeChai
Business – https://www.hidayahservices.com/
Newsletter – https://hamzahhenshaw.substack.com/p/five-before-five-3-escaping-the-velvet

Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Transcript:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/12306186-33-hamzah-henshaw-a-convert-in-islamic-education/edit
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The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise: Is your way similar or different? Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore? Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet.
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