By Laura Clark

Kiarash Jahed’s travels span from Europe to the Middle East and extensive knowledge of Islam places him in a category among old Arab scholars.

Among his many other ties, Jahed calls himself a UK fan.

As part of Islamic Awareness Week 2009, hosted by UK’s Muslim Student Association, Jahed will present a speech on Wednesday focusing on the current state of the Muslim community in the United States, as well as the future role of Islam in America.

The speech, titled “Islam & America: Where We Are and Where We Are Going,” will be held in the Student Center Small Ballroom at 7 p.m.

“(Kiarash) can really relate to students,” said Aun Munis, president of the Muslim Student Association and a biology senior.  “A lot of people consider him a scholar.  He’s very, very knowledgeable about the topic, but it’s even better because he’s young.”

Kiarash was born in Tehran, Iran, but was raised in Lexington after instability in the country when he was young.

Jahed completed his undergraduate studies at Transylvania University, where he also played basketball.  He is currently a third-year medical student at the University of Louisville.

However, Kentucky is only one of the many places Jahed has lived.

Jahed has studied abroad in Syria and Egypt for Arabic and Islamic studies, as well as in Greece and Turkey for comparative religion studies and the history of Christianity.  He has also visited family in Iran and studied in Spain and England.

The secular environment Jahed was raised in caused him to question certain religious doctrines. It wasn’t until Jahed was about 17 when he first set foot in a mosque.

“That first prayer I attended … felt natural,” Jahed said.  “The testimony of faith … was easy, simple, yet, uncompromising in doctrine and deep in implication.”

After borrowing the Quran from the library, Jahed noticed the wide gap of “cosmic longing” had been filled, developing his deep passion for the study of Islam.

Jahed described Muslims as being integral members of American society because of their numerous contributions in every facet of life.

“Islam is very much part of the fabric of American culture,” Jahed said.  “It has been very integral in the development and history of this country, and will continue to do so.”

Matt Longacre, treasurer of the Muslim Student Association and business management junior, acknowledged Jahed is more than qualified to speak on the future of Islam.

“He has a thought process that’s very forward-thinking,” Longacre said.  “(Jahed) is a very devout Muslim, yet a patriotic American.”