Feisal Abdul Rauf

Feisal Abdul Rauf – Life, Work, and Influence

Feisal Abdul Rauf (born 1948) is a prominent Egyptian-American Sufi imam, author, and interfaith leader known for advocating Muslim–West dialogue, promoting a vision of Islam compatible with pluralism, and sparking debate with his role in the Park51 (Ground Zero mosque) project.

Introduction

Feisal Abdul Rauf is a significant figure in contemporary Islamic thought and public discourse. As a Sufi imam, author, and peace activist, he seeks to bridge divides between Muslim and non-Muslim communities, arguing that Islam and modern, pluralistic societies can coexist harmoniously.

In the aftermath of 9/11, his name entered the public spotlight—most controversially through his association with the proposed Islamic center near Ground Zero, known as Park51. That episode, along with his writings and interfaith advocacy, has made him a focal figure in debates around religious freedom, identity, and tolerance.

Early Life and Education

• Feisal Abdul Rauf was born in 1948 in Kuwait to Egyptian parents.

• His father, Muhammad Abdul Rauf, was a respected imam and scholar, and the family had deep roots in Islamic learning.

• The family relocated to the United States in the 1960s.

In his academic path:

• He earned a bachelor’s degree in physics / nuclear engineering from Columbia University.

• He then completed a master’s degree in plasma physics at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Though trained in the sciences, his life’s work would turn toward theology, interfaith dialogue, and community leadership.

Career, Ministry & Initiatives

Imam & Mosque Leadership

• From 1983 to 2009, Rauf served as imam of Masjid al-Farah, a Sufi-oriented mosque in Manhattan’s Tribeca district.

• He is associated with Sufi traditions and has connections with the Nur Ashki Jerrahi Sufi order.

Nonprofit & Interfaith Work

Rauf founded or co-founded several organizations designed to foster understanding, dialogue, and community development:

• American Society for Muslim Advancement (ASMA) (originally “American Sufi Muslim Society”) — a nonprofit to support Muslim–non-Muslim relations and American Muslim identity.

• Cordoba Initiative — launched in 2003, this initiative aims to promote pluralism, peace, and bridge-building between Muslim and Western communities.

• He has participated in various interfaith and international dialogue forums, often representing moderate voices in Islam.

Park51 / Ground Zero Mosque Controversy

One of the most controversial chapters in Rauf’s public life is his association with Park51, a proposed Islamic community center and mosque two blocks from the World Trade Center site in Manhattan:

• The plan envisioned not only prayer space, but community, educational, and interfaith functions.

• It drew strong opposition and support, becoming a flashpoint in debates about religious freedom, sensitivity to 9/11, and Islam in America.

• In 2011, Rauf was removed from his role in the project by the developer, citing differences in vision for its scope and mission.

Beliefs, Philosophy & Public Positions

Rauf’s theology and public stances emphasize:

• Islam as compatible with pluralism and democracy. He argues that many American principles (justice, rule of law, human rights) reflect core Islamic values when rightly understood.

• Condemnation of violence against innocents. He has repeatedly stated that no religion justifies the targeting of non-combatants.

• Responsibility and critique of foreign policy. He has asserted that U.S. policies in the Middle East, support for authoritarian regimes, and military interventions have contributed to extremism.

• Bridge-building role. He sees part of his mission as articulating what is “right” about Islam and America—acknowledging successes and failures in both faith and civic life.

• Interfaith cooperation. He engages with Jewish, Christian, and other religious leaders, emphasizing common ground, respect, and collaborative social action.

Major Works

Rauf has authored several books and essays that express his vision and ministry:

• What’s Right with Islam: A New Vision for Muslims and the West (later reissued as What’s Right with Islam Is What’s Right with America)

• Moving the Mountain: Beyond Ground Zero to a New Vision of Islam in America

• Islam: A Sacred Law

• Islam: A Search for Meaning

• Quran for Children, co-authored with Laleh Bakhtiar

He also regularly contributes essays and commentaries in newspapers, journals, and public forums on Islam, society, and peace.

Reception, Controversy & Criticism

Feisal Abdul Rauf is a polemical figure: many admire his moderate voice, while others question aspects of his positions:

• Some have criticized his remarks about U.S. foreign policy or statements that “Osama bin Laden was made in the U.S.” as insufficiently forceful or even controversial.

• His refusal to unequivocally label certain organizations—such as Hamas—as terrorist entities has drawn criticism from political voices.

• His real estate holdings (multiple apartment buildings in New Jersey) have raised accusations of landlord neglect, and legal disputes have arisen over building conditions.

• Many praised his intentions and peacemaking efforts, but others accuse such public religious figures of oversimplification in highly complex geopolitical and doctrinal matters.

Selected Quotes

Here are some of Rauf’s notable statements that reflect his thought:

“The truth is that killing innocent people is always wrong – and no argument or excuse, no matter how deeply believed, can ever make it right.” “It is part of my responsibility as a bridge builder to speak the truth about what’s great about America, what we’ve done right, and what our less glorious moments.” “There are always people who will … think that they are doing things in the name of their religion.” “What’s brilliant about the United States system of government is separation of power … an independent media and press … an independent central bank.” “We are Americans … the way that America today treats its Muslims is being watched by over a billion Muslims worldwide.”

Lessons from Feisal Abdul Rauf’s Life

1. Faith and pluralism can coexist.
   Rauf’s work shows that religious conviction need not entail hostility to those of other faiths—and that mutual respect is essential.

2. Public religious leadership is both symbolic and vulnerable.
   High-profile stances invite scrutiny, misinterpretation, and political backlash.

3. Dialogue requires courage.
   Bridging communities means owning one’s own identity, acknowledging imperfections, and confronting difficult truths on all sides.

4. Address root causes, not just symptoms.
   Rauf often emphasizes how policies, power imbalances, and historical wounds feed extremism—and that moral discourse must include institutional reform.

5. Every community is global.
   His narrative insists that local treatment of Muslims in America resonates across the Muslim world—and vice versa.

Conclusion

Feisal Abdul Rauf is a complex, influential, and sometimes controversial figure. As a theologian, imam, author, and bridge-builder, he has tried to articulate a path for Islam in America—one of engagement, reflection, and coexistence.

Whether one agrees with him or not, his life invites us to consider how religious identity, civic values, and pluralism interlock in our modern age. If you like, I can also prepare a timeline of his major public interventions, or analyze the impact and reception of Moving the Mountain. Would you like me to do that next?