Students from Dr. John B. Seitz’s “History of the Islamic World to 1500” class had the unique opportunity to visit the masjid (mosque) in Knoxville, where they were warmly welcomed by the Muslim Community of Knoxville (MCK). The visit, which came at the end of the semester, provided students with a deeper, more personal understanding of the early history of Islam that they had been studying throughout the term.

The students and Dr. Seitz expressed sincere gratitude for the warm hospitality and kindness extended by the MCK. Special thanks were given to Sabrina Siddiqi, the Da’wa and Outreach Coordinator at MCK, for her invaluable role in making the visit possible and for offering a thoughtful, welcoming, and informative tour of the mosque. Dr. Seitz noted, “As someone who has travelled throughout the Islamic world, one thing that unites nearly all Muslims is a sincere belief in hospitality and welcoming the stranger. Our visit to Knoxville, with our Muslim neighbors was certainly no exception.”

Dr. Seitz’s class has spent the semester exploring the history, culture, and significance of Islam up until 1500, studying its origins, development, and impact on the world. Importantly, they have learned about how much of what tends to be taught about Islam and Muslims is rooted more in a political agenda than in actual understanding of people and their history. The visit to the mosque offered a chance for students to step outside the classroom and see firsthand how the Muslim community understands its own history and practices. It was also an opportunity for students to engage in cross-cultural and inter-religious dialogue, furthering their understanding of Islam and fostering mutual respect between different communities.

One of the aims of the visit was to help students step outside the walls of the classroom and understand how what they have learned and read about is also a part of shaping the world today.

“The visit allowed us to connect what we’ve been learning in class with the real-world practices and beliefs of the Muslim community,” said Dr. Seitz. “We are incredibly thankful for the chance to engage in such meaningful dialogue and to build bridges of understanding and respect.”

The visit was a memorable and impactful experience for all involved, underscoring the importance of education and dialogue in fostering empathy and respect across cultures and religions, which is a key value of a TWU education.