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NYC (V) – Unpacking Islam: Demystifying Islamic Shariah Law

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About this event

Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 6:30 PM (ET)

Our discussion will address what Shariah is — and what it is not — distinguishing between religious principles, jurisprudence, and cultural practice. The speakers will explore how Shariah operates in individual life versus the role it may play in state systems, and whether secular legal structures can be considered Shariah-compliant. The program will also examine whether a fully Shariah-compliant state exists in practice and conclude with a thoughtful comparison of Shariah and the American constitutional system, considering areas of tension as well as potential alignment.


The term Shariah means 'the path’. It is the sum of God's revealed commandments and the eternal set of values as ordained in the Quran. Shariah regulates various aspects of Muslim life, including worship, morality, and social interactions. Key areas include personal status laws (marriage, divorce, inheritance, contracts) and, in some contexts, criminal justice (hudud).



This discussion will be led by Khalid & Sabeeha Rehman.

Khalid Rehman, a physician, was born and raised in Pakistan. He has served as Chief, Division of Hematology and Oncology at St. Vincent's Medical Center on Staten Island, President of the Richmond County Medical Society, and President of the Academy of Medicine of Richmond County. He was the founder and the first medical director of Richmond Hospice.

He is currently on the faculty of New York Medical College. Dr. Rehman helped establish a mosque on Staten Island and served as a de facto chaplain at his Catholic hospital. For ten years, he wrote a monthly column on Islam in the local Staten Island newspaper. Now retired, he spends most of his time on interfaith activities and giving lectures on Islam.

 

Sabeeha Rehman, author, podcaster, blogger, playwright, and speaker on the American Muslim experience, is best known for her memoir Threading My Prayer Rug. She has co-authored with Walter Ruby We Refuse to be Enemies: How Muslims and Jews Can Make Peace, One Friendship at a Time, and they co-host a podcast with the same title. Her third book is titled It’s Not What You Think: An American Woman in Saudi Arabia. Her writings have been published in The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, New York Daily News, The Forward, The Baltimore Sun, Washington Jewish Week, Tiferet, and Patheos.com.

She and her husband Khalid have given over 250 talks on Islam in over 100 cities – at houses of worship, academic institutions, libraries, and community organizations. Sabeeha has been a member of Women's Connection NYC Chapter since 2022.

 


Please join us for this virtual discussion!  Register below, and the Zoom link will be sent to you.


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Date and Time

Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 6:30 PM
Videoconference information will be provided in an email once payment is received.

Event Contact(s)

Loretta Lurie
For questions please contact.

Category

Open to All

Registration Info

Registration is required before Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Payment In Full In Advance Only
Registration is not transferable without permission from the Event Contact.
Cancellation Policy:
NO REFUNDS

Number of People Who Will Attend

Any Non-Member *
$45.00
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