Episode 15.
In this first Bonus episode, Nora speaks extensively about being a Muslim Chaplain on college campuses and elsewhere. Chaplains must wear many hats – supporter, advocate, program developer, and interfaith colleague. While chaplains work in many settings – colleges, hospitals, prisons, and even companies, Nora felt called to the college environment. As a passionate and knowledgeable Muslim, she approached that work with sensitivity, responding to the various needs of Muslim students. In addition to the normal challenges they face as young adults, Muslim students sometimes struggle with inter-religious relationships, learning more about Islamic practice and adjusting to life in the US.
Highlights
· Chaplains support and advocate, ensuring people’s religious and spiritual needs are met.
· There are 4,000 college and only 150 have a Muslim chaplains in the US – a growing and unmet need for Islamic spiritual guidance.
· College campuses are not bubbles. Students and staff are affected by current events.
· Muslim students sometimes have unique needs around mental health, dating, cultural expression and being an immigrant.
Quotes:
“A chaplain is someone who is an advocate, a promoter, a support for spiritual and religious needs.”
“People should strive to be ethical, but especially in the field of chaplaincy, when people often share their vulnerable stories with you, they put a lot of trust in you as a, as a spiritual, religious figure.”
“Unfortunately, a statistic just came out recently that Muslims are, I believe, one of the highest faith communities to commit suicide, and that includes young Muslim students.”
“It's not often that you see a Muslim woman chaplain. Thankfully, more and more Muslim women are becoming chaplains.”
Social Media links for Nora:
Chaplaincy Innovation Lab –
https://chaplaincyinnovation.org/2020/10/educator-profile-nora-zaki
My Muslim Chaplain website – www.mymuslimchaplain.com
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nora-zaki/
Social Media links for Méli:
Email – info@talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
Transcript:
Follow the podcast!
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.
Comments? Questions? Email Meli at:
info@talkingwithgodproject.org
The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.
