ASSOCIATIONASSOCIATION OF OF MUSLIM MUSLIM SOCIALSOCIAL SCIENTISTS SCIENTISTS (UK) (UK) NEWSLETTER issue no.7 • 2006

Islam in Higher Education Conference Highlights Issue of Teaching in Higher Education Long Before Government Orders a Report on the Subject

Established orientalist notions of what consti-

Significantly, this jointly organised tutes Islamic scholarship have largely remained Conference by AMSS and its part- ners was held more than a year unchallenged. The emergence of neo-orientalism before the government and MP Bill and phenomenological approaches are two ways Rammell’s, Minister of Education, call for a review of the teaching of in which exciting ideas are being adapted, and university Islamic courses. The government has commissioned a in some cases, challenged. Abdul-Rehman Malik report on this issue to ensure that religious oriented courses are not organised by amss (uk), the centre restricted to narrow interpreta- for the study of islam and chris- tions. Although the conference tian-muslim relations (birming- sought to highlight and examine ham university) and the higher education academy subject centre the complexities of the teaching of for philosophical and religious Islam and other related issues, invi- studies, 29-30 january 2005, at the tations to the civil service, govern- university of birmingham. ment departments and key person- nel to attend the conference met Since 11 September 2001 there has with no response. Subsequent trag- been a remarkable growth in the ic events triggered interest in the study of Islam in Higher Education. area! It is only hoped that the Whereas a decade earlier, many uni- inquiry does not start from zero versities were eager to close down but builds upon the outcome of or at best amalgamate Islamic this Conference. Studies programmes into larger departments, there is now an The Conference was attended by urgency on the part of academic lecturers, academics, and experts administrators on many campuses to begin teaching about and on the subject from leading UK, encourage research on Islam. Not US and European universities and only is there demand from students, departments. but there is an understanding that Islam as a religion and social force Cont’d on page 2 1 Cont’d from page 1 will continue to have an impact on undergraduate course offered in ing in-depth some of the issues that global and domestic realities for the 1990. Islamic studies in particular, the conference could only begin to foreseeable future. However, there and the study of religion and theol- address. The period since 11 has been little discussion about how ogy in general, form an essential September has been underscored by to approach the study of Islam given part of the intellectual tapestry of increased conflict, but also increased the current political climate. Birmingham University. Prof. Clarke dialogue; awareness and engage- Established orientalist notions of added that with over 140 000 ment with the other is critical to what constitutes Islamic scholarship have largely remain unchallenged. Muslims residing in the city, dispelling ignorance. Those who The emergence of neo-orientalism Birmingham was set to become the advocate potential civilizational and phenomenological approaches first majority non-white city in the conflict and interpret Islam as a are two ways in which exiting ideas and that the city green threat engender global insta- are being adapted, and in some itself could not be understood with- bility. However, he also noted that cases, challenged. The Islam in out reference to its faith communi- the Islamic camp must take its fair Higher Education conference, ties. share of responsibility, namely the organised by the Association of University of Birmingham’s Prof. rise in a cynical interpretation of Muslim Social Scientists UK Shearer West of the School of religion. It is time, Dr. Al Shaikh-Ali (AMSS) in conjunction with the Historical Studies which houses said, to separate faith from its prac- Centre for the Study of Islam and CSIC spoke about the interdiscipli- titioners. Christian-Muslim Relations (CSIC) nary interest in Islam and how the When history is misinterpreted at the University of Birmingham and the Higher Education Academy coming together of the and research methodology manipu- Subject Centre for Philosophical and religious studies within the lated by some segments of academe, and Religious Studies, was held on School of Historical Studies allowed the challenge to promote under- 29th – 30th January 2005. This con- for an exploration of global reli- standing between Islamic and ference brought together a diverse gious cultures borrowing on anth- Western civilisations grows. He cross section of individuals and ropology, sociology and theology. linked this self-fulfilling dark organisations concerned with the Dr. Gary Bunt Subject Coordin- prophecy to education and high- challenges facing Islam in higher ator, Higher Education Academy level academic studies. education. It encouraged partici- Subject Centre for Philosophical The conference was arguing pants to engage in critical analysis Studies and Lecturer in Islamic against the isolationist mindset and and dialogue on a broad range of Studies, University of Wales, was based on a conviction that issues including: the status of the Lampeter stressed that the confer- higher education had an impact on study of Islam in higher education; employability and recruitment; aca- ence was a culmination of a series of the wider policy discourse. One par- demic standards & pedagogy; the efforts including a workshop spon- ticular area of concern that Dr. Al depiction of Islam and Muslims in sored by the Higher Education Shaikh-Ali noted was issues of higher education; and comparative Academy. He noted that the Higher translation. A sophisticated international approaches to Islam in Education Academy was particularly approach was needed to promote higher education. interested in looking at recruitment standards and excellence in transla- In opening the conference, CSIC’s and employability issues facing tion as poor translation of Islamic Dr. Bustami Khir, Senior Lecturer in Islamic studies graduates. They are language texts was central to prob- Islamic Studies, spoke of the impor- producing an Islam faith guide for lems of poor scholarship. tance of the conference and the crit- institutions. He added that the work He hoped that the Islam and ical role that the discussions could here would feed into an existing Higher Education conference would play in shaping the future of the website (www.islaminhighereduca- be a catalyst for the serious study of study of Islam and Muslims in the tion.net) and a 2007 conference on the way in which Islam is taught United Kingdom. religious studies tentatively titled and would open up interaction In welcoming participants, Beyond Beliefs. between scholars, across disciplines, Professor Michael Clarke, Vice Dr. Anas Al Shaikh-Ali, Chair of who were involved in the field. Principal of the University of the AMSS and lead organiser of the Birmingham spoke of the city as a conference, welcomed participants Abdul-Rehman Malik historical space of interaction and looked forward to the begin- Abdul-Rehman Malik has a Masters between religion and modernity in ning of a fruitful, multidisciplinary from the LSE, is Contributing Editor an industrialising world. dialogue on Islam and higher edu- of Q-News magazine, Freelance Birmingham University itself was cation. He looked on the conference Consultant to various media organi- the site of a major debate on the as the first of its kind in the broader sations, and member of the AMSS usefulness of the study of theology field of religious studies and under- Executive Committee. and religion. Islamic studies began scored that it would lead to a series as early as the 1930s with the first of workshops and seminars explor- 2 Fiqh Today: Muslims as Minorities

