Mohamed Defaa
Mohamed Defaa is certified by the International Center for Educational and Cultural Consulting in Lyon, France. He earned an MA in Communication and Expression at the University Mohamed V in Rabat, Morocco, and a BA in French Language and Literature from the University Ibn Tofail in Kénitra, Morocco. Defaa has served as an assistant professor of Communication and Cultural Expression at the University Hassan the Second in Casablanca, Morocco, and a college instructor in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. He is a French and Arabic teacher at Merrimack High School, and an Arabic instructor at Southern New Hampshire University.
Contact
Mohamed Defaa
Merrimack, NH 03054
mdefaa@gmail.com
Work Phone: 603-424-6204
Cell Phone: 603-930-9765
Available Program Formats: In person or online presentations
Mohamed Defaa's Programs
An Introduction to Sufism, the Spiritual Path in Islam
Sufism is the inner dimension of Sunni Islam. Taking its source in the Quran and the Prophetic tradition, it has often been defined as "the science of spiritual states." Proficiency in this practice should enable the initiated to overcome his ego to achieve the knowledge and contemplation of God. Basically, the Sufi aspires to draw from the spiritual influx (baraka) of the Prophet Muhammad, handed down for centuries from master to disciple, to fight against the passions and delusions that beset him. This talk by Mohamed Defaa will highlight the universality of Sufism, and explain how, over the centuries, the great teachers have adapted the doctrines and practices of initiation to the transformations of the Muslim world. It will also show why Sufism plays an increasing role as an antidote against fundamentalism and radicalism.
Book Group - Fiction & non-fiction books related to the Middle East
Mohamed facilitates fiction and non-fiction books related to the Middle East. If your organization is interested in reading books on the Middle East, please contact Mohamed directly to confirm interest and availability.
Contact
Mohamed Defaa
Merrimack, NH 03054
mdefaa@gmail.com
Work Phone: 603-424-6204
Cell Phone: 603-930-9765
Available Program Formats: In person or online
Book Groups offer an opportunity for participants to engage with diverse perspectives in the humanities through literature to build understanding, empathy, and to support a culture of reading in the Granite State. New Hampshire Humanities provides expert facilitators; host organizations must provide the books.
The Middle East
The term "Middle East" is a changing geopolitical concept. Throughout recent history, this term referred to a political, a cultural, and a geographical region with no clear boundaries. Moreover, this concept serves to generate stereotypes and misunderstanding. This multimedia presentation by Mohamed Defaa provides an analytical framework to understand the histories, social identities, and cultures behind this complex concept of "Middle East."
US@250: Big Watch
Be a part of something BIG: Join US@250: Big Watch, a statewide series of community-driven programs that bring Granite Staters together to watch, discuss, and reflect on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and American Revolution.
Join us to commemorate and reflect upon the 250th anniversary with a film screening and discussion. Together, we’ll watch a short (30 min) excerpt from THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, a new film directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, followed by a community discussion. The featured segment from THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION,“The Spirit of Service,” explores service as a core American value, from the nation’s founding through to the present day – examining volunteerism, civic participation, public leadership, and more.
Expert facilitator Mohamed Defaa will guide thoughtful conversations about “remembering together,” considering questions such as:
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- What moments from our past define who we are and point to a shared future?
- What are the key historical moments in your town’s or community’s history?
- How does focusing on these moments shape your sense of your community’s future?
This program will last approximately 1.5 hours (30 minutes for film screening, 1 hour for facilitated discussion). Please make sure you have appropriate technology for the film screening, including a strong internet connection, large screen, and sound system. Please contact programs@nhhumanities.org for the link to the themed excerpt.
Big Watch programs are made possible by a partnership between New Hampshire Humanities and New Hampshire PBS.
"It's like being a part of history."
-Big Watch participant
