Throughout my life, I have sought synchronicities—meaningful connections that guide my journey. After completing the Ahimsa Fellowship, which deepened my commitment to animal welfare and non-violence, I felt an innate pull toward learning more about Jain philosophy. As I was exploring ways to expand my understanding, I serendipitously came across an advertisement for Claremont School of Theology’s MA in Engaged Jain Studies program. The moment I saw it, I felt a profound alignment between my heart and mind, recognizing that this program was the perfect next step for my academic and spiritual evolution.

As someone born into a Muslim family, my desire to study Jainism offers a unique opportunity to foster interreligious dialogue between Islam and Jainism. I am deeply interested in exploring the philosophical intersections between the principle of Reham (رﺣم) in Islam and ahiṃsā in Jainism, both of which emphasize compassion and non-violence. I believe that studying Jain philosophy in an academic setting will empower me to bridge these traditions, fostering greater understanding and harmony between diverse communities.

Moreover, my background as a law enforcement and animal welfare fellow provides me with a distinct perspective on the practical applications of Jain ethics, particularly in areas like non-violent governance, ethical leadership, and policymaking. Through this program, I aim to integrate Jain principles into my ongoing work in animal protection, law enforcement, and public policy, ensuring that ahiṃsā becomes a guiding force in contemporary governance and legal frameworks.

Additionally, I have always had a natural inclination toward engaging with Digambara Jain communities, learning from their traditions, and finding ways to connect their insights with broader ethical and spiritual discourses. My passion for interfaith exploration, social justice, and animal welfare makes [this an ideal program], as I am committed to using this education not only for personal growth but also for societal transformation.
 

 

I believe that knowledge gains its true power when it is lived, shared, and applied meaningfully within our communities. My journey into compassion-in-action began when I consciously chose to dedicate my life to serving animals and advocating for non-violence. Over the years, my work in on-ground animal rescues has taught me not just the nuances of animal behavior but also the importance of community engagement—how empathy, education, and dialogue can transform public perception and inspire collective responsibility.
 

My involvement in policy formulation and legal research—particularly around animal protection laws—has given me deep insights into how change happens at a systemic level. I’ve learned how to navigate government structures, draft policy frameworks, and advocate for reforms using evidence-based research. At the same time, grassroots activism has taught me how to communicate powerful messages in a way that respects diverse beliefs, creates space for reflection, and moves people to action without confrontation.
 

The MA in Engaged Jain Studies will not only deepen my understanding of Jain philosophy but also empower me to translate ancient wisdom into modern practice. I plan to bring Jain principles like ahiṃsā (non-violence), aparigraha (non-possessiveness), and syādvāda (multiperspectivism) into the spheres of animal welfare, interfaith dialogue, environmental stewardship, and public policy.
 

In the classroom, I aim to contribute richly by sharing real-world stories, practical challenges, and ethical dilemmas I’ve faced in my work. I believe this exchange will create a vibrant bridge between theory and practice, allowing academic insights to ripple out into tangible, compassionate action.
 

Through this program, I seek to become a more grounded, articulate, and spiritually aligned change-maker—one who not only advocates for compassion but embodies it in community leadership, law, and interreligious understanding.
 

 

I have always felt like someone in the background—an observer of the world, quietly absorbing its layers.

My earliest encounter with Jainism was during childhood when I would see Digambara Jain monks walking barefoot and unclothed outside my window. At that tender age, I couldn’t fully grasp the depth of their renunciation, but I was captivated. I remember being filled with questions—about why they lived like that, what they believed in, and why people around them bowed in reverence. That early curiosity planted a seed in me.

Though I was raised in a Muslim family, where pursuing such interests was not always encouraged, I’ve always been ardently committed to my spiritual freedom. Over time, that quiet curiosity evolved into an intentional journey. I began reading works by Jain scholars, watching documentaries about Mahavira, and learning about Jain traditions through friends and visits to Jain households. From food habits to rituals to values like non-violence and non-attachment, I immersed myself as much as I could—though I had never been formally introduced to the academic or philosophical framework of Jainism.

That changed the moment I discovered the MA in Engaged Jain Studies program. It felt like a long-awaited door opening—an opportunity to finally connect the dots of everything I had felt, questioned, and sought. This program isn't just a course of study for me; it's a continuation of a journey that began in childhood, a journey that I now hope to deepen with clarity, guidance, and scholarship.