5th annual amss (uk) conference

20-21 February 2004, University of Westminster,

Fiqh Today: Muslims as Minorities: Muslim College and Q-News Media The AMSS (UK) 5th Annual convened “Fiqh Today: Muslims as Conference (21-22 February 2004). Minorities” its 5th annual conference at the University of Westminster in The practice of fiqh has always been London from 21st – 22nd February, characterised by dynamism and flexi- 2004. bility. Instead of being an ossified Dr. Anas Al Shaikh-Ali, Chair of body of legal rulings the discipline of the AMSS (UK) Executive fiqh engages the lives of Muslims Committee set out the vision of the providing a means for sacred expres- conference in his opening remarks sion that is at once personal and suggesting that a genuine fiqh for communal. Understanding the minority Muslims required a collec- underlying values of the sacred law tive engagement between social sci- and how it is derived enables Muslim entists and shariah scholars “in the communities to continuously make wider public arena” moving the Islam relevant to their unique con- debate and discussion out of closed texts and particular environments. doors. He challenged participants – The growing Muslim presence in who came from Europe, North Europe and North America and the America, the Middle East and rising discourse on the nature of citi- Southeast Asia – to work towards the zenship and identity makes the ques- development of a “comprehensive tion of relevance significant. Will methodology of minority fiqh” Muslims in the West, given the chal- drawing on the past, but not being lenges of discrimination and sys- afraid to be innovative. temic disadvantage, be able to find It was appropriate then that the to fulfill their religious obligations an expression of Islam that is both keynote address to the conference than Muslims elsewhere. He con- connected to their rich heritage, yet was presented by Reis-ul-Ulema, the vincingly posited a vision of Muslims addresses the exigencies of their con- Grand Mufti of Bosnia- in Europe that recognized their temporary circumstances in a mean- Herzegovina, Dr. Mustafa Ceric. unique historic position and contri- ingful and applicable way? The Having been a towering figure of bution to Europe and saw Europe as attempt by modern Islamic scholar- strength for the Bosnian people dur- a place of interaction rather than ship to formulate a fiqh for minority ing the Balkan war, Dr. Ceric is confrontation. He discussed the Muslim communities is at the heart uniquely placed to understand what interdependence of cultures and the of this current discourse about Islam it means to be a European Muslim need for balance and tolerance. By in Europe. Drawing on the classical and position the experience of present diagnoses of the intellectual heritage and corpus, the minority Western Muslims within the larger pathologies of Muslim and European fiqh project is at once an intellectual framework of belonging to a univer- societies, he concluded his discussion and spiritual challenge. It was in this sal ummah. While Dr. Ceric main- by challenging Muslims in the spirit that the Association of Muslim tained that he did not believe in a periphery to see themselves as driv- Social Scientists (AMSS UK) in con- minority fiqh per se, he readily ing the civilisational wheel of Islam. junction with the International accepted the position of Muslims as Cont’d on page 4 Institute of Islamic Thought, The a political minority often better able 3 Cont’d from page 3 in France to present “From the Fiqh of Minorities to the Fiqh of Citizenship”.Classical fiqh saw Individual scholars contributing work minorities as fully associated mem- bers of a citizenship charter. Within which is argued and debated is closer the democracies majorities and minorities were flexible concepts. We to the spirit of fiqh which sees the must move he argued from an immi- grant understanding of our place in process of deriving laws as predicated the West to embracing citizenship. Minority fiqh needs to be seen in upon debate, acceptance and light of these new civic realities and that promoting Islam in existing plu- synthesis. ral space connects the spiritual teaching to its essential universalism and humanism. In response to a question of accepted secularism, Dr. He called on Europe to institution- a compassionate offensive to fight Mestiri accepted the social organis- alise Islam, and Muslims in Europe misunderstanding in a creative way. ing principle of it and saw richness to come together within a universal Her presence and comments were in the secular space that was impact- worldview. warmly received by participants. ed by globalisation. Dr. Safi added During the event the AMSS (UK) The conference opened with pre- that the roots of modernity, accord- awarded its 2003 Lifetime sentations from Dr. Louay Safi, ing to G.W. Hegel, were in the orien- Achievement Award posthumously Visiting Professor at George tal revolution (Islam) which was the to the late Edward Said, in recogni- Washington University, Washington foundation of modernity and thus tion of his outstanding scholarship DC and President of AMSS (USA), the resulting politics must be based and intellectual engagement. The and Dr. Mohamed Mestiri, a gradu- on moral principles. award was presented by Dr. Al- ate of the Sorbonne and Professor Dr. Zaki Badawi followed with a Shaikh-Ali on behalf of the Executive of Usul and Contemporary Islamic spirited discussion on “General Committee to Michel Abdul Messih, Thought at the Institut des Sciences Principle of Fiqh”, qawaid al-fiqh- QC and eminent lawyer and Islamiques, Paris. Dr. Safi’s paper hiyya, which he termed the maxims Palestinian activist who was a close entitled “The Creative Mission of guiding the law, a separate discipline friend of Edward Said. Dr. Zaki Muslim Minorities in the West: which was a science in need of Badawi spoke of Professor Said’s Synthesizing the Ethos of Islam and revival. He criticised collective, or important contributions highlighting Modernity” explored the ideas that committee, ijtihad because the col- both Covering Islam: How the Media minority fiqh can play a creative role lective becomes concerned with its and the Experts Determine How We in helping Muslims deal with the dif- own authority and proclaims its cor- See the Rest of the World and espe- fering ethos of the West, by applying rectness over others. Individual cially Orientalism as works that the shariah in the present social scholars contributing work which is changed the landscape of academia milieu. Applying the maqasid of the argued and debated is closer to the and prevailing colonial discourses on shariah develops a normative order spirit of fiqh which sees the process Islam, Muslims and the Middle East. capable of enhancing human life and of deriving laws as predicated upon The 2003 Building Bridges Award advancing the human condition. debate, acceptance and synthesis. was presented by the AMSS Chair to Legislation was not an instrument of Muslim minority communities can Karen Armstrong for her contribu- the state, but a function of civil soci- become the site for these dynamic tion in promoting inter-faith dia- ety that maintained its independence scholarly interactions. The adapta- logue and understanding. Fareena from state intervention guaranteeing tion of secular modes of organisa- Alam, Managing Editor of Q-News the absolute legal rights of multiple tion which allow for pluralism and Magazine, went on to highlight Ms confessional groups in contrast to debate is needed because more Armstrong’s important work and her present hyper secularisation which important than the fiqh rulings objective portrayal of Islam in books forces the minority to adopt the themselves are the moral maxims and articles as well as TV and radio position of the dominant. He which govern them. Although Dr. programmes, especially after 11th affirmed the mediating power of cul- Taha Jabir al-Alwani, President of September. In accepting the award ture and rejected the moral univer- the Graduate School of Islamic and Ms Armstrong called on participants salism of secularism. Dr. Mestiri Social Sciences and current to challenge intolerance by launching drew on the experience of Muslims President of the Fiqh Council of 4 North America could not attend in recapturing legal creativity. tion of a system that sustained, pre- person he sent a videotaped presen- While the first day provided a theo- served and developed the sacred law tation of his paper “Minority Fiqh: retical perspective, day two of the over the history of Islam. He warned Between Macro and Micro Fiqh” in proceedings drew on the realities of of the dangers of relativism and that which he called for the new realities Muslim minority experience to the secularists have woken up to the of minority Muslim communities demonstrate the challenges and values of Islam and see them as a not to be compared with the past. opportunities of minority fiqh. Dr. threat. Hence the necessity of developing a Soumaya Pernilla Ouis, member of Asmat Ali, PhD Candidate at minority fiqh that governs Muslim the Swedish Islamic Academy in her Birkbek College, University of minorities, protects their identity, paper entitled “Marriage Strategies London studying Qur’anic ethics and allows da`wah, one that