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Irshad Manji        

Founder of The Moral Courage Project, Author of "Allah, Liberty and Love" & "The Trouble with Islam Today: A Muslim's Call for Reform in Her Faith"

Irshad Manji is a renowned author, educator, and advocate of a reformist interpretation of Islam. She is the bestselling author of The Trouble with Islam Today: A Muslim’s Call for Reform in Her Faith, published in more than 30 countries. Her Emmy-nominated PBS film, Faith Without Fear, artfully follows her personal campaign to reconcile Islam with women’s equality, respect for minorities, and honest debate.

In January 2008, Manji joined New York University’s Wagner School of Public Service to spearhead the Moral Courage Project, an initiative to help young people speak truth to power within their own communities. In 2015, Manji brought the initiative to the University of Southern California, where she currently teaches courses on the subject.

Recognizing Manji’s leadership, Oprah Winfrey honored her with a Chutzpah Award for “audacity, nerve, boldness, and conviction.” The New York Times describes her as “Osama bin Laden’s worst nightmare,” while Ms. magazine has named her a “Feminist for the 21st Century.” She is also a recipient of the Simon Wiesenthal Award for Valor, as well as a number of other awards and citations from groups such as the National Organization for Women, the Association of Women Entrepreneurs, the New York Society for Ethical Culture, and many others.

Speech Topics

The Future of Islam

In this dynamic presentation, Irshad Manji charts the course for the reform of Islam. By "reform," she means reconciling faith and freedom. Professor Manji offers key insights into a new generation of Muslims, illuminating their challenges and opportunities. She also empowers non-Muslims to support Islamic reform in ways that bring out the better angels in all of us.

Starting with her personal journey and ending on recommendations for action, Professor Manji urges every individual - Muslim and non-Muslim - to become a leader in the struggle for universal human rights. Better yet, she shows us how.

Creating Diversity for Prosperity

Irshad Manji belongs to several minority communities, which makes her a uniquely credible voice on diversity. But she emphasizes that diversity is not about appearances. It goes deeper than race, gender, or culture. Real diversity is about being uniquely individual. Dare to think differently from those in "your" group. That's the way to realize your full human potential.

“DIVERSITY 2015: FROM MULTICULTURALISM TO INTERCULTURALISM

By sharing examples from her own life and that of renowned historical figures, Irshad Manji shows us how individuality benefits the greater good. Along the way, she answers questions that help conquer fears.

Speak your mind. Engage your conscience. Accept your uniqueness. Each of us has an authentic voice. Using hers, Prof. Manji will help you enhance the diversity of your environment.

How Do We Clean House in the Financial, Political or Religious Sectors?

With Americans reeling from corruption - in the financial industry, in organized religion, and in our political culture - it's time to answer the question: How do we clean house? Through moral courage.

Robert F. Kennedy defined "moral courage" as the willingness to speak truth to power within your circle for the sake of a greater good. Or, as Prof. Manji puts it, "speak up when everyone else wants to shut you up." No wonder Lesley Stahl of 60 Minutes calls her "the master of moral courage."

Whether addressing corporate managers about workplace diversity, congregations about spiritual integrity, or students and teachers about a future of real opportunity, Irshad Manji gives game-changing guidance that individuals can take away and apply to their lives.

Now more than ever, America needs our voices. Irshad Manji is using hers to issue your wake-up call.

News

Q&A: Irshad Manji on multiculturalism | Toronto Star
Controversial Canadian author, professor and self described “Muslim refusenik” Irshad Manji discussed the impact of multiculturalism on women as part of the ...
Controversial Muslim writer says multiculturalism isn't what it once was
Pierre Trudeau wouldn't be happy with how his vision of multiculturalism had been corrupted – at least that's what Irshad Manji believes. The controversial ...

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