Irshad Manji

Topics

Presentations

The Power of Asking Questions - Out Loud 
Irshad has transformed her personal journey into a riveting story that teaches all of us how to develop moral courage and confront the challenges we face – whether as students, professionals, parents, or citizens. Irshad Manji's message is your wake-up call.

Shut up and be Diverse! (Not)
Diversity is a many-splendored thing. It can be the source of conviction or confusion. It can incite bigotry or inspire opportunity. By sharing examples from her own life and that of renowned historical figures, Irshad Manji shows us the key to embracing diversity.

The Future of Islam
Irshad offers key insights about a new generation of Muslims, illuminating their challenges and opportunities. She also empowers non-Muslims to support reform in ways that bring out the better angels in all of us.

Confessions of a Muslim Reformer: Why I Fight for Women, Jews, Gays...and God
Irshad addresses the ideas in her internationally acclaimed film, Faith Without Fear. With candour and humour, Irshad unearths the troubling cornerstones of mainstream Islam today.

Women as the Key to Reforming the Muslim World
In this inspiring presentation, Irshad illuminates the root problems and offers concrete solutions based on Islam itself. Starting with her personal journey and ending on recommendations for action, Irshad urges all of us -- Muslim and non-Muslim -- to become leaders in the struggle for universal human rights. Better yet, she shows us how.

Summary Profile

"Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is the recognition that some things are more important than fear."

The New York Times calls Irshad Manji "Osama bin Laden's worst nightmare." Oprah Winfrey has given her the first annual Chutzpah Award for "audacity, nerve, boldness and conviction" She takes both as a compliment.

Irshad Manji is a highly vocal advocate for a revival of critical thinking. Known as ijtihad in Islamic tradition, Manji challenges traditional religious beliefs and refuses to back down under intense pressure. Her campaign for Islamic reform liberates women, respects minorities, promotes honest debate, and drives fundamentalists crazy. She insists on telling her personal story with passion and humor. Her inspiring message: any of us can change the world by daring to ask questions - out loud.

Currently spearheading the Moral Courage Project at NYU, Manji is considered one of the world's most provocative thinkers, with top-notch credentials, as well as an unwavering commitment to her audiences. Manji's words transform underground hunger for change into above-the-ground phenomenon's.

She brings an electric passion to all her presentations as she encourages audiences to get engaged in new ideas, critically review their belief systems and have the moral courage to stand up for those within and outside your defined community. She shares that freedom of thought and expression while being open to a challenge to your views makes for healthy communication and evolution. You can be thoughtful and faithful at the same time.

Direct in her approach and unafraid to ask questions, Manji delivers knock-out presentations that encourage lively and honest debate, and create conversations where none existed before.

Highlights

• International best-selling author, The Trouble with Islam Today: A Wake-Up Call for Honesty and Change
• Acclaimed filmmaker, Faith Without Fear, PBS documentary
• Honoured with Oprah Winfrey's first annual Chutzpah Award
• Maclean's magazine Honour Roll of "Canadians Who Make a Difference" 
• Young Global Leader, World Economic Forum
• Columnist, New York Times Syndicate 

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