high- Among Young Muslims in Europe” and legal theory delivered a paper lights the possibilities offered by the conducting extensive fieldwork to on “Pluralism: Islamic and Non- shariah to enhance the quality of life demonstrate the problematic nature Islamic Laws – A Problem of and human values. of gender relations fiqh as applied Definitions” which explored the term Addressing the “Islamic Juristic within a European context. Young “Islamic law” seeking to redefine it Views on the Political and Legal Muslims have increasingly complex within the broader message of plu- Status of Muslims in non-Muslim conceptions of marriage that require ralism in the Qur’an seeing it as an Countries”,Birmingham University’s new strategies which focus on indi- extension of the same universal the- Dr. Bustami Khir explored the vidual choice placing less emphasis ology not superseding other previ- notion of wilayat al-ulama found in on having children and extended ously revealed laws. The Qur’an mes- the Hanafi, Shafi’i and Maliki schools families. The marriage of Muslim sage primarily addresses legal theory of Sunni law as a way of providing women to non-Muslim men and the and not positive law which is time- leadership, legal and spiritual guid- practice of gender segregation ought space bound. Dilwar Hussein, ance to Muslim minority communi- to be among the first issues to be Research Fellow at the Islamic ties. In a historical context, this prin- addressed by the principles of Foundation in Leicester, examined ciple was used to negotiate varying minority fiqh. Political theorist Dr. the process normalisation of Islam in degrees of Islamic governance and Ahmad Al-Katib addressed the Europe and distinguishing it from institutionalisation within non- “Problem of Sexual Relations among the secularisation of Muslims. The Muslim contexts that would simply Muslim Youth” by examining the writing of a European Muslim narra- not be possible today. However, the marriage options available in the fiqh tive entails asking serious questions vivid picture of Muslim minority literature and assessing their relative about what factors are impacting our communities given by historians like advantages. Participants debated the condition. The impact of globalisa- al-Mas’udi does provide inspiration merits of the approaches presented, tion and the question of how distinct that could be actualised through their serious negative social and psy- one geographic frame is from anoth- arbitration councils or negotiated, chological consequences, and called er, needs to be answered if the eventually, with political authorities for alternatives to be grounded minority fiqh project is to remain in Europe and elsewhere. Dr. Tahir deeply in the spirit of Islam and the legitimate. The use of critical social Mahdi of the Université de law. theory to deconstruct these dilem- Valenciennes, turned his attention Charles Le Gai Eaton, noted mas helps us to build a narrative like other scholars, to “Minorities author, broadcaster and the sage based on a true theoretical and prag- and Maqasid al-Shariah”.Muslims voice of British Islam spoke about matic understanding of the intellec- should not be afraid to use ijtihad to minority fiqh in the context of shift- tual conditions of European enact new fatawa to meet our pres- ing and contested identities. He Muslims. ent circumstances. Furthermore, we called for action in developing a rele- In the final session, the attention of must cease to see ourselves as a dis- vant framework for Islamic expres- participants turned to examine how advantaged group or allow ourselves sion that is consistent with the ethos models of Islamic law can be made to be minoritised and instead must of Islamic civilisation and the protec- directly relevant to Muslim minority accept that we are European citizens tive framework of fiqh. We can no communities. Ahmad Thomson is a of Muslim faith. Classical Islamic longer afford to be quarrelsome and member of Gray’s Inn and Barrister jurisprudence is a source of inspira- must be dialogic. Flexibility prevents who is Deputy-Chairman of the tion, not always of application. This rebellion and the best examples are Association of Muslim Lawyers.He means we need to avoid fanaticism. grounded in the praxis of faith and a drew on his extensive background in Revisiting the exclusionary processes normative, lived reality of Islam, day dealing with Islamic law within the at work within both law and com- to day. During the discussion, Mr. court system to present “Incorpor- munity, pertaining namely to Eaton noted that expression must be ating Muslim Personal Law into UK women, was a critical first step to a reflection of context without rejec- Cont’d on page 6 5 Cont’d from page 5 a wide variety of issues in the field of American Journal Muslim personal law is education in the UK, in the hope that it may initiate a basis for dia- of Islamic Social one of the surviving and logue between the Department for Sciences (AJISS) most vibrant aspects of the Education and Skills (UK) with rep- resentatives from the Muslim the american journal of islamic shariah Community. (See FAIR’s Activities on social sciences (AJISS) has completed p.8 of this newsletter for details). Domestic Law”.Muslim personal law twenty years with the publishing of the last He also added that following dis- 21 is one of the surviving and most issue of vol. . cussions held during the 5th Annual vibrant aspects of the shariah. Given Conference, the AMSS EC will, at its that Muslim minorities are increas- next meeting, look into the possibili- ingly seeking recourse to family and ty of commissioning research papers civil dispute resolution that is AJISS 1984-2006 from social scientists. These will grounded in this trusted discipline, Subscriptions focus not only on current issues fac- 25.00 the potential for the inclusion of Institutions: £ ing the Muslim community in Individuals £20.00 Islamic personal law into English Europe, but also other possible issues common law is considered. Mr. and challenges that may arise in the Thomson sees the growth of such a future. It is hoped that such studies system as organic and based on will then be put to fiqh councils as precedent utilising the legally bind- well as individual fuqahas for their The contents of the present AJISS issue ing mechanisms of arbitration. These 23 1 2006 urgent consideration. (vol. ,no. , Winter ) include: already existent legal avenues could Given the dizzying scope of the M.Abdul-Huk, The Humanistic Note in eventually create a system of adjudi- conference, the AMSS (UK) must be Iqbal; Aliaa Ibrahim Dakroury, cators (qathis) who would be proper- congratulated for creating an aca- Toward a Philosophical Approach of the ly qualified and trusted by those who demic environment for the exchange Hermeneutics of the Qur’an; Yasien availed of their service freely. Mohamed, The Islamic Philosophy of of ideas, networking and hopefully Similarly, Dr. Ihsan Yilmaz,pre- Labor and Crafts; S.Sayyid, Rituals, laying the groundwork for a future sented concerns with the growth of Ideals, and Reading the Qur’an; A.U. synthesis of minority fiqh for minor- “Micro-Mujtahids and the Fiqh al- Faruq Ahmad and M.K.Hassan, The ity Muslim communities in the West. Aqalliyat” and the subsequent frag- Time Value of Money Concept in Islamic Fiqh is after all a process, not a goal. mentation of Muslim legal discourse Finance. By maintaining a lively and relevant as individuals undertake takhayyur approach to jurisprudence, the What are Muslim intellectuals talking or choosing/combining between about Islam these days? Does Islam have European Muslim discourse can schools of thought and rulings. anything to offer modern-day humanity, or impact on the centre as well, leading has it lost its relevancy in the face of appar- Understanding that laws, their deri- the way in innovative approaches to ently unstoppable secularism and vation and interpretation, belong in sacred law that seek to build on its Westernization which continues to spread the civic realm, in turn means that around the globe? For answers which capacity to be relevant in post- might surprise you read this journal. the potential legal chaos must too be  managed in that realm. Dr. Yilmaz modernity. AJISS serves as a bridge between Muslim sees faith based movements and their Abdul-Rehman Malik intellectuals and scholars all over the world leaders lending legitimacy to praxis to effect the development of a scholarly through ijtihad committees main- approach in the field of Islamic social sci- streaming new legal conceptions, ences and human studies. Individual back issues as well as complete AJISS sets are thereby making ijtihad viable. available. In his closing remarks Dr. Anas Al- Shaikh-Ali thanked the speakers and All correspondence should be addressed participants, and went on to stress to: [email protected] that the objective of the AMSS (UK) To order copies contact: is to combine theory with practical application. He mentioned that as a [email protected] practical outcome of the 4th Annual Tel: 0017034711133 Fax: 471 3922 Conference on Muslim Education in www.iiit.org Europe, the AMSS has produced a AJISS, P.O. Box 669, Herndon, position paper entitled “Muslims VA 20172-0669, USA on Education”. The paper discusses

