216 - Mohammed Abu-Nimer: Interfaith Forgiveness and Reconciliation

In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Dr. Mohammed Abu-Nimer, founder of the Salam Institute, about his work in conflict resolution, interfaith engagement, and peacebuilding. The discussion centers on the Salam Institute's mission to address conflict from within local cultural and faith frameworks, highlighting how Islamic principles of mercy (rahmah) and reconciliation (sulh) can be leveraged to counter extremist ideologies, reduce Islamophobia, and combat the politics of fear. Dr. Abu-Nimer outlines the institute's initiatives to integrate forgiveness and nonviolence curricula into education systems across the Arab region, its domestic programs engaging youth in the DMV area and U.S. Muslim schools, and an upcoming academic conference focused on expanding empirical research on localized peacebuilding.

Dr. Mohammed Abu-Nimer is a Palestinian-American scholar, author, and peacebuilder. He serves as a Professor in the School of International Service at American University and holds the Abdul Aziz Said Chair in International Peace and Conflict Resolution. Additionally, he founded the Salam Institute for Peace and Justice to advance civic education, capacity building, and interfaith dialogue.