About the Author

Dr. Nakshawani currently serves as the Special Representative for the Universal Muslim Association of America (UMAA). In this role, Dr. Nakshawani promotes an understanding of the customs and beliefs of Shia Ithna Asheri Muslims. As Special Representative, Dr. Nakshawani engages in interfaith dialogue with leaders of a variety of faith communities, and advocates on behalf of Shia Islam to a variety of elected officials, think tanks, and policy institutes. UMAA seeks to provide a forum to foster unity among Muslims, to participate in civic and political endeavors, and to dispel misgivings about Islam and Muslims. The vision of the UMAA is to be an organization that enriches American society by engendering an appreciation of Shia Ithna-Asheri Islamic values, ethics, and ideals. Prior to joining UMAA, Dr. Nakshawani served as the Visiting Scholar of Islamic Studies, at the University of Cambridge in England. In this position, he performed extensive research and academic analysis of ancient Islamic texts, which he has discussed at a number of academic forums. The Centre of Islamic Studies at the University of Cambridge aims to promote a constructive and critical understanding of the role of Islam and Muslims in wider society, with a focus on the UK and Europe. Dr. Nakshawani also served as Faculty of Middle Eastern and Asian Studies at Cambridge for many years. Sayed Nakshawani is the author of five books, most recently The Ten Guaranteed Paradise, which skyrocketed to "#1 Best Seller" status in the Shia Islam section of Amazon. He has also authored The 14 Infallibles, Ramadhan Sermons, Hujr ibn Adi: A Victim of Terror, and the French language Islam: Liberte - Egalite - Fraternite. Sayed Nakshawani is one of the world's most prolific speakers, and is regularly hosted at forums, events, and conferences around the world. He has appeared on BBC, NBC, and a host of other media outlets throughout his academic and professional career. Dr. Nakshawani completed his Ph.D thesis at the University of Exeter. He has lectured at the university in Classical Islamic History and also pursued further studies at the Islamic Seminary in Damascus, Syria. Prior to this, he was awarded with an MA in Islamic Studies from Shahid Beheshti University in Iran. Sayed Nakshawani completed his undergraduate studies at the London School of Economics.