A Story of The Syeeds

The story of pluralism in the U.S. is unfolding in real time, with everyone contributing to its creation. We build pluralism by being our full selves engaging with one another across our differences to cultivate mutual flourishing. This short film “Planting Seeds for Pluralism in America: The Syeed Family” highlights Dr. Sayyid and Rafia Syeed as two figures, among many, who have contributed to the American interfaith movement for equitable pluralism. As American Muslims, The Syeeds (specifically Rafia and Dr. Sayyid) built a tight web of trusted multifaith relationships locally in Bloomington, Indiana, and nationwide. This short documentary-style narrative shares their journey of principled pluralism through the perspective of their eldest daughter, Afeefa. It looks at the values and relationships that shaped their lives, along with the movements and discussions they were part of that influenced American pluralism from building American Muslim organizations and growing interfaith coalition efforts including (but not limited to) the Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign.

We hope the Syeed family inspires you like they inspire us! Click here to check out a discussion guide to accompany your viewing of this 15:52 minute film, “Planting Seeds for Pluralism in America: The Syeed Family”, and continue learning more about the Syeeds and how you too can plant seeds of pluralism in the links below.