6 Obituary professor zaki badawi o.b.e. k.b.e

Friends and dignatories gathered to pay tribute to an outstanding man

1922-2006 Fusing the best of until the moment of his death in a tory, which will long be remembered. gentle but unfailing campaign for the His was a voice and his were ideas Islamic Knowledge cause of Islam and the Muslim com- constantly in demand and his pass- munity. ing away marks the end of an era. with the best of A charismatic figure with an almost Dr. Badawi’s was also an illustrious western thought, he fatherly, watchful eye over the nur- and distinguished life – a graduate of ture and development of Britain’s Al-Azhar University feted with was a charistmatic, Islamic community his passing leaves numerous awards, distinctions and a void, which, will be immensely dif- achievements, his high-minded and intelligent and warm ficult to fill. It is a tremendous loss to honourable nature forbade him from personality the Muslim community and a testa- indulging in the accolades of men. ment to the legacy of a self-effacing To him these were but mere laurels man, to whom ambition was a of this world when the Hereafter was Dr. M.A. Zaki Badawi O.B.E., stranger, and flattery an embarrass- the only reward he sought. K.B.E., Principal of the Muslim ment. Dr. Badawi’s was a powerful, Nevertheless awards serve a function, College, founder of the Imams and empathic, intelligent, and warm per- they recognize the legacy of men and Mosques Council (UK), Chair and sonality. Always polite, cheerful, allow us to express our esteem and founding member of the Forum engaging, and respectful his sharp appreciation for the achievements of Against Islamophobia and Racism wit and delightful sense of humour others, and, in accordance with this (FAIR), founding member of the were a joy and inspiration to all who precept, the AMSS UK paid tribute Association of Muslim Social had the good fortune to meet and to Dr. Badawi’s brilliant model of Scientists (AMSS UK), and arguably know him, both on a professional, hard work, dedication, and service by one of the nation’s greatest and most personal, and social level. honouring him with their 2002 celebrated spokesman for the cause A visionary who understood the Lifetime Achievement Award. of British Islam died in London on needs of the Muslim community The Award was presented at a din- 24 January 2006 at the venerable age decades before it had come of age, ner to mark the occasion of his of 83. Dr. Badawi worked relentlessly to eightieth birthday at the Muslim A memorial in honour of Sheikh turn this vision into reality. Cultural Heritage Centre on 15 Badawi was held at the Brunei Unthwarted by obstacles, undaunted January 2003 and jointly organized Gallery, SOAS, London University, by seats of power, fearless of the by the AMSS, FAIR, Q-News and Al- on 16th March 2006. Those who media, he easily commanded the Khoei Foundation. Attended by over attended and spoke of his life and respect and attention of royalty, a hundred and fifty representatives of works included HRH The Prince of heads of state, politicians, journalists, not only British Muslim organisa- Wales, Dr. Rowan Williams, the the establishment, as well as, and tions but people from every sector of Archbishop of Canterbury, Charles perhaps most challenging of all, the the community and establishment, Clarke, the Home Secretary, and general public and diverse cultures from politicians to leaders of other Chief Rabbi, Sir Jonathan Sacks. making up the British Muslim com- faith communities, the diversity Despite his advancing years, the munity. Indeed, it is far from exag- amongst the crowd was itself testi- humble scholar with the humble geration to affirm that he has played mony to not only the varied work heart worked tirelessly to the very a major role in putting both British that Dr. Badawi has been involved in, end, collapsing whilst giving a talk in Islam and British Muslim identity on but how much he is respected for his the map, giving it a respect and his- London, characteristically engaged Cont’d on page 10 7 FAIR’S ACTIVITIES Forum Against Islamphobia and Racism

FAIR LATEST ISLAMOPHOBIA MUSLIMS ON TRAINING AND EDUCATION The past year has witnessed FAIR successfully involved in a number of RESOURCE PACK POSITION PAPER important projects ranging from media monitoring and lobbying on As part of its focus on education, The Association of Muslim Social behalf of various discrimination FAIR is currently working on pro- Scientists (AMSS UK) in association cases as well as advisory support to ducing an Islamophobia Training & with The Forum Against the AMSS and British Council’s Resource Pack for use in UK pri- Islamophobia & Racism (FAIR), recently launched landmark publica- mary and secondary schools and is FED2000 (For Education & tion, British Muslims Media Guide. currently in discussion with a Development) and The Muslim Unfortunately the year also wit- European organisation to publish nessed the loss of one of FAIR’s most these packs. This Islamophobia CollegeLondonUK, launched their senior founders and Chair, the late resource pack would be the first of position paper entitled“Muslims on Dr. Zaki Badawi. At a meeting of its kind and FAIR has already Education”at the House of Lords on FAIR Trustees in March 2006 Dr. received requests from schools and 9th June 2004. The hosts for this Anas S. al Shaikh-Ali was unani- colleges across the UK for copies of launch were the Rt. Hon. Baroness mously elected as the new Chair for the pack upon completion. FAIR Uddin of Bethnal Green and the late FAIR, with Dr. Mohammed Siddique aims to hold training seminars Dr. Sheikh Zaki Badawi KBE OBE. Seddon and Lady Maryam Badawi across the UK for teachers and edu- The Minister of State for Schools subsequently accepting to become cational staff on how best to utilise David Miliband MP was also in members of the Board of Trustees. the resource packs. This resource attendance and took questions Dr. Ali reiterated Dr. Badawi’s vision pack aims at being an invaluable following addresses by the Rt. Hon. and stressed the importance of real- resource for teaching the subjects of Baroness Uddin, Dr. Sheikh Zaki ising and implementing the goals set Religious Education and/or Badawi, Dr.Anas al-Shaikh Ali, in motion. Since then FAIR has seen Citizenship. The purpose of this Mohammed Siddique Seddon, and representation and attendance at a pack is to raise awareness of and Dr. Nasim Butt. The paper was number of conferences and events challenge Islamophobia at all levels. developed to initiate discussion on both a UK and European level. We hope thereby to also promote a between the Department for Among the Conferences attended in more balanced picture of Islam and 2006 are: Conference for European Muslims in Britain and a deeper Education and Skills (DfES) and Imams and Religious Advisors, appreciation of the challenges representatives from the Muslim Vienna, April 06; Challenging Muslims face in British society. We Community, to help facilitate the Stereotypes in Europe and the hope this will in turn enable users of formulation, development and Islamic World, Wilton Park, this pack to identify and challenge implementation of an inclusive London, May 06; Conference on Islamophobia wherever they see it in educational strategy for the UK. Racism, Xenophobia and the the future. A similar and successful Media, Vienna, May 06; Roundtable projectisthe1001 Inventions A copy of the position paper can be Meeting on Representation of Teacher’s Pack produced by Dr. downloaded from the FAIR website. Muslims in Public Discourse, Salim al-Hassani; a unique UK Warsaw, May 06. FAIR’s future strat- based educational teaching pack to egy will also focus on the importance support teachers and the classroom of education in developing critical environment. It includes science For information or if you have some- awareness of the issues of activities for 11-16 year olds as part thing to report/contribute contact: Islamophobia and racism with a view of the Science National Curriculum FAIR, P.O.Box 784, to developing the ethos of a multi- and maps relevant Islamic discover- Richmond, Surrey TW9 2LS cultural society based on equality, ies and principles of the national Tel: 020 894 00100 respect and trust for all citizens. curriculum for secondary schools. [email protected] www.fairuk.org 8 NEWS

BRITISH MUSLIMS MEDIA GUIDE

British Muslims: Media Guide by Ehsan Masood is a brand new publication launched on 22 May 2006. The book describes Britain’s Muslim communities, their history, their present and future.

