Join us for a 2-week series as we explore Storytelling with Rumi with Dr. Kia Jahed.

Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Balkhī (D. 1273), AKA Rumi, is one of the most popular yet misunderstood poets in the western hemisphere.

A judge and theologian, Rumi was marinated in traditional Islamic scholarship and lineage, and his writings are heavily distilled through a Qurān’ic and Prophetic lens. Yet many translations have sanitized the Islamic ambiance of his writings, attempting to fit him into the secular milieu of the post-modern world we find ourselves in.

In this series, we will attempt to decolonize Rumi's writings, placing them in the context of the Quranic and Prophetic environment as the author originally intended to explore and comprehend the universal challenges of combating one's ego, understanding why tribulations exist, and how give our total trust to God.

Featuring a talk and discussion, doors open at 7:45 for coffee and connection with the event beginning at 8:15 in Qahwa Cafe after Isha. Purchasing a ticket is encouraged and donations are always graciously appreciated to help support future events. We look forward to your attendance as we rediscover the real Rumi and how he masterfully weaves together teachings of the Quran, Prophetic hadith, statements of sages with creative stories to deepen spiritual insight.

About the Grounding: Comprised of a talk and discussion questions, our weekly interactive series for young adults and working professionals ages 21+ examines contemporary issues through spiritual lens.

Schedule

Week 1: The Lion and the Rabbit

The story of the Lion and the Rabbit and grapples with mysteries of what it means to truly place one's trust in God, his divine decree as it redefines the hero’s journey.

Week 2: The Sailor Fly and The Complaint of a Chick Pea

The story of the sailor fly teaches about the danger of ego and blinding nature of self-aggrandizement while the complaint of a chick pea shed light on the purpose of trails and tribulations

About Dr. Kia Jahed

Dr. Kia Jahed is a Musculoskeletal Radiologist by training. He conducted Arabic and Islamic studies in Egypt and Syria, studied comparative religion in Turkey, and has pursued higher Islamic learning with various institutes and scholars here in the states.

Dr. Jahed has previously taught various levels of Arabic language with Dar Al-Qasim, he is active with ICNA educational programs in teaching comparative religion and Tafsir, and he is helping teach in various educational endeavors at ADAMS Center and in the broader community.

The Grounding: Storytime with Rumi

A 2-week Series