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Imam Zaid Shakir Returns to Campus
As the students moved back on campus and started their fall semester, they were surprised with a special treat: the return of their favorite imam.
In the first week of September, Imam Zaid Shakir, professor emeritus at Zaytuna, joined the campus community with a 3-week stay filled with activity. Students enjoyed sessions held after fajr and in the evenings on various topics but most notably his commentary on select hadith from Imam al-Nawawi’s Riyāđ al-śāliĥīn. From walks and hikes, to office hours and faculty meetings, Imam Zaid devoted much of his time and energy to both students and faculty. One freshman student, summarizing her fellow classmates’ sentiments, said, “Imam Zaid brings such positive energy to everyone he’s around. He inspires us to work hard and study. In our sessions, he reminded us of the great blessing to be at Zaytuna, a Muslim college. We always feel uplifted after leaving his company, and we hope he returns again soon.” Though Imam Zaid is not currently teaching fulltime, he frequently gives his time towards special lectures, classes, and other educational programming to support the College. It’s rare for him to turn down a request, especially coming from the students. On his last night before travel, he led a night prayer vigil with the students, further proof of his indefatigable commitment to students of knowledge.
Imam Zaid Shakir records his reading recommendations for Rabi’ al-Awwal.
