Moderate Imam Feisal Rauf was turned into a radical ideologue in the eyes of those opposed to an Islamic cultural center in lower Manhattan. Imam Rauf talks with Terry Gross about his ongoing struggle to keep common ground growing between Islam and the west. Also check out Imam Rauf’s TED talk on compassion: "Lose your ego, find your compassion." 

Read an excerpt from Imam Rauf 's new book Moving the Mountain: Beyond Ground Zero To A New Vision Of Islam In America.

Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf combines the teachings of the Qur’an, the stories of Rumi, and the examples of Muhammad and Jesus, to demonstrate that only one obstacle stands between each of us and absolute compassion -- ourselves.  In 2003, Imam Feisel Abdul Rauf founded the Cordoba Initiative, a non-partisan and international organization that works to provide innovative solutions to conflict between Muslim and Western communities. He also serves as chair of the Initiative, actively promoting and moderating dialogue between individuals and groups. What’s more, this project was not the Imam's first foray into interreligious talks. In 1997, he started the American Society for Muslim Advancement (ASMA), a group that brings American Muslims and non-Muslims together through programs in policy, current affairs and culture.

Charter partner The Cordoba Initiative site has collect all the video of the Imam's recent appearances - including The O'Reilly Factor.