Distinguished Professor Ali Riaz delivered a presentation titled “Islam in South Asia: Diversity and Unity” as a part of the Illinois State University International Seminar Series on Wednesday, February 6 in the Prairie Room of the Bone Student Center.

His presentation challenged the common (mis)perceptions that the world of Islam is monolithic and homogeneous and explored the variations in Islamic traditions in South Asia, the home of the largest Muslim community of the world. The presentation also examined the manifestations of Islam as a faith and as a political ideology in the region.

Ali Riaz is Distinguished Professor of Politics and Government at Illinois State University. He also holds the Thomas E. Eimermann Professorship (2018-2020). He is internationally known as an expert on violent extremism, political Islam, South Asian politics, and Bangladeshi politics.