Roots of Discovery: Sands of Knowledge

Journey through the rich cultures of the Muslim world and discover an extraordinary legacy of curiosity, creativity and innovation. Explore how scholars, artists and thinkers preserved ancient knowledge, transformed it through new discoveries, and shared ideas that would influence Europe and help shape our modern understanding of mathematics, astronomy, medicine, art, architecture and the natural world. Presentations 12:30 – 1pm, SECU Daily Planet Theater Hearts, Minds, and Healing: How Caring for Others Connects Us All Caring for others is rarely a one-way exchange; what we extend to others returns to shape us. This session transitions between the heart and the mind. It brings the compassion and service at the center of Islamic tradition into conversation with empathy and self-awareness, the cornerstones of emotional intelligence, and asks how each becomes a form of healing. What emerges is a picture of what encourages individuals make a meaning of their own stories, allows them to feel seen and heard. Recognition, in turn, is what binds a community together About the speaker Fatma Wasel was born in Kuwait, raised in Yemen, and has Egyptian roots. She holds a Doctorate in Executive Leadership focused on emotional intelligence and cross-cultural integration. A U.S. State Department alumna, educator, trainer, activist, and linguist, she has worked across government, nonprofit, and private sectors nationally and internationally. 1 – 1:30pm, SECU Daily Planet Theater Healing and Discovery: The Muslim Legacy in Medicine and Engineering From Al-Zahrawi, the father of modern surgery whose surgical texts shaped European medicine for centuries, to Al-Jazari’s ingenious mechanical inventions, this talk explores the golden age of Muslim scientific achievement in medicine and engineering. Discover how scholars across the Islamic world advanced surgery, pharmacology, and mechanical design in ways that continue to influence science today. About the speaker Mohsen Zakaib is a physician-in-training with a multidisciplinary background in nuclear engineering, business, and Islamic studies. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Nuclear Engineering, an MBA, and a bachelor’s in Islamic Studies. Mohsen serves as Director of Development at the Lighthouse Project and co-founded RISE at the Islamic Association of Raleigh. Activities Nature Research Center Lobby Creatures beyond the Sand: Wildlife Across a Continent  NC Museum of Natural Sciences Journey beyond the desert and discover the incredible diversity of animals found across Africa and its surrounding islands. Meet fascinating creatures and explore the unique adaptations that help them thrive in habitats from forests and wetlands to grasslands and beyond. Mapping the Heavens: Stars, Time & Discovery Artist Ummah Look to the skies and discover how Muslim scholars mapped the stars, measured time and expanded our understanding of the universe. Healing Through Knowledge: The Roots of Medicine Artist Ummah Discover how Muslim physicians studied the human body, advanced medical treatments and preserved knowledge that helped shape modern medicine. The Living Lineage: A Journey into the Classical Islamic Arts  Artist Ummah Journey through timeless traditions of calligraphy, geometry, tezhip, embroidery, and ebru, reimagined by Muslim artists in North Carolina. Experience a live Arabic calligraphy demonstration with artist Jihan Alradaee. Sips of History: Coffee & Tradition   Salt & Cheeni Enjoy a complimentary sample of freshly brewed coffee with Salt & Cheeni! Discover how the right grind and brewing method bring out the best in every bean, and explore how coffee is more than just a drink—it’s conversation, connection, and comfort in a cup. About our Collaborator Artist Ummah is a community-driven art organization that uplifts diverse Muslim voices and builds bridges of understanding between communities. To learn more about what they do, visit: Artist Ummah Roots of Discovery series offers a meaningful platform where communities can share their stories in their own voice — through hands-on science, artistic expression and cultural traditions — while showcasing the connections between culture, nature and scientific discovery. Next in the series:  Nov 10 — Roots of Discovery: Festival of Light