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Two scholars are depending on the charity of American Muslims to realize their dream of creating a college that blends traditional Islam with American culture.
Sheik Hamza Yusuf and Imam Zaid Shakir share a vision for the next step in the evolution of Islam in America: creating the country's first four-year, accredited Muslim college.
The two men, American scholars of Islam and leaders in the Muslim community, are criss-crossing the country building support for an institution they call Zaytuna College, which they plan to open next fall. The college will serve the nation's growing Muslim population, blending traditional Islam and American culture and establishing a permanent place for the religion in American society.
Before any of that can happen, Zaytuna's founders face steep challenges. They must hire a staff, establish a curriculum, develop admissions policies, and raise at least $5-million just to open their doors--all during a particularly trying time for college fund raising. At the same time, government scrutiny has put a chill on Muslim philanthropy.
Despite the compressed timeline, they have yet to hire a permanent development director and are just completing a search for a vice president of operations. What they have going for them: Mr. Yusuf and Mr. Shakir have built a following with their inspirational lectures and willingness to take a critical look at Islam. Young people flock to their events. They have experience raising money for Islamic charities, and they are starting small, with plans for an entering class of just 20 to 30 students in rented classroom space.
They have no doubt that this is the moment to start educating a generation of homegrown Islamic leaders. "Nothing is harder to stop than an idea whose time has come," says Mr. Shakir.
Although the two scholars are far from their goal, some Muslim observers say they are on the right path. Yet they will need to broaden their reach beyond the Islamic community, which has traditionally focused its philanthropy on immediate needs and local causes, says Tariq H. Cheema, executive director of the World Congress of Muslim Philanthropists, which promotes effective and accountable giving in the Islamic community.
Growing Ranks
U.S.-born converts who studied Arabic and Islam abroad, Mr. Shakir, 53, and Mr. Yusuf, 50, see a need for...