A Muslim in Practical Theology – Saiyyidah Zaidi

Episode 31.
Saiyyidah brings her experience of Practical Theology to life in this engaging conversation. Landing in the field by accident, then choosing to remain, she views the staunchly white Christian British arena with an outsider’s eyes, while valuing the bridging of the Academy and religious leaders. Her perspective as a Muslim woman of color, prompted a deep exploration of her identity, for which she is grateful. Since completing her Doctorate in Practical Theology, Saiyyidah has combined that theory and use of conversation in her coaching and training on belonging.
Highlights:
· Conversations are available to everyone, and when we are confident in our identity and curious about the other, a deep and rich conversation is possible.
· We can affect each other in a brief exchange, without knowing it, and it doesn’t cost us anything.
· Stephen Pattison’s term ‘wayfaring without a map’, describes a conversation as a journey.
· Curiosity, acknowledgement and respect can be learned, but we need to work hard, be vulnerable, and be ready to shed some ideas.

Quotes:
“Acknowledging and recognizing difference is important, but when we focus too much energy, time, attention on the difference, we forget our similarities.”

“Some people haven't outed themselves as non-Christian, but because I am so obviously not Christian and remain in that space [of Practical Theology], that gives them confidence and permission to do so as well.”

“What I'm trying to do, ... is keep one foot in research and one foot in practice, because I think that will make my approach in both areas a little bit more rounded.”

Social Media links for Saiyyidah:
LinkedIn ­– https://www.linkedin.com/in/saiyyidah/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/SaiyyidahZaidi
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/saiyyidahzaidi/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/saiyyidahzaidi and https://www.facebook.com/saiyyidahzaidipage
Website: www.saiyyidah.com
Center for Belonging and Understanding – www.centreforbelongingandunderstanding.com

Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Transcript:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/12117876-31-saiyyidah-zaidi-a-journey-in-practical-theology/edit
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The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise: Is your way similar or different? Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore? Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet.
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[email protected]

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/