Augustana to host speaker for talks about Islam

Augustana College will host internationally renowned author and speaker Zohra Sarwari for two events on April 19 and 20.

She will present “No, I am Not a Terrorist” on Wednesday, April 19 at 7 p.m., and “Are Muslim Women Oppressed” on Thursday, April 20 at 10:30 a.m. Both events, which are free and open to the public, will take place in Wallenberg Hall on the second floor of the Denkmann Memorial Building (3520 7th Ave., Rock Island).

Sarwari is the author of 14 books and three homeschooling curriculums, as well as an international speaker, entrepreneur, publisher and mother to three children. She has a bachelor's degree in psychology, an MBA and she currently is pursuing bachelor's degree in Islamic studies. 

She spends her time homeschooling her children, lecturing, coaching and working on her curriculums. She has been a guest on various news programs, including those of CBS and FOX News. She has also been interviewed for many magazines, newspapers, radio programs and online publications.  

As an orthodox Muslim, Sarwari has faced many challenges. Her passion is to educate others about diversity using humor and personal experiences that leave her audiences transformed from the moment they leave the room. Her speeches promote dialogue and foster tolerance towards people of all races, religions and backgrounds.

Sarwari’s visit is sponsored by Augustana’s Office of Campus Ministries, Office of Student Life and Leadership and Department of Women’s and Gender Studies.