When it comes to Islam, public discussion concerning the “true essence” of the religion is often polarized. On one side, many claim that Islam is inherently violent. On the other side, many assert that Islam is a peaceful religion. Both of those claims offer a single, narrow definition of the truth. Caught up in this divisive struggle to define Islam as one thing or another, many people—Muslims and non-Muslims alike—overlook the fact that Islam, like any other religion, is not a monolith.

The people who practice Islam are incredibly diverse; in fact, many Muslims themselves might be surprised to learn of the immense diversity within their own religion. There is no one Islam, but instead, as Aziz Al-Azmeh put it, multiple Islams. Dr. Ali Asani says that, whenever we talk or think about Islam, we first have to ask the questions, whose Islam? And in what context?

In this talk, Kiana expounds on this cultural studies approach to understanding Islam, showing that interpretations of a religion are shaped by the political, social, economic, historical, and geographic contexts of the believers themselves. Kiana Rawji has developed a keen interest in and promoted the understanding of pluralism and Islam over the past five years. Kiana’s passion for this is demonstrated in her medal-winning speeches delivered at various competitions at the national and international levels.

To Kiana, speaking and writing are powerful vehicles for change and she hopes to continue to leverage her talent in both to promote social justice. In 2017, she received the Cadillac Fairview Youth of Distinction Award for her efforts to advocate for the understanding of Islam.

Kiana is also the Founding President and CEO of a nonprofit, Gentr (www.gentr.org), a girls entrepreneurial development program. Through Gentr's program, adapted from the MIT Launch curriculum, girls in Tanzania and Kenya are acquiring the skill set and mindset needed to succeed in their environments and develop their confidence as young women. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx