Laurier expert alert: Islamic Heritage Month

Oct. 3, 2023
For Immediate Release

WATERLOO — October is recognized by the federal government to be Islamic Heritage Month. It’s a time to learn and celebrate Islam’s traditions, history and diversity; to be inclusive and celebrate Muslims as an essential part of Canada’s cultural fabric; and to overcome racism and other challenges faced by Canadian Muslims and others around the world.

The following list includes Laurier experts who are available to speak at this time but does not represent the full breadth of expertise that exists at our institution. For a more comprehensive inventory of our faculty researchers, please consult the Experts at Laurier database.

Mariam Pirbhai is a professor of English and Film Studies at Laurier. Her most recent novel is titled Isolated Incident, where she gives voice to Canadian Muslim communities confronted by Islamophobia. Pirbhai is an expert on postcolonial studies, the literatures of the Caribbean and South Asian diasporas, and creative writing. Her research interests include the impact and legacies of European imperialism, transnational and diasporic identities, multiculturalism and social justice issues as they impact migrant or diasporic communities. Contact: mpirbhai@wlu.ca​

Engin Sezen is a clinical social worker and adjunct faculty professor whose research explores the significance of faith and spirituality in diverse educational, organizational and business settings, as well as the relationships between mental health and attending faith-based group activities in diverse Canadian context. He is currently working on the concept of Whole Person Care in health care settings and the role of spiritual conversations in Canadian Muslims’ psychological well-being. Sezen is also an expert in Intercultural communication, Sufism, spiritual care and counselling. Contact: esezen@wlu.ca

Selda Sezen is an adjunct faculty professor and an expert on acculturation, immigrant and refugees, Muslim mothers and culturally sensitive parenting in Canada. She recently completed research on the impact of the Muslim faith on Muslim mothers’ parenting practices and the experience of immigrant Muslim mothers' parenting in Canada. These studies contribute to the literature on culturally and spiritually diverse parenting practices and provide a cultural and spiritual perspective for psychotherapists, social workers and healthcare professionals who work for the well-being of a growing number of Muslims in Canada. Contact: ssezen@wlu.ca

Ali Hassan Zaidi is an associate professor in Global Studies as well as Religion and Culture. He is a social theorist with expertise in Islam, secularism, liberalism, modernity and the cultural side of globalization. Empirically, he focuses on Muslims in Western societies and on cultural changes in Pakistani society. Currently his research examines the work of two reformist Pakistani-American scholars each of whom fled into exile because of their hermeneutics of the Qur’an. Contact: azaidi@wlu.ca

Jasmin Zine is a professor of Sociology at Laurier and an expert on Islamophobia studies, Muslim women's studies and anti-Muslim racism in Canada. Her most recent study was a four-year research project into how Islamophobia in Canada is networked, orchestrated, organized, and monetized. Contact: jzine@wlu.ca