Promoting intelligent debate and understanding of Islam and the role of Muslims in the contemporary world is increasingly vital in these days of ever-present fears of extremism and terrorism.
A two-day conference organised by Dundee’s Al-Maktoum Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies starts in London tomorrow (Monday, June 16 ) to explore fresh and innovative issues within the study of Islam and Muslims that are related to Qur’anic Studies.
The focus will be on the key issues of diversity, multiculturalism, pluralism and, crucially, peace within Islam, concentrating on the core sacred text of Islam, the Qur’an, and how this presents a framework on these pressing 21st-century social issues.
“The need for exploring multiculturalism, pluralism and peace could not be any more relevant and pertinent than in today’s world,” said Acting Principal for the Al-Maktoum Institute, Professor Malory Nye. “Promoting intelligent debate and multiculturalism is the only way to defeat extremism and fundamentalism. As a recognised centre of excellence our courses, our research and our philosophy is to promote multiculturalism and cultural engagement to help combat world extremism. We face many issues and challenges today including globalisation, communication and the fast flow of information and technology. It’s a vital 21st-century issue and Islamic Studies is now a subject of strategic importance in our multicultural society. The students of today, if properly taught, will become the teachers of the future with a vision for multiculturalism and peaceful co-existence. However, the importance and development of this education should not merely be seen as a knee-jerk governmental response to security concerns.”
Professor Nye also believes a clear-cut role for Islamic Studies in the Higher Education sector and the relevance of its study to contemporary society and issues are needed if this strategic subject is to be developed effectively within Britain’s universities to meet the needs of the 21st century.
“There is a recognised shortage of teachers and very few focused undergraduate programmes in the field with only a very small handful of institutions offering any type of named ‘Islamic Studies’ degree,” he said. “Clearer recognition of this field of study stems from the challenges thrown up in our society from globalisation, social change, migration, and multiculturalism.”
The Al-Maktoum Institute conference will be held at the campus of the Old Royal Naval College, University of Greenwich that lies on the Greenwich Meridian, a suitably historic site, where the eastern and western hemispheres meet.
Its aims include exploring fresh and innovative issues within the study of Islam and Muslims that are related to Qur’anic Studies and looking at the core sources of Islam, particularly the Qur’an, to explore theoretical, philosophical, theological, and social perspectives and interpretations of society. There will be speakers from the UK, the United States, Canada, Malaysia, Jordan, Egypt and Turkey.
