Hamza Yusuf+

The AI Mirror & Magnifica Humanitas (feat. Dr. Shannon Vallor & Dr. Thomas Hibbs)

How can we preserve our humanity in an age of artificial intelligence? Join Dr. Shannon Vallor and Dr. Thomas Hibbs for a lively discussion. Hosted by President Hamza Yusuf and Dr. Aisha Subhani, this book club session offers a thoughtful conversation on two important works: “The AI Mirror: How to Reclaim Our Humanity in an Age of Machine Thinking” by Dr. Vallor and “Magnifica Humanitas,” the encyclical letter of Pope Leo XIV. Together, these texts explore the promises and challenges of artificial intelligence and the cultivation of wisdom in an age increasingly shaped by machine thinking.

The Blessed Lineage of the Prophet ﷺ

Does God have a favored family? How is the preservation of family and lineage understood in the Islamic tradition? In what ways was the Final Prophet ﷺ a mercy to all of humanity? In this special Rabi’ al-Awwal teaching, Dr. Abdullah Bin Hamid Ali explores belonging and estrangement among the descendants of Abraham — and Mohammad’s universal message to one human family. Teachings like these are made possible by 12000 Strong, our global community of seekers and sustainers. Join today with a recurring pledge of any amount and embark on an exclusive learning journey with President Hamza Yusuf

How Artificial Intelligence Developed (feat. Dr. Shannon Vallor)

In this clip from the First Command Book Club, President Hamza Yusuf and Dr. Shannon Vallor reflect on the dystopian origins of modern computing technologies. Learn more and join the book club by making a monthly gift to Zaytuna College: https://bookclub.zaytuna.edu

Law and Order: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence

In this clip from the First Command Book Club, President Hamza Yusuf and Dr. Shannon Vallor discuss the impact of new technologies on legal systems and government. Learn more and join the book club by making a monthly gift to Zaytuna College: https://bookclub.zaytuna.edu

Technology, Ethics, and the Cost of Change (President Hamza Yusuf and Dr. Aisha Subhani)

In this clip from the First Command Book Club, President Hamza Yusuf and Dr. Aisha Subhani discuss the inherent philosophical implications of any new technology. Learn more and join the book club by making a monthly gift to Zaytuna College: https://bookclub.zaytuna.edu

Can We Affect the Future of AI? (Dr. Shannon Vallor)

In this clip from the First Command Book Club with President Hamza Yusuf, Dr. Shannon Vallor explains the role of moral agency in affecting the future of AI. Learn more and join the book club by making a monthly gift to Zaytuna College: https://bookclub.zaytuna.edu

Why Do We Need Scholars of Islam? | President Hamza Yusuf | Zaytuna College

In this clip from President Hamza Yusuf’s remarks at the 2017 launch event for Renovatio, the journal of Zaytuna College, he shares his reflections on the importance of Islamic scholarship — and what is lost with its decline. “It is our contention that, in essence, the foundations of the Abode of Islam are sound, but the house that harbors this civilization has fallen into deep dereliction. It is in need of renovation, not reformation,” wrote President Yusuf in “Why Renovatio?,” his introduction to a publication unlike other academic journals. An offshoot of Zaytuna’s traditional education

What is Emotional Intelligence in Islam? l Hosai Mojadiddi l Zaytuna College Enrichment Lecture

In this clip from a lecture series delivered at Zaytuna College during its 2026 Summer Term, faculty member Ustadha Hosai Mojadiddi shares a hadith that affirms emotional intelligence was a part of the Islamic tradition long before it became popular in modern culture. Zaytuna College is sustained by 12000 Strong, our recurring donor community whose modest monthly contributions are an investment in the first Muslim liberal arts college in the United States. Your pledge of any amount entitles you to access this four-part lecture series and embark on a learning journey with President Hamza

What Is Transformational Education? A Zaytuna College Grad Reflects

In an era of transactional education—learning primarily for the sake of earning—Zaytuna remains committed to transformational education, in keeping with our mission as a classical liberal arts institution. For that reason, we continually invest in the success of our graduates and in the cultivation of their humanity. We celebrate not only the accomplishments of our alumni, but also who they have become: ethical leaders whose meaningful contributions serve the common good, and discerning individuals capable of distinguishing truth from falsehood in an age of widespread distortion and confus

