Honoring Professor Ghulam-Haider Aasi
AIC BULLETIN
As-salaamu ‘alaykum.
إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُون
Indeed, we all belong to God and to God we are all returning…
Today, with heavy but grateful hearts, we remember and honor the life of Dr. Ghulam-Haider Aasi — a husband, father, friend, mentor, scholar, and educator.
Dr. Aasi was the founding chair of History of Religions at American Islamic College, where his former professor and advisor, Dr. Ismail al-Faruqi of Temple University, was named founding President and Provost. Through his deep knowledge and commitment to scholarship, Dr. Aasi shaped the minds of many through his courses on Christian-Muslim relations at AIC, Catholic Theological Union, and The Lutheran School of Theology. His lasting influence extends beyond academia as he inspired countless individuals with his unwavering kindness, humility, and patience.
In addition to his academic work on the History of Religions and Islam, Dr. Aasi leaves behind a meaningful legacy of impactful interfaith relations. He was dedicated to promoting respect, understanding, and cooperation among diverse faith communities, acknowledging and welcoming the various perspectives within each, including Islam, in order to have a more truthful and open dialogue. His publications included Muslim Understanding of Other Religions (1991) and a contribution to Peace-building by, between, and beyond Muslims and Evangelical Christians (2009).
He was a person whose presence radiated warmth and wisdom, and whose contributions will endure in the relationships he nurtured and the ideals he championed. His life reminds us of the importance of faith, empathy, humility, and the power of meaningful dialogue.
As we remember Dr. Aasi, let us honor his memory by continuing the work he so passionately pursued by building connections, sharing wisdom, and fostering peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, colleagues, students, and all who were touched by his endearing interactions, insightful work, and influential life.
The College remained a part of Dr. Aasi even well after his retirement, and he remains a part of the College with his lasting imprint. The AIC community will miss him dearly.
May he be welcomed home with love, forgiveness, and a joyous reception; may his life of service and transformative education be accepted; and may he be forever in the company of the righteous and granted the highest place in Paradise!
-Your AIC Family
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