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As part of its “Distinctive General Education Salon” series, the Center for General Education at Feng Chia University hosted a special lecture on April 27 featuring Abdullah Cheng (Cheng Ping), the youngest imam of the Taipei Grand Mosque. Titled “Islam Is Closer Than You Think,” the lecture introduced students and faculty to the values, traditions, and contemporary relevance of Islam.
In his opening remarks, Sheng-Po Tai, Executive Director of the Center for General Education, emphasized that Islam should not be viewed as a distant “other.” Instead, he encouraged participants to explore the core values embedded within Islamic culture and gain a deeper understanding of one of the world’s major faith traditions.
Born in Saudi Arabia and fluent in five languages, Imam Cheng has studied in Belize, Taiwan, Belgium, and Türkiye. He has also built a strong online presence, with more than 127,000 followers on social media. During the lecture, he outlined the global distribution of Muslim populations, noting that nearly 40 percent of the world’s Muslims live in Indonesia, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, highlighting the cultural diversity within the Islamic world.
The Center for General Education invited Abdullah Cheng, the youngest imam of the Taipei Grand Mosque, to present a lecture titled “Islam Is Closer Than You Think,” offering faculty members and students a deeper understanding of Muslim culture.
Imam Cheng explained that Islam is not only a religion but also a comprehensive way of life encompassing dietary practices, prayer rituals, clothing guidelines, ethical principles, social responsibility, and the concept of submission to God.
He noted that the practice of praying five times a day should not be viewed as a burden but rather as a form of time management and spiritual renewal. Dietary regulations, such as the prohibition of pork, reflect deeper reflections on self-discipline and human behavior. Likewise, Islamic concepts of modesty and appropriate dress can be understood in relation to broader discussions of privacy, personal boundaries, and social respect in modern society.
Using contemporary examples and relatable analogies, Imam Cheng presented Islamic teachings in an accessible way that resonated with the audience. His approach helped participants gain new perspectives on the values underlying Islamic practice, while encouraging reflection on how respect for differences can be applied in everyday life.
He also described Taiwan as a remarkably welcoming society for Muslims and followers of diverse religions, emphasizing that faith is ultimately a personal choice rather than something determined solely by family background.
The Center for General Education stated that it will continue organizing a variety of salon events to broaden students’ international perspectives, foster humanitarian awareness, and promote respect and mutual understanding across cultures and communities.
The discussion session following the lecture was lively and engaging. Students noted that the presentation provided them with new insights into the core values of Islam and inspired meaningful reflection.
Sheng-Po Tai, Executive Director of the Center for General Education, presented a certificate of appreciation to Imam Abdullah Cheng (left) in recognition of his visit and insightful presentation.
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