How Can Muslims Help America? l President Hamza Yusuf l Zaytuna College

American Muslims have long struggled to integrate these two seemingly polarized aspects of their identities. At Zaytuna College, they discover that they need not experience identity crises. They deepen their understanding of the ways these two aspects of their identity are compatible. They discover that Islam belongs in the west — having first arrived on American soil during the slave trade — and has an important role to play in America’s realization of its highest ideals. In honor of thirty years of Zaytuna College this year, we share this clip from the 1990s, President Hamza Yusuf reflects

More Than a Degree: How Zaytuna Changed Everything | Graduating Senior Reflects

What happens when your college education nourishes both your mind and your soul? In this clip, 2026 graduating senior Abdel reflects on his four years at Zaytuna College, America's first accredited Muslim liberal arts college, and what it truly meant to be surrounded by likeminded peers and scholars who pushed him to think deeper, ask harder questions, and grow closer to God in the process. From studying the great texts of the Western and Islamic traditions to building a community rooted in shared values and sincere pursuit of knowledge, his journey is a testament to what education looks lik

Sacred Stewardship and Service: Learning Permaculture at Zaytuna College

A graduate of the Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) course at Zaytuna College describes how this program prepares her for better stewardship and how she plans to translate knowledge into service. Zaytuna College’s biannual Permaculture Design Certificate course (PDC) is a transformative program that cultivates greater alignment with nature, community, and oneself. The two-week interdisciplinary program draws students from all over the world and integrates ecological design, traditional knowledge, and spiritual stewardship. Learn about Zaytuna’s Permaculture Design Certificate Progr

In Service of Our Community | Zaytuna College Alumni

Zaytuna College offers a rigorous liberal arts education rooted in devotion. Our unique curriculum comprises the great works of the Islamic and Euro-American traditions, and aims to prepare graduates for ethical leadership and meaningful contribution to the greater good. In this video, President Hamza Yusuf describes the purpose of an education and Zaytuna alumni share how Zaytuna College prepares them for success. Learn about our BA & MA programs: https://zaytuna.edu/academics ──────────────────────────────────────── Support Zaytuna College: https://zaytuna.edu/donate Subscribe for weekly

Where Is Our Community? l President Hamza Yusuf l Zaytuna College

In this khutba delivered at Zaytuna College during Dhu’l Hijjah in June 2026, President Hamza Yusuf shares his reflections on the state of the Muslim community, the weight of the trust (amana) we have been given, the challenges we face as a community, and what Muslims, as ambassadors of Islam, most need to embody in the world today. Learn about our BA & MA programs: https://zaytuna.edu/academics Support the revival of the Islamic intellectual and ethical tradition and the cultivation of tomorrow’s Muslim leaders: https://zaytuna.edu/cultivate Subscribe to Zaytuna’s YouTube chan

What Two Words Fill Everything in the Cosmos? l Shaykh Faraz Khan l Zaytuna College

About two of the most familiar words to Muslims — subhanallah and alhamdulillah — there is much commentary. In this clip, Shaykh Faraz Khan of Zaytuna College explains these interpretations. When they are spoken by those who deeply realize that all praise belongs to God, in all situations — those whose patience has been transformed into contentment — do they fill the entire cosmos. Click to watch the full session: https://youtu.be/INaHEJLEGKc?si=ZmtVgIeUmODz1-bM Make a gift today: https://zaytuna.edu/cultivate We are pleased to share weekly clips from a special course from the Zaytuna

What Fuels Our Journey to God? l Shaykh Faraz Khan l Zaytuna College

Repentance (tawba) is an obligation for believers. It also propels our journey to God. What are the conditions for fulfilling this obligation? How do sincerity, remorse, resolve, or repeated sins relate to repentance? In this clip, Shaykh Faraz Khan explains how to fulfill this obligation and ensure we never run out of fuel and get stuck on our spiritual journey. Click to watch the full session: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVznMXMIpgQ Make a gift today: https://zaytuna.edu/cultivate We are pleased to share weekly clips from a special course from the Zaytuna archive: Shaykh Faraz Khan’

