Imam Daayiee is the first openly Gay Imam in the United States. He was born in Detroit Michigan and the son of Southern Baptist Parents.
Imam Daayiee Abdullah, is the author of the book titled “Progressive Islam: The Rich Liberal Ideas of the Muslim Faith”(2021), He is the Founder and ED of the nonprofit MECCA Institute (www.meccainstitute.org), and CEO of MECCA Institute Publishing LLC.
He is the Former Imam of the Light of Reform Mosque, Washington, DC (2010-2015). He is also A linguist and holds Masters degrees in Chinese and Arabic languages and linguistics, and a scholar of Quranic Interpretation and Shari’ah Sciences. And to continue to add to his impressive bio he is also a former public interest lawyer specializing in comparative Islamic and Western law.
The United States first openly gay Iman, Daayiee Abdullah returns to discuss his continued pursuits for education and personal power by increasing his communication abilities. He pays tribute and reflects on his late friend and peer, the first openly gay Imam Mushin Hendricks who was recently assassinated in what is thought of as a hate crime. He talks about the impact the civil rights movement and the stone wall riots had on him and his activism. He expresses his thoughts on LGBTQI+ activism and the importance of having knowledge about theology. He clarifies the interpretation of the Quran in reference to same sex relationships and its standards for all relationships, how he honours Pride month and his work for the Mecca Institute, an online inclusive and progressive Islamic theological school. It is a non-profit organization expanding Progressive Islam through education and research. In this episode questions were also contributed by former guests Tony award winning Mike Mosallam, award winning multidisciplinary Mariam Magsi and accomplished violist Dr. Rizwan Jagani.
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