Zuhdi Jasser

Zuhdi Jasser

Name	Zuhdi Jasser
Birth name
Birth date
Birth place
Death date
Death place
Alma mater
Occupation	Physician, Activist
Years active
Organization
Known for	Founding the American Islamic Forum for Democracy
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Zuhdi Jasser is an American physician and activist known for his work in promoting a moderate interpretation of Islam and advocating for the separation of mosque and state. He is the founder of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy (AIFD), an organization that seeks to provide a platform for Muslims who support the principles of democracy and oppose the influence of political Islam.

Early Life and Education

Zuhdi Jasser was born in the United States to Syrian immigrant parents. He grew up in a household that valued both Islamic traditions and American democratic ideals. Jasser pursued a career in medicine, earning his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin. He completed his residency in internal medicine and served as a physician in the United States Navy.

Career

Jasser is a respected internist and nuclear cardiologist. He has served as a physician in the U.S. Navy, where he was recognized for his service. After his military career, Jasser entered private practice in Arizona.

In addition to his medical career, Jasser is a prominent voice in the discussion of Islam and democracy. He founded the American Islamic Forum for Democracy in 2003, aiming to provide a voice for Muslims who support the separation of religion and state and oppose the ideology of Islamism.

Activism and Views

Jasser is a vocal critic of Islamism, which he defines as the political ideology that seeks to impose Islamic law as the basis of government. He argues that Islamism is incompatible with democracy and individual freedoms. Through his work with the AIFD, Jasser advocates for a reformation within Islam that embraces modernity and pluralism.

Jasser has testified before the U.S. Congress on issues related to Islamic radicalization and has been featured in various media outlets discussing the challenges of integrating Islamic values with Western democratic principles.

Publications and Media

Jasser is the author of "A Battle for the Soul of Islam: An American Muslim Patriot's Fight to Save His Faith," where he outlines his vision for a reformed Islam that is compatible with American values. He is also a frequent contributor to national and international media, providing commentary on issues related to Islam and democracy.

Also see

• American Islamic Forum for Democracy
• Islamism
• Separation of church and state
• Islamic reform