How Much Entertainment Is Too Much? l Shaykh Faraz Khan l Zaytuna College

The nature of this world is that it is always leaving us; permanence is only found in the afterlife. Our work here is to plant seeds, do good work, spread light — and yes, to a certain extent, take enjoyment in this world. In this clip, Sharykh Faraz Khan of Zaytuna College explores entertainment in balance, as an aspect of our humanity, and entertainment that consumes our lives and leads to social decay. Click to watch the full session: https://youtu.be/kab8MAqJ840?si=KwTGhIfimFW4cNf1 Make a gift today: https://zaytuna.edu/cultivate We are pleased to share weekly clips from a special cou

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf on AI, Reading, and Human Wisdom | Book Club Selections for Muharram 2026

This Muharram, the First Command Book Club reads two important works that explore the promises and challenges of artificial intelligence: "The AI Mirror: How to Reclaim Our Humanity in an Age of Machine Thinking" by Shannon Vallor, and "Magnifica Humanitas," an encyclical letter by Pope Leo XIV. Encyclical letters address matters of significance to the wider human community. Throughout history, pontiffs wrote encyclicals on subjects ranging from labor and social justice to environmental stewardship. As communities across the world grapple with the implications of artificial intelligence, thi

What Is The Essence of Revelation? l Shaykh Faraz Khan l Zaytuna College

Even more than His very existence, God’s revelation emphasizes Oneness. In this clip, Shaykh Faraz Khan of Zaytuna College considers the implications of absolute monotheism. However confused or distracted we might become by other forms of apparent power, true power is always One. However scattered our hopes, aspirations, and aims may be, as believers we direct our hearts solely to our Creator. Click to watch the full session: https://youtu.be/ZcUD_g0nRuw?si=BsJZFVX65Q8rc_qj Make a gift today: https://zaytuna.edu/cultivate We are pleased to share weekly clips from a special course from the

Supporting Graduates’ Success

A connected, supportive community is a foundational aspect of the Islamic tradition — and at Zaytuna College, it also sustains an excellent education. In this video, graduate Othman Tohmeh (BA Class of 2026) reflects on how belonging to the Zaytuna community prepares him for success. Learn about our BA & MA programs: https://zaytuna.edu/academics Support Zaytuna College: https://zaytuna.edu/donate Subscribe for more Islamic scholarship: youtube.com/@zaytunacollege Instagram.com/@zaytunacollege https://x.com/@zaytunacollege Facebook.com/@zaytunacollege

Formal Logic II: Judgement and Reasoning | Zaytuna College Online Course

This online course — the second taught by Dr. Phillbert Cheng in a two–part series offered by Zaytuna College — continues the study of formal logic by exploring judgement, propositions, and reasoning. Students in this course will learn how thoughts are structured, claims are tested, and arguments are formed.  This course offers a sample of Zaytuna College’s singular liberal arts curriculum comprising the great works of the Islamic and Euro-American traditions. The purpose of a classic liberal arts education is to provide the foundational tools for lifelong learning and to train students to

Where Does Human Effort Meet Divine Mercy? l Shaykh Faraz Khan l Zaytuna College

Faith in God does not entail worldly detachment; believers must fully participate in the labor of serving creation. Our human effort is required — and believers must also recognize that any outcome of our effort, without exception, is divine mercy. In this commentary, Sharykh Faraz cautions against a detachment that leads to social breakdown and emphasizes that both our toil and its outcomes are from God. Click to watch the full session: https://youtu.be/JRJ7zO-ussQ?si=W4m46nMlKUk5QJQb Make a gift today: https://zaytuna.edu/cultivate We are pleased to share weekly clips from a special cou

What Distinguishes a Devoted Servant? l Shaykh Faraz Khan l Zaytuna College

To understand the qualities of a devoted servant is to grasp how we too might become more pleasing to God. In this commentary, Shaykh Faraz examines the qualities of ubudiyyah, or servitude — and what distinguishes the devoted servants of God — to help us understand how we might open our own worldly means. Click to watch the full session: https://youtu.be/hSvdo9R57mk?si=ZV3C5tCm4dHjuvHK Make a gift today: https://zaytuna.edu/cultivate We are pleased to share weekly clips from a special course from the Zaytuna archive: Shaykh Faraz Khan’s exegesis of Sura al-Kahf. Taught as part of the