Dr. Jamal al-Barzinji: A Life of Faith and Action

Have you ever met someone who dedicated their whole life to a single, powerful idea? That's the story of Dr. Jamal al-Barzinji, a man who became a role model for what it means to be a socially engaged Muslim in the modern world. Born in Mosul, Iraq, in 1939, Jamal's journey began with a strong foundation. His father, a respected religious scholar, taught him that Islam wasn't just a set of beliefs—it was a way of life that required him to be active and involved in the world.

After finishing high school, Jamal was eager to learn more. He traveled all the way to the United Kingdom in 1959 to study Chemical Engineering at the University of Sheffield. But his passion for his faith never faded. During his time there, he became a key figure in establishing the Muslim Student Society of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, a pioneering organization of its kind. He was a natural leader, and this was just the beginning.

Building a Community in America

In 1962, Jamal crossed the Atlantic to the United States to continue his studies at Louisiana State University, where he earned his master's and a doctorate in Chemical Engineering. While his academic career was thriving, he was also building a community. He and other young, like-minded friends, including Dr. M. Yaqub Mirza, carried the spirit of student activism with them. They saw a need to create a space for Muslim students in America, helping them find their footing and build a new, distinctly American Muslim identity.

This work led to the creation of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), which grew out of the Muslim Students Association of the U.S. and Canada. Jamal played a central role in this transformation. His hard work and dedication didn't go unnoticed. For his lifelong service, he received numerous honors, including the ISNA Pioneers Memorial Service Award, which recognized his "fifty years of service to Islam and Muslims in the West."

A Visionary Leader

Dr. Jamal wasn't only a community builder but also a visionary who understood the importance of finance and education. He worked with friends to establish the first Sharia-compliant financial institutions in America. He believed that for the community to thrive, it needed to be financially independent. Not only that, but he also co-founded the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT), a groundbreaking organization dedicated to promoting an Islamic approach to knowledge and fostering dialogue between different faiths. One of his most significant achievements was his work in education. He raised millions of dollars to create endowed chairs and centers for Islamic Studies at prestigious universities like Georgetown, Harvard, and Cambridge. He wanted to ensure that Islam was studied seriously and with respect in academic settings.

A Call to Action for the Future

Towards the end of his life, Dr. Jamal's message became even more urgent. He was worried about the future of the American Muslim community. He believed that Muslims needed to let go of old ways and embrace a new, vibrant vision. Not only that, but he famously said that the community had a "collective moral responsibility... to build a better America."

He challenged the community to face modern issues head-on, from finding a positive approach to interfaith relations to training a new generation of imams who could connect with American Muslims. He called for a shift from a mindset of "self-salvation only" to a faith of "saving the community and the nation." His vision for the American Muslim community was a powerful one: an active, engaged, and forward-looking community that was an integral part of the American nation. He saw the continuous growth of centers like the ADAMS Center as a perfect example of a flourishing community, like a strong tree with its roots firmly planted and its branches reaching for the sky, a beautiful image from the Qur'an.

Dr. Jamal al-Barzinji's life was a testament to his belief that faith, when put into action, could change the world. He left a legacy of institutions, friendships, and a powerful vision for the future.