Published by the British Council, and Association of Muslim Social Scientists (UK) Buy the Book or Download the book: www.counterpoint-online.org/ index.html isbn 0-86355-569-1 price: £5.00

British Muslims: Media Guide describes Britain’s Muslim of a new sense of ourselves – even perhaps a much- communities, their history, present and future. debated new sense of ‘Britishness’ – and it is important Encouraged from the beginning by the late Dr. Zaki to ensure that it includes all of us. As the cartoons argu- Badawi, the British Council, the Association of Muslim ments and consequent tragedies have unfolded in recent Social Scientists and partners have published it to weeks, we have seen how brittle the inclusiveness of strengthen international understanding of the diverse European societies can be, and how superficial the nature of Britain today. It is written in the belief that a understanding of the rights and responsibilities of free- dom. But we have also been reminded that those of us detailed and many-sided understanding of communities who are Muslims hold as many different opinions as do within British society gives us all a fuller, more subtle, those of us who are not. In sending this book out into and more accurate picture of Britain, its faiths and cul- the world, therefore, I reflect that we are a nation that has tures. Intended as a reference source for journalists, been long changed and much influenced by migration, British Muslims: Media Guide will also prove an invalu- and often for the better. At our best, we offer the world a able resource to anyone who writes about, speaks about, model of a free and open society in which we believe pas- or interacts with Muslims, both in Britain and abroad. sionately, a society in which rights are defended and pro- moted, but in which restraint is also prized.” ehsan masood is a writer and journalist

MARTIN ROSE – Director, Counterpoint, Brit.Council DR. ANAS S. AL SHAIKH-ALI – Chair, AMSS (UK) LORD KINNOCK – Chair, British Council Extract from the Preface Extract from the Introduction “This book addresses those who write, and speak, about “A joint enterprise of the British Council and a number British Muslims, whether in our own country or abroad. of Muslim organisations, the book is written in the belief The editorial process has thrown up many issues, some that much hostility and negativity is founded in, and fos- predictable, some surprising, some tricky – but all of tered by, misunderstanding. It is neither paranoid nor them constructive. We ourselves feel that we understand rose-tinted. It does not presume that agreement in all better than at the beginning of the project how our part- things is possible; but it does work on the basis that dis- ners think, what they hope for and what they fear. agreement – as long as it is shaped by sound knowledge Mutual knowledge and friendship has paid dividends in rather than prejudice – can be useful, constructive, a book that neither of us could have published, in this civilised and civilising for the whole of our society. Those form, without the other. ...The fears, insecurities and in Britain and around the world who write about this misunderstandings of recent years can be addressed by a country and its people sometimes need reminding that new and more generous understanding of what we mean ‘we’ include almost two million Muslims. This is the basis when we use the word ‘us’...” 9 Cont’d from page 7 immense efforts. The evening ended what have come today to be indis- Pluralism and with telling words of gratitude from pensable skills required of Muslims: Dr. Badawi himself, who reminded journalism, mass media, teacher- Recognition the audience that this should not just training etc. Conference be a celebration of his life, but of the Dr. Badawi has also been an inte- progress and achievements of the gral part of the Association of IIIT France and UNESCO Jointly British Muslim community. In his Muslim Social Scientists UK since its Organise The Annual Cross inspiring speech, Dr. Badawi spoke inception in 1996. A founding mem- Disciplinary & Interdisciplinary of how he had helped to nurture a ber of the Association as well as long International Congress Conference confident British Muslim identity time member of its Executive for 2006 over the decades and how far the Committee he was a strong and community had come from the days guiding force behind its growth and June 22-24, 2006 when he first conveyed this message. development; his wisdom and input Unesco, Auditorium, France It came as no surprise then that his have been a deep loss to the organi- closing remarks were met with a zation. In partnership with AMSS UK and standing ovation when he ended the Dr. Badawi’s consistently clear mes- a host of European institutes and evening by declaring that, “The sage and decades of unflagging hard organisations this important con- British Muslim community has work have borne fruit. Leaving ference covered issues of tolerance, arrived!” behind him the legacy of a confident coexistence & recognition; plural Fusing the best of Islamic knowl- British Muslim identity he has also identities mutation in a globalizing edge with the best of western greatly furthered the cause of inter- context; resolution of conflicts, thought and armed with a resultant faith dialogue and understanding consolidation of peace and dia- uncanny understanding of the pecu- between Muslims and non-Muslims logue perspectives; freedom of liar needs and requirements of the both in the UK and abroad. belief and responsibility; and plu- Muslim community attempting to May Allah have mercy on his soul ralism facing the violence cultures. straddle with practicality the two and may He bless our Ummah with realities of their lives, Dr. Badawi more men and scholars of his ability For further information please con- arguably became best known for his and calibre. tact: role as Principal of The Muslim College, a place and achievement [email protected] which he cherished greatly and a AMSS www.iiitfrance.net base to which he fondly returned after his many speaking engagements Membership throughout the world. Founded in 1987 as a religious aca- if you wish to become a demic institution specialising in the member of the amss uk study of Islam, its culture and histo- please contact us or down- NEMRO ry, it was an idea born on his arrival load the application form at the Islamic Cultural Centre in from our website: Network for European Muslim 1978, where after holding a confer- www.amssuk.com Research Organisations ence for all Imams in Britain to Members will be given: acquaint himself with their work and The AMSS (UK) and SETA explore ways of cooperation he set to -discounts on registration fees for (Turkey) have led an initiative to work and found that few of them all AMSS (UK) conferences; create a Network for European spoke English; a village imam being Muslim Research Organisations. imported into Britain is a disastrous - a free subscription to our quar- The aim of the network is to coor- thing, particularly for the youth, he terly journal, AJISS; and dinate between various research opined. Ever the realist his solution - a free subscription to Islamiyat organisations to work together, was to establish the Muslim College, al Marifah (journal for support each other, and coordinate which began functioning in 1990. speakers); activities. The By-Laws are cur- With great foresight he set about rently being drafted to be followed training Imams in public speaking, -full voting rights. by a first meeting. Among other to give sermons which are relevant founding members are the Centre Regular Members £25.00 and entertaining, as well as training for Advanced Studies, Sarajevo, Students (and concessions) them in counseling and other skills. IIIT (UK), AMSS France, AMSS £12.50 Also introduced to students were Germany and several others. 10 INTERVIEW Maqasid al-Shariah Interview with Dr. Gasser Auda, Director of Al-Maqasid Research Centre in the Philosophy of Islamic Law

