If you love diving into a good book or enjoy stimulating discussions, you’ll definitely want to check out Iqra: Muslim Reading Group, hosted by the wonderful Salik Aslam. This unique event is becoming a regular gathering, happening every two weeks on Wednesdays from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
The location for Iqra changes, adding to the adventure! When I attended, we met at the cozy Qamaria Yemeni Coffee – a perfect spot for engaging conversation.
I went to this event solo, and it was a fantastic experience. The circle was quite intimate, with about nine people showing up, which made it super easy to get to know everyone. We started with a quick introduction, helping us learn each other’s names and even discover if we lived in the same borough. I met a mix of people, from fellow New Yorkers to those who had recently moved from different states and even other countries.
Salik, our host, was incredibly thoughtful and even ordered chai for everyone at the table before we began. We kicked things off by reading an article he had chosen for the group. It was an excellent choice, perfectly setting the tone for what he envisions this reading group to be about. If you’re looking for an intimate and intellectually stimulating gathering, Iqra is definitely worth checking out!
Sharing the article here: https://kasurian.com/p/
The Lost Art of Research as Leisure By: Celine Nguyen.
A truly insightful read, this article resonated deeply, drawing powerful correlations to the Quran and contemporary society. It highlighted how critical thinking and the pursuit of knowledge, much like the divine command to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to “Read” (Iqra), are not confined to formal credentials but can be a joyous, passion-driven “leisure activity.”
The discussion illuminated how this intellectual inquiry, fueled by curiosity and a commitment to understanding, directly connects to our daily lives and the complex world around us. It underscored the profound joy in learning, drawing connections, and engaging with ideas, reflecting the spirit of exploration and discovery that is so essential in navigating today’s ever-evolving landscape. This unique perspective on research as a personal, playful, and deeply human endeavor offered a refreshing lens through which to view our own pursuits of knowledge within a community that encourages such thoughtful engagement.
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