DR. ALI ATAIE
Dr. Ali Ataie is a scholar of biblical hermeneutics with field specialties in Sacred Languages, Comparative Theology, and Comparative Literature. At Zaytuna College, Dr. Ataie has taught Arabic, Creedal Theology, Comparative Theology, Sciences of the Quran, Introduction to the Qur’an, and Seminal Ancient Texts.
He received his BS in accounting from Cal Poly State University in 2000. In 2011, he received his MA in Biblical Studies from Pacific School of Religion, and in 2016, his PhD in Cultural and Historical Studies in Religion from the Graduate Theological Union.
Dr. Ataie’s PhD thesis, titled “Authenticating the Johannine Injil: Muslim ‘Polemirenic’ Interpretive Approaches to the Gospel of John,” is a faith-based hermeneutic of the Gospel of John in which the entire text is authenticated as being the true Gospel of Jesus Christ mentioned in the Qur’an.
Dr. Ataie is a native Persian speaker. He can read and write Arabic, Hebrew, and Greek. Dr. Ataie joined the Zaytuna College faculty in 2012.
WHAT IS FRIDAY GEMS?
Friday Gems is CelebrateMercy’s weekly live online program, which aims to further our mission to help people discover the truth about Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and transform their lives through his beautiful example and teachings.
For the average busy Muslim adult, it’s a great way to maintain a consistent connection with the most beloved ﷺ of God, on the most blessed day of the week.
Part 1 (30 min) of the session is a fulfillment of the tradition of the Prophet ﷺ to engage meaningfully with the 18th chapter of the Quran, The Cave (al-Kahf), every Friday. This practice holds various virtues. English translation is shown on the screen with the Arabic verses so that it’s a meaningful experience for the audience.
Part 2 (35 min) is an inspiring and practical reminder delivered by one of our esteemed teachers on a certain aspect of the Prophet’s ﷺ life, character and teachings. This is coupled with references to relevant passages in the Quran. The topic is presented in a manner that’s applicable to one’s own life, today’s world and current events.
Part 3 (25 min) is a heartfelt discussion and Q&A between the teacher and the audience. It’s a great opportunity to foster community and support one another, no matter where a person is in their journey. Emulating the Prophetic example, prayers and encouragement are exchanged, leading to a heart softening and spiritually uplifting experience.