Could you give us a brief account of people usually do not connect your view of knowledge? Islamic law to contemporary scien- DR.GASSER AUDA isDirectorof al- I view knowledge as one and I tific research methodology, the Maqasid Research Centre in the believe it is time for multi-disci- Centre aims to do just that. It hopes Philosophy of Islamic Law (Markaz plination which means we must to present something original and Dirasat Maqasid al-Shariah al-Islamiyyah) study more than one discipline contemporary. in London, UK. He has a PhD in Systems deeply. I completed my PhD in Engineering from the University of Systems Engineering and then stud- What activities is the Centre involved Waterloo, Canada, and is currently a PhD ied at Al-Azhar for an M.A in in? candidate in Theology, Religious and Maqasid al-Shariah. I have bor- The Centre has been established Islamic Studies Department, University of rowed methods for thinking from recently but focuses on publishing Wales, where he is writing a thesis on the Systems engineering and have books, organising lectures, seminars Philosophy of Islamic Law. He has written applied them to Islamic Studies. I and conferences. Hopefully by next a Masters thesis on the fundamentals of use the ideas of systems philosophy year we will start publishing a jour- Islamic Law, at the Islamic American in the field of fiqh as Systems phi- nal and presenting awards. We con- University, Michigan, USA, specifically the losophy takes a holistic approach to vene various types of courses aimed significance of the purposes/maqasid of the world and current usul studies at different audiences. Recently at Islamic rulings. He has lectured on Islam in need this. For example Systems phi- the University of Alexandria in a variety of forums and countries, and has losophy has levels of ‘why?’ which we organised a course specifi- translated two of the late Shaikh we can use when looking at various cally for lawyers and judges. Last Muhammad al-Ghazaly’s books. . rulings in the Law, also applying the month we organised a course in theory of multidimensionality Canada for students of Islamic which involves looking at Islamic studies and Imams. scripts in various dimensions. The ment of Islamic political science has 10⁄11 concept of purposefulness in What do you think scholars today halted at the th Century with Systems philosophy aims at defin- need to do and do you sense change the work of Al-Mawardi. We need ing the structure of any given sys- occurring? to study and develop it bringing it tem which can also be applied in Scholars need to study various dis- to the current age, i.e. political sci- the field of fiqh. ciplines. They need to understand ence is traditionally based on the the world they live in. Historically idea of Shura but we must now What does Al-Maqasid Research this was a norm, a scholar like Ibn consider developments which have Centre aim to do? Rushd was a doctor, philosopher occurred in other areas and how The Centre aims at using maqasid and a faqih, al-Ghazali was a judge they may effect this concept. as a methodology for the renewal of as well as a faqih. This enabled Islamic law, Humanities and the What changes do you hope to see in them to be broad minded in dealing Social Sciences. Maqasid gives pur- the field of fiqh? with issues they encountered. I urge poses to Islamic scripts and can be In the long run I hope see to mod- students to study at least on an applied to the Social Sciences. For ernization in fiqh and Islamic introductory level various disci- example the West and Islam are thought in general via maqasid al- plines. This is starting to happen, very similar in their view of the Shariah.Weneedtodevelopanew people are organising introductory notion of freedom however there method of reading the Islamic courses on sociology and other sub- are some slight differences. There scripts so that we are able to deal jects. However we need to also needs to be Islamic maqasid in edu- with new realities and change. We begin indepth study of other cation, economy and in the arts. need to return to the principle philosophies, advanced studies of The Research Centre is unique as Islamic sources and apply this new political sciences etc. The develop- methodology. 11 CURRENT ISSUES opposed to the brutality of theirs. Thinking critically does not hap- pen naturally, given the barrage of misinformation out there, but takes homework, reading outside of the Islamophobia: box, finding alternative sources, knowing that one should find alter- native sources, going through The Long Term and Effective opposing opinions before deciding yes, this is the correct version of things etc. Not only do people not Solution is in Education have the time or the inclination, but they also seem to think that truth shiraz khan. can be summed up in three word this article was commissioned by fair. a slightly edited version also sentences, Osama did it, WMD, axis appeared in q-news, issue 367, july 2006. of evil…. This is strange logic and really underscores the fact that we I believe that the only true educa- Of interest in the arena of public do not live in an age of intelligent tion comes through the stimulation opinion is the path that legitimacy discrimination. of the child's powers by the takes from perhaps onetime unac- Thinking critically or being intel- demands of the social situations in ceptable points of view to within a lectually aware is a skill, it therefore which he finds himself. Through fairly short space of time, widely needs to be learned, nurtured, these demands he is stimulated to divergent opinions. Investigation developed, and strengthened act as a member of a unity, to reveals how we think as a people, through training, and practice. In emerge from his original narrow- how we think as nations, how we short it needs to be part of the edu- ness of action and feeling, and to define ourselves in relation to one cation system and something that other, and how we react with an conceive of himself from the stand- the famous educator John Dewey almost herd mentality when the point of the welfare of the group to believed in greatly and integrated right sequence of buttons are which he belongs. into his own school curricula, and a pushed. In today’s world, the point to which I will come back “other” when he becomes “the John Dewey’s famous declaration later. enemy” is in a very precarious posi- Islamophobia is not a phase, and concerning education. First pub- tion indeed, especially if he lives, lished in The School Journal, by no means will it run its course or works, and interacts with those peter out. It is real, out there and Volume LIV, Number 3 (January whose beliefs are undergoing nega- 16, 1897), pages 77-80. growing. In events designed to stem tive metamorphosis. With intellec- this growing anger in people, and in tual stamina and critical opinion at the plethora of conferences and its lowest ebb, (and conversely the seminars that are mushrooming in The rise of Islamophobia as a real, art of manipulation at its most seemingly all Muslim and especially legitimised and oftentimes, uncon- exquisite) we have a situation non-Muslim academic circles, there scious response to a huge, world- whereby what we imagine to be is an underlying sense of urgency: wide focus on Islam and Muslims as deeply held, soundly reasoned opin- urgency, because the repercussions spreaders of violence, is a disturbing ions can easily be the outcome of are grave, the propaganda relentless, trend gaining greater ground and media focus, sensationalism, and the finger of accusation pointed momentum. With every newspaper non-critical evaluation, nothing firmly and with confidence, and the it seems that goes to print and every more than us repeating what is outcome global. The interesting and news item that goes on air we are repeated to us, with the foolish personally I think dangerous ele- bombarded with a language, often notion that our opinions have been ment of Islamophobia is the confi- using the backdrop and rhetoric of formed independently. Levels of dence with which this attitude is war in a battle of ideas that has been Islamophobia are thus able to rise held and the false logic with which portraying a version of Islam and its and without a sense of guilt, legit- it is disseminated. Arch manipula- peoples wholly at variance with imised and prompted reactions, tors are forcing a hand of which reality. What results is a subcon- underscored by lip service journal- they seem dimly oblivious. scious racism towards a loosely ism doing the thinking for us; such There have been a large number of defined enemy who once barbaric is that there seems to be an almost research initiatives on the topic of now sophisticated with nuclear perverse pleasure in revelling in the Islamophobia which confirm much capability and chemical know-how. greatness of our noble values as of what has been said and many of 12 these agree with the statement that pieces to achieve desired outcomes. back an opinion, which then by any strategy to combat extremism Unless of course the mind is aware association with suit, tie, and Phd is must depend heavily on Educa- of the great game, and has been assumed to be correct. Extremism tional, Media, Governmental and taught to think critically and intelli- results from ignorance and a very Public institutions that have an gently. cavalier attitude to the great work of important role and responsibility to We should therefore appreciate the humanity, to reach out and live in play in addressing the problem of strength and magnitude of what is harmony and trust. Islamophobia and in creating an out there but the real question is Not only must we aim to create environment free from racism and what can we do? sound individuals who can think religious intolerance. One area of vital importance, and critically and with awareness, we Dr. Anas al Shaikh-Ali has con- the subject of this paper is must also seek to go beyond to cre- ducted detailed research on this Education. In his presentation on ate within them a culture of respect. paper war, focusing on the rise and “Islamophobia and Popular We must aim to create a culture of rise of popular fiction novels, grac- Discourse” (on behalf of FAIR and understanding and trust not of tol- ing most airport terminals if anyone AMSS UK) at the Round Table eration. This is an important dis- cares to look, whose plot lines fill Meeting on Representation of tinction. Toleration is dangerous, it contemporary society with constant Muslims in Popular Discourse is like a thin crust, which separates negative images absorbed by bil- organised by OSCE, (the reason from violence, and neither lions. They are not called best sellers Organisation for Security and community will fully live at ease for nothing, and their rabid anti- Cooperation in Europe) and with one another in this status quo. Islamic plotlines/characters would ODIHR (the Office for Democratic Unless we understand how to stop put right wing propaganda to Institutions and Human Rights) the anger being deliberately pro- shame. Current Islamophobia, he held in Warsaw on 9th May 2006, voked on both sides that thin crust writes, as a general visualization of Dr. Anas al Shaikh-Ali stressed the will crack. It is largely through edu- the “other”,seeps into the unin- importance of education as one of cation that a change can be made. formed conscious through “the the most effective solutions on Certain important developments weight and power of mass inculca- which we need to focus, if for no have been made, small but impor- tion via the media, newspapers and other reason than that it encom- tant steps in the right direction. magazines, chat shows, Hollywood passes a long term strategy as Various minority groups have movies, computer games, contem- opposed to the often short term begun to produce educational packs porary popular fiction, young peo- nature of the many other recom- to be used within schools as an ple fiction, historical fiction, mendations on offer. intelligent attempt to promote race romances, science fiction and even To effect lasting change on all lev- equality in the early years. Pupils are the reprinting of sixteenth century els we need to educate at all levels. given various religious, cultural and pornographic novels such as The Our children as they grow suffer historical perspectives of the com- Lustful Turk which has been reprint- from layer upon layer of negative munities within which they live and ed again and again during the last opinions drifting and growing like taught to view them and differences few decades and even produced as a undisturbed snow, moulding their in cultures as the norm of modern play.” His research includes an very thoughts and behaviour. There human societies. alarming collection of book covers is little being taught as counter bal- The Muslims for their part have whose themed images plunder the ance. The education system pro- produced the 1001 Inventions worst of racist chic (scantily clad duces the future teachers, policy Teacher’s Pack a unique UK based Muslim woman spy holding gun) makers, politicians, artists, writers educational teaching pack to sup- and right wing clichés (nuclear and media experts, etc. Therefore, port teachers and the classroom bombs in front of mosques) etc. As the values of humanitarianism, environment. It includes science he very rightly points out, and morality, citizenship, peaceful coex- activities for 11-16 year olds as part something which the manipulators istence, revulsion of racism and dis- of the Science National Curriculum of emotions know very well indeed, crimination, acceptance of the other and maps relevant historical Islamic the mind can and will absorb an should be married to actively taught scientific and technological discov- idea or an image, with everything skills of critical thinking, and aware- eries and principles of the national that it entails, in a fraction of a sec- ness, forming part of our national curriculum for secondary schools. ond. In a fraction of a second the curriculum. Thinking critically In addition, the British Council in word “Muslim” or “Islam” can con- allows children to become intelli- cooperation with mainstream jure up an image, awareness and a gent, aware, thinking members of Muslim organisations such as the whole body of ideas that a hundred society, not mental doormats, whose Association of Muslim Social thousand words could not convey, opinions are swayed easily by the Scientists (AMSS UK) has recently manouvering consumers like chess wheeling out of suited “experts” to launched a landmark publication, 13 British Islam: Media Guide, with UK and European organisa- quickly forgotten disconnected from describing Britain’s Muslim com- tions to provide material for use in the real world, this is an area that is munity, its past, present and future, primary and secondary schools. immediately put into context, mate- its culture, the issues it faces etc. As our future lies in the young, rial learned and immediately intended as a reference source for packs such as these allow our chil- applied, as one interacts with Omar, journalists, those involved in the dren to be educated in the value and or Yasmin in the playground, or media, and anyone who communi- importance of all cultures. They watches imagery on television. In cates about Islam, teachers included, form an important first step in giv- other words it becomes part of real to create a more informed under- ing our children a solid foundation. world experiences and the start of a standing of Islam and Muslims as However, this is not enough. Only life long development. The 21st cen- they live, work, and interact in through, informed, and long term tury pupil should therefore not only Britain. FAIR, the Forum Against training and education through the be literate in the traditional subjects Islamophobia and Racism, has con- national curriculum can effective for future economic success, but tributed to a number of major con- change in mentality and attitude be also literate in the values of multi- ferences and events related to issues developed. Education is the funda- culturalism, pluralism, and citizen- of Islamophobia, xenophobia, and mental motive force of reform. The ship; in other words a thinking, suc- racism and is currently beginning beauty of this approach is that cessful member and contributor to work on a major project to produce unlike other subjects, which incor- society, and humanity in general. educational material in partnership porate facts which once learned are

