“Ask a Muslim Anything” is a questions-based program presented by Exeter, NH resident Robert Azzi, who finds that most people - even those critical of Islam and Muslims - when engaged in small scale or in one-one-one conversations, are willing to listen and engage with Muslims if that engagement occurs in what are perceived to be safe places: houses of worship, libraries, schools, civic organizations, etc..

Azzi speaks not as a scholar or academic but as a neighbor, fellow citizen and person of faith. He will explain his journey from son of mill workers in Manchester NH to internationally known photojournalist, to a columnist who writes on issues of identity, conflict, and Islam, particularly as they apply in the Middle East and the Global South.

Azzi travels throughout New England and beyond at the invitation of local communities to speak about his life, what it's like to be Muslim in America, how he came to convert to Islam, about the religion of Islam and its history — especially in America — and about the Middle East, terrorism and associated political and social issues.

He welcomes all questions - they are an integral part of the program. Nothing is off the table.

Azzi's work was recognized in 2018 when he was awarded the 2018 Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications' First Amendment Award and he is a board member of ACLU-NH.

“People don't know what they don't know,” Azzi tells his audience. “I want to open up new perspectives for my listeners and readers — especially for those who don't often agree with me — and expose them to points-of-view I believe are important and which they might not have previously considered.”

 

Join us for an open, compassionate conversation. Nothing is off the table except rudeness and disrespect. 

Snacks will be served.  Registration is requested, but not required.