Dr. Ismail al-Faruqi (1339-1406/1921-1986) is widely recognized as an authority on Islam and comparative religion. He was a Professor of Religion at Temple University, where he founded and chaired the Islamic Studies program. Having studied or taught in the Middle East and Africa, as well as in Canada and the United States, Professor al-Faruqi possessed the wide background of training and experience required for a thorough mastery of his field. His writings include numerous articles and books in both Arabic and English.
Lois Lamya al-Faruqi She was born in Montana. She earned her B.A. in music from the University of Montana (1948) studying piano. She then entered Indiana University, where she was awarded an M.A. in music (1949). During this period, she met and married Ismail Raji al-Faruqi. She became an expert on the music of the Arab world and obtained her Ph.D. from Syracuse University on that subject. She and her husband both became professors at Temple University.