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

of depicting the Prophet. But the two conversations took Muslims of Europe place far apart from one another and the gap is too easily Conference: exploited by religious extremists and racists. For a broad- er dialogue to happen, we must state clearly and often Challenges & Opportunities, that Muslims can also be Europeans. This is not a clash of civilisations. We have a common interest in being vigi- 1-2 July 2006, Turkey lant against Islamophobia and in standing up to the advocates of terror”. Muslims have lived in Europe for more than one thou- sand years. Until the last twenty years or so, their pres- The objectives of this conference were to highlight these ence has largely been unnoticed and unquestioned. It is issues, discuss common interests and start a broader dia- only as numbers have increased that their presence has logue. The focus for this conference was “Europe” posed challenges to perceptions of what it is to be because there is a common legacy of migration, minority European. The debate has taken dramatic form because status and culture that is distinct and because there is still of terrorist attacks in Istanbul, Madrid and London and a lack of a comprehensive, inclusive and open arena to because of the murder of Dutch film maker Theo Van bring together Muslim intellectuals and leaders from var- Gogh and the riots in France. These events and the grow- ious ethnic and linguistic backgrounds and engage them ing gulf of understanding between citizens are highlight- in formal discussion to look at some of the most perti- ing the urgent need to address these issues publicly: to nent issues that face European society vis-à-vis the address the problems Muslims are facing in becoming Muslim community part of European society and to address the mispercep- tions that some in Europe have about the implications of Topics of the Conference included: welcoming a Muslim presence in Europe. -Integration - Combating Extremism In addition the publication of cartoons demonising the - Religion, Secularism and European society Prophet Mohammed pbuh across Europe and the violent - European/Western Muslim identity/ citizenship reactions this has provoked amongst Muslims living in - Institution building and political representation Europe and the Middle East, has thrown into sharp relief - Leadership and authority in the community issues surrounding tolerance and understanding. As the - Islamophobia and media representation. Observer newspaper in Britain said on 5 February 2006: “...two conversations were happening: one where journal- Further details: ists and politicians debated freedom of expression and http://www.muslimsofeurope.com one where Muslims talked about the rights and wrongs 14 intellectual crisis, revisiting these DISCOVER THE two sources would be essential. Hence the course aimed to recon- MUSLIM gise the need to develop a contem- HERITAGE IN porary methodology for dealing with the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and OUR WORLD human heritage.

Earlier generations derived their 1001 Inventions guidance from them and today there is a near universal call for new Experience a thousand years of Ijtihad to meet contemporary chal- missing history; learn about a lenges, one of the ways to achieve lost age of Muslim innovation this being through a new methodol- and invention; discover the ogy to help study the Qur’an and Muslim origins of many Western Sunnah as the foundation for the discoveries. A unique UK based building of human civilization. educational project that reveals It is obvious, therefore, that exam- the rich heritage that the Muslim ining the issue of methodology community share with other is crucial, focusing attention on the communities in the UK and Course on ever changing nature of human Europe. Methodology society and the role Islam can play in steering towards moral and spiri- 1001 Inventions is a non-reli- 2005-2006 tual goals. gious and non-political project seeking to allow the positive aspects of progress in science Jointly organised by Names of Lecturers and Titles of the Lectures Presented and technology to act as a bridge AMSS (UK), in understanding the interde- International Institute of Islamic Sheikh M.A Badawi pendence of communities Thought (IIIT), and Methodology: An Historical throughout human history. The Muslim College Perspective and Contemporary Development 1001 Inventions consists of a This course on Methodology was held Dr. Mahdi Zahraa UK-wide travelling exhibition, a at the Muslim College from Sensitive Nature of Islamic Shari’ah colourful easy to read book, a November 2005 to February 2006. and the choice of Research Methods dedicated website and a themed Dr. Ruqaia Jabir collection of educational posters The course focused on three topic Towards a New Methodology of areas: Issues in Methodology; complementing a secondary Dealing with the Qur’an Methodology in Dealing with the school teachers' pack. Qur’an; and Methodology in Dr. Faisal Hamid Dealing with the Sunnah; the objec- History of Sunnah Methodology in www.1001inventions.com tive being to alert scholars, students, South Asia [email protected] researchers and thinker to a new and Dr. Gasser Auda beneficial approach to the study of ‘Maqasid al-Shariah: Methodology of the fundamental sources of our Understanding & Application’ AMSS (UK) faith. For too long now the Qur’an Dr. Bassam Saeh and the Sunnah, great sources of ANNUAL Reading the Qur’an with new Eyes strength, purity, knowledge and CONFERENCE inspiration have not been tapped. Mushtaq Parker Skirting their peripheries or over- On Islamic Finance 2007 dwelling on one or two of their Sheikh Bin Bays multifarious facets has done a dis- How to Deal with the “Other” The Politics of Islam service to their immense potential. It Dr. Anas al Shaikh-Ali was felt that now that Muslims are Methodology for an Effective Muslim Date and Venue to be announced increasingly becoming aware of their Discourse in the West 15 6TH ANNUAL AMSS CONFERENCE

