Sacred Geography & Scripture in Dearborn
Ka'bah, Qiblah, and Sacred Memory ~ You know the stories. Come see the world behind them.
A small-group public humanities study series exploring how ancient structures, sacred direction, movement, and landscape shape the worlds remembered in the Torah and Qur'an. Hosted by Dante Muḥammad, author of We Were Not Looking
EVENT OVERVIEW
Join us for a Detroit public humanities forum centered on The Sacred City 2, followed by a guided discussion and audience Q&A. The event will explore sacred geography, early Islamic memory, qiblah, mosque orientation, and how communities responsibly engage contested historical narratives.
The purpose is not to endorse the film, but to create a responsible setting where its claims can be examined with scholarly care, Islamic awareness, and community sensitivity.
ABOUT THE FILM
The Sacred City 2 continues Dan Gibson’s investigation into early Islamic geography, mosque orientation, sacred direction, and the historical landscapes connected to Islam’s formative period. The film raises claims that have generated significant discussion and debate.
This event uses the film as a catalyst for guided public conversation, bringing together scholarly, Islamic, and community perspectives to examine the questions it raises with care.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: To be announced
Time: To be announced
Location: Mama Imani Humphrey Banquet Hall
Address: 8324 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48202
Capacity: 250
Cost: Free
Refreshments: Complimentary light refreshments
RSVP: Early RSVP / priority notification available now. Confirmed seating details will be sent once the film release window and screening access are finalized.
We’ll gather in the beautiful Mama Imani Humphrey Banquet Hall on the second floor of the Detroit People’s Food Co-op, a modern, community-owned space designed for lectures, screenings, and cultural events. Seating will be limited to 250 guests, and complimentary light refreshments are planned.
ABOUT THE HOST
Dante Muḥammad is a Detroit-based author and researcher whose work explores sacred geography, ancient Near Eastern history, and the landscapes behind the patriarchal and prophetic narratives of the Bible and Qur’an. His book, We Were Not Looking: Reconstructing the Patriarchal World Through Ancient Near Eastern Context, examines the roads, wells, sanctuaries, migration routes, and contested territories that shaped Abrahamic memory. His research complements Dan Gibson’s terrain-based questions by placing early Islam within a broader geographic and historical framework.
What to Expect
🎬 Full screening of The Sacred City 2
A complete viewing of Dan Gibson’s documentary exploring early Islamic origins, sacred geography, mosque orientation, and archaeological evidence.
💬 Guided Q&A led by Dante Muḥammad
A moderated discussion connecting the film’s questions to broader themes of sacred geography, qiblah, terrain, and Abrahamic memory.
👥 Respectful, moderated discussion
This gathering is designed for thoughtful inquiry, not argument or provocation. Questions are welcome. Disrespect is not.
📖 Scholarship-focused environment
The conversation will focus on evidence, geography, history, and careful interpretation.
☕ Complimentary light refreshments
Light refreshments will be available for guests during the event.
📚 Copies of We Were Not Looking available for purchase and signing
Copies of Dante Muḥammad’s book will be available on-site after the screening and discussion.
Disagreement is welcome. Disrespect is not.
BOOKS
Copies of We Were Not Looking will be available for purchase and signing at the event.
We Were Not Looking: Reconstructing the Patriarchal World Through Ancient Near Eastern Context explores the real geography beneath the Bible and Qur’an: the roads, wells, ridges, sanctuaries, famine zones, migration routes, and contested territories that shaped the world of the prophets.
The book invites readers to reconsider sacred history through the land itself, not as abstract theology floating politely in the clouds, but as memory rooted in terrain, movement, and survival.
Reserve Your Seat
Seating for this Detroit community screening is limited, and advance RSVP is required.
Please reserve your spot through Eventbrite so we can prepare the room, seating, and refreshments appropriately. Your RSVP helps us create a welcoming and well-organized gathering for everyone attending.
Limited seating available. Please reserve in advance.
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