DEARBORN — A group of interfaith leaders, including the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion, met at the Islamic Center of America recently to discuss Imam Sayid Hassan al-Qazwini’s book “American Crescent,” published in October. Well-known religion journalist David Crumm said that in more than 20 years of writing about religion, Qazwini’s book is the first one that he has seen written as a memoir of an American Muslim leader. Qazwini said the book was partly inspired by a meeting with President Bill Clinton in 1999. Clinton told Qazwini that he knew little about Islam before his daughter Chelsea began telling him about the religion while taking a course in college. Qazwini said it was then that he realized how important it was to help educate the American public on Islam. The book, which details Qazwini’s life from his youth in Iraq through his migration to Kuwait, Iran and ultimately the U.S., is described in the publisher’s note as “a fascinating personal story and a heartfelt plea to integrate Islamic teachings into the tolerant traditions of America.” Qazwini said he infused humor into the book to keep readers engaged, recalling an anecdote in which he repeatedly, mistakenly told listeners in a speech that he was giving to “mate (rather than tame) the beast within you.” Dan Mekled, who played a role in coordinating the project for Qazwini, said the book is intended for Muslims and non-Muslims alike, and serves to portray the trials of the U.S. Muslim leadership in general. “It’s not intended to talk about Imam Qazwini. It’s more intended to talk about the imam,” Mekled said. Crumm described the book’s publication as “a historic moment — to have this particular publisher (Random House) publish this memoir.”