Semi-annual Lecture Series - Sheikh Yusuf Estes
This evening is brought to you by the Muslim Students Association in collaboration with the Arab Students Association at Western Michigan University on Friday, November 5, 2010 at 5:30 PM in the Bernhard Center Ballroom. The keynote speech will be delivered by Sheikh Yusuf Estes
Almost one quarter of the world's population is Muslim, and approximately 7 million Muslims live in the U.S.A, this event helps bridge the gap between the Muslim community and the non-Muslim community in the United States. Western Michigan University has a substantially large Muslim population; therefore, this especially benefits the WMU community.
In addition, this evening brings Muslims and non-Muslims of all different backgrounds together in one room on the same night. Guests converse with others seated at their tables and discuss different cultures and cultural perspectives.
Biography of Speaker
Yusuf Estes was born in the Midwest United States 1944 to a religious Christian family. They moved to Houston, Texas in 1949 where he grew in the Disciples of Christ and was baptized into the church in 1956. Over the years he completed his studies in music and became a music teacher, well-known entertainer and businessman and finally a music minister calling people to the Lord with his music and Bible.
During his business career he built up a chain of music stores and even had his own television series called the "Estes Music Jamboree". He and his father owned businesses and worked together in spreading religion and politics, all at the same time. They both served together on the Texas Governor’s Conference for Business Leaders during the early 1980's. Yusuf also owned expensive homes, cars and boats and at one point he even owned airplanes and had become a dealer for Cessna Aircraft. Although he had great wealth, Yusuf continued to seek the Lord while calling people to Jesus and Christian salvation.
His first encounter with a Muslim occurred in 1991 when his father introduced him to a man from Egypt. When he discovered the man was a Muslim he began immediately trying to convert him to Jesus and join the church. However, the Muslim brought about a new understanding about the world's fastest growing religion and a real awakening to true Islam.
Since then he has been studying Islam, Arabic language and the Quran while working day and night to present the correct message of Islam both to Muslims and non-Muslims alike for peace, understanding and tolerance. His research has taken him to many religious institutions and scholars around the world, including: Egypt, Morocco, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Sri Lanka, Bahrain, Turkey, Australia, England, Ireland, Scotland, Denmark, Sweden, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Trinidad, Tobago, Dutch Antilles, Barbados, India, Qatar and the list goes on.
He has been called upon by the United States Bureau of Prisons to present Islam as Muslim Chaplain to inmates in Federal Intuitions all around America until his retirement. He has also served as Muslim Delegate to the United Nations World Peace Summit for Religious Leaders.
He has authored books, established many websites, instituted live webcasting and video conferences while traveling around the world presenting Islam in his simple, yet direct approach to easily understanding what has become to be known as the " most misunderstood religion in the world".
His presentations have helped people around the world to grasp the correct concept and teachings of Islam. Even born Muslims have said his presentations have been instrumental in helping them personally understand Islam.
Registration is required and seats are limited.