I am a historian specializing in interfaith relations in the Middle East and a historian of religions, currently serving as Senior Fellow and faculty member at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. My research focuses on Muslim-non-Muslim relations, religious pluralism, coexistence, and the historical and contemporary dynamics of tolerance in the region.
Recently, I taught two engaging courses at GU-Qatar. The first, "Religious Pluralism in the Middle East and the Islamic World," explored the region’s rich tapestry of religious diversity and the historical frameworks that have enabled coexistence among different faith communities.
This course is part of a broader initiative (Religious Pluralism in the Middle East and Global Contexts) to develop a comprehensive case study bank on religious pluralism, with the goal of producing impactful research outputs that can inform both academic and policy discussions on peaceful coexistence in diverse societies. Student authored pluralism case studies will be published to the Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding website at Georgetown University.
The second course examined the histories and autobiographies of Muslims, Christians, and Jews in the Middle East prior to 1948, highlighting the lived experiences and interactions among these communities.
In my teaching and research, I am also committed to integrating digital humanities tools, generative AI, and intercultural competency frameworks to enhance student learning and to equip them with the skills needed for interdisciplinary and cross-cultural engagement in the study of religion.