Event Details
“Is the Dark Side stronger?”
“No. Quicker, easier, and far more seductive, it is.”
-Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Join us for a special conversation led by Ustadh Omar Popal and Br. Omar Farooq on the deep-rooted spiritual inspiration and intersect of Religion and Star Wars, followed by a screening of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith!
We will discuss fundamental concepts in Star Wars and how they not only connect to Islam, but can find their origin in God’s decrees. Key points include the temptations of the Dark Side as a metaphor for Shaytan and our lower selves, the necessity of hope and forgiveness exhibited by Luke Skywalker as a necessity for every Muslim, the importance of passing on knowledge from student to teacher as a true master does their Padawan, and the utmost necessity of living by a higher code and letting to go and trusting in a higher power.
Following the talk will be a Q&A session and then a screening of Revenge of the Sith which will highlight several themes and topics discussed in the talk. This event is open to all attendees ages 14+ but will include heavy discussion of Islamic philosophical and religious concepts. All are welcome whether you are a fan of Star Wars or are simply interested what lessons we can learn from fiction and apply in real life. Familiarity with Star Wars is recommended as this talk will heavy spoilers for the entire Star Wars Saga.
Reach out with your feelings, you know this to be a truly amazing event! So do or do not grab a ticket, here is no try! Difficult to see and always in motion the future is, so please donate if you’d like to see more events like this! This is the event you are looking for and we can’t wait to see you there! Until then may the Force be with you. Always.
About Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith:
Years after the onset of the Clone Wars, the noble Jedi Order leads a massive clone army into a galaxy-wide war against the Separatists. When the sinister Sith unveils a thousand-year-old plot to rule the galaxy, the Republic crumbles and from its ashes arises the evil Galactic Empire. Anakin Skywalker is seduced by the dark side of the Force to become the Emperor’s new apprentice and Obi-Wan Kenobi is forced to face off in a climatic battle against his former apprentice.
Star Wars Revenge of the Sith is Rated PG-13 and features some science fiction violence and intense imagery. Parental discussion is advised.
About Ustadh Omar Popal
Ustadh Omar Popal was born and raised in Northern Virginia. He began studying the Islamic sciences at the age of 16 and his pursuit of knowledge led him to study at Madinatul Uloom in Virginia and Dar al-Qasim in Chicago where he graduated from. In a commitment to lifelong learning, he has continued his studies sitting at the feet of various scholars, most recently spending time in Istanbul for intensive studies. Ustadh Omar’s formative studies took place at Dar al-Mustafa in Tarim, Yemen. In 2018, he founded Tanwir Institute, with the mission of serving the educational and spiritual needs of the large Muslim population in the DC metropolitan area.
About Omar Farooq
Omar Farooq is was born and raised in the ADAMS Center Community his whole life and is the current Programs Manger for the Qahwa Cafe. He has “been in this fight since we was 6 years old” when he witnessed the release of Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith in 2005. Since then he as been extremely passionate about the impact of fiction on society, the lessons one can learn from art, and the deeper moral messages that can be found in film and TV. He considers Obi-Wan Kenobi to be a life long role modern.
- Date: May 4, 2025
- Time: 5:30 pm Eastern Time Zone (ET)
- Venue: ADAMS Center (Sterling, Qahwa Cafe): 46903 Sugarland Rd, Sterling, VA 20164