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About

Dr. Abdul Latif Finch is a respected scholar, educator, and community leader whose work bridges philosophy, Islamic studies, and the Arabic language. 

He earned his PhD from in Philosophy and Islam from the University of Exeter, an endeavor that required intensive study of Arabic texts ranging from classical theological works to modern philosophical discourse. His research and writing demonstrate a deep engagement with the Arabic intellectual tradition and its relevance to contemporary thought.

 

Dr. Finch furthered his scholarship through prestigious fellowships at both Harvard University and the University of Oxford, where he collaborated with international scholars and refined his skills in translating, analyzing, and teaching primary Arabic sources. These experiences enriched his ability to make complex ideas accessible to students and highlighted the importance of Arabic as both a scholarly and spiritual language.

 

In the classroom, Dr. Finch emphasizes a holistic approach to Arabic—teaching grammar and vocabulary alongside cultural, philosophical, and Qur’anic contexts. His method equips learners not only to read and understand the Qur’an but also to engage critically with the vast body of classical and modern Islamic literature. Known for his clarity, patience, and ability to connect with learners at all levels, he has helped countless students find confidence and purpose in their Arabic studies.

 

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Finch has contributed to community development, interfaith dialogue, and mentoring future scholars. Whether guiding beginners in Qur’anic reading or advanced students tackling philosophical texts, he consistently highlights Arabic as a living key to faith, knowledge, and intellectual tradition.

Education

2015-2020

Ph.D., Arab and Islamic Studies

University of Exeter

Dissertation: Squaring the Circle: The Suspended Person Thought Experiment’ s Conditions of Approved Apperception as an Onto-Epistemic Basis for Mullā Ṣadrā’ s Existentialist Psychology

2014-2015

Philosophy

Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology

Master’s Thesis: Avicenna’ s Flying Man Argument as Substantiation for the Epistemological Ground of Knowledge by Presence

2005-2008

Islamic Studies

Zaytuna Seminary

Classical Islamic curriculum including Qur'an Studies, Ḥadīth, Fiqh, Uṣūl al-Fiqh, Aqīdah, Islamic History, Arabic, Sufism, and Manṭiq.

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