Citizenship, Security, & Democracy

Conference jointly organised by amss (uk), and the foundation for political, economic, and social research - seta (turkey),

In cooperation with amss (france), amss (usa), oic youth forum Sponsored by istanbul metropolitan municipality Patron international institute of islamic thought

1-3 September 2006, Istanbul, Turkey

This conference aims to consider the notion of 2) Security, Violence and Peace Citizenship and Security as they relation to democracy • Security, Integration and Muslim minorities. and freedom and welcomes participants to the event, • Alternatives to violence: Dissent in civil society. critical issues given the events in the US and UK. Global • Communities’ conflict and coexistence. political upheavals have created an insatiable demand • Security and Islamophobia. for studies, information and analysis of Islam and • Terrorism and extremism in Muslim societies. Muslims. However, mass media, politics, and popular • Violence : transnational and national. culture are attempting to homogenise the great diversity • State violence and urban violence of the Muslim experience, representing the Muslim • Islamophobia in the Muslim World? community in monolithic terms. The conference calls • Intercultural and interfaith dialogue and the future of upon researchers to avail themselves of the great oppor- peace. tunity to explore Islam and the Muslim presences in • The Muslim world and the West: New paradigms of Europe and abroad. communication based on mutual respect and human peace. Topics will centre on the following themes: 3)Democracy, democratisation: Prospects for Civil 1) Citizenship: New Paradigms and Challenges Society • Challenges of plural citizenship. • Unity without unification in future cross-cultural soci- • Status of minorities in multicultural societies in a ety. transnational world. • Models for peace in fundamental texts of faiths and • Transnational Muslim organisations cultures. • Political participation of Muslims in Europe and USA • Muslim scholars in the West: prospects for renewal and • Muslim women citizenship, empowerment, and dis- mediation. crimination. • Imagining a Europe with Turkey. • From tolerance to recognition: The processes of inte- • Revival and reform in a fragmented Muslim world gration within the integrity of collective identities. • Europe and the Middle East: Historical and strategic • Faith and secularism. issues. • Muslim youth: Experiences, realities and challenges. • The Nation-state and its Future. • Islamic ethics across multiple cultures in a global envi- • The experience (s) of democracy in Muslim countries. ronment. • Democracy and democratisation : Imposition or per- • European models of unity: cultural and political chal- suasion? lenges. • Turkey’s cultural identity and EU membership. 16 AWARDS

AMSS (UK) 2003 AMSS (UK) 2005 Lifetime Achievement Award Lifetime Achievement Award

In February 2004, at the 5th The AMSS (UK) 2005 Lifetime Annual AMSS (UK) conference, Achievement Award is to given to Fiqh Today, held at the University Professor Fuat Sezgin. As the ailing of Westminster, London, the AMSS professor is too ill to attend, the 2003 Lifetime Achievement Award Award will be presented to a repre- was awarded to Professor Edward sentative at the 6th Annual AMSS (UK) Conference, Said in recognition of his out- Citizenship, Security and Democracy, 1-3 September standing scholarly contributions and intellectual engage- 2006. Professor Sezgin is one of the major scholars of the ment. The award was presented by Dr. Al-Shaikh-Ali on history of science and technology in the Islamic world, behalf of the Executive Committee to Michel Abdul and currently the Director of the Institute of Arabic- Messih, QC and eminent lawyer and Palestinian activist Islamic Sciences at the Johann Wolfgang Goethe who was a close friend of Edward Said. University in Frankfurt, Germany. He is one of the world’s leading authorities on Islam’s Golden Age of AMSS (UK) 2004 Science, and Muslim Cartographers, and is also one of that period’s most prolific chroniclers. He has just pub- Lifetime Achievement Award lished three new installments of his to date 13-volume history of Arabic-Islamic science. The AMSS (UK) 2004 Lifetime Achievement Award was presented AMSS (UK) 2005 to Dr. Martin Lings on 2nd May 2005 in London at The Message of Building Bridges Award the Beloved conference organized by Mahabba Unlimited to mark The AMSS 2005 Building Bridges the occasion of the birth of the Award is to be presented to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and attended by over three Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. thousand people. A great scholar, writer, and intellectual Rowan Williams,ataneventtobe Martin Lings had worked tirelessly to bring to light the announced at a later date. The universal message of Islam and had shown the world that Archbishop has graciously accepted Islam was a timeless message of great beauty, spirituality, the Award which is being given to him in recognition of intelligence and mercy. his work for better understanding between Faiths, and, for a wider recognition of faiths in present day Western culture. His work will generate greater understanding AMSS (UK) 2004 and awareness between communities through inter-faith Building Bridges Award dialogue and intellectual discourse.. Zaki Badawi Annual Memorial In February 2004, at the 5th Annual AMSS (UK) conference, Lecture Fiqh Today: Muslims as Minorities, University of Westminster, the In honour of the life and work of Sheikh Dr. M.A. Zaki AMSS 2003 Building Bridges Badawi O.B.E., K.B.E., the AMSS UK has established a Award was presented to writer and Zaki Badawi Annual Memorial Lecture to be inaugurated historian Dr. Karen Armstrong in in 2007.The lectures are dedicated to his vision to pro- recognition of her contribution towards promoting mote understanding, social cohesion, and multicultural- inter-faith dialogue and understanding. In accepting the ism in society, as well to raise public understanding of award Ms. Armstrong called on participants to challenge these important issues and promote inter-faith dialogue. intolerance by launching a compassionate offensive to Speaker, venue and date of first lecture to be fight misunderstanding in a creative way. announced shortly. 17 18 IIIT USA PROJECTS

Current Research Work international institute of islamic thought

The International Institute of Islamic Thought and sexuality, civility and citizenship, national and (IIIT) is a private, non-profit, academic and cultural religious identity and the environment. The IIIT is institution, concerned with general issues of Islamic approaching a Catholic University to co-sponsor the thought. The Institute was established in the United conference and targeting the Spring of 2007 for pos- States in 1981 (1401 AH). It is independent of local sible dates. politics, party orientations and ideological biases. The Institute is an intellectual forum working from an Islamic perspective to promote and support Promoting Race Equality in the research projects, organize intellectual and cultural US Project meetings and publish scholarly works. It has estab- lished a distinct intellectual trend in Islamic thought This project is intended to produce educational which relates to the vivid legacy of the Ummah material on promoting race equality that could be (Muslim nation), and its continuous efforts of intel- used both in American schools up to grade 12 and lectual and methodological reform. This involves a in community settings or programs. A paper /pre- large number of researchers and scholars from vari- sentation on the issue is also planned for the Values ous parts of the world. in Education conference scheduled for Spring 2007. Discussions are underway regarding the structure of Islamic Studies in American the project, method of research and possible part- Universities Project ners and participants.

A database on Islamic studies in American universi- Abrogation Theories & Their ties has been compiled. An analysis of over a hun- Impact on Islamic Thought dred introductory courses on Islam (Islam 101) was completed; detailed interviews and group conversa- This project is a critical study of the different tions on the state of Islamic studies in American approaches to abrogation that aims at developing a universities were conducted, and case studies of more informed understanding of the application of fourteen Islamic studies programs in major abrogation (naskh) as it is used in exegetical works.. American universities are being conducted during the current and final phase of the project. For further information on these projects or the work of Values in Education Conference the Institute please contact: (Spring 2007) International Institute of Islamic Thought 500 Grove Street, Herndon VA20170, USA This project deals with the current crisis in Tel: 703-471-1133 American education. It explores both the faith- Fax: 703-471-3922 based and the secular approaches to teaching values E-mail: [email protected] in education and presents case studies on topics www.iiit.org such as promoting race equality, gender issues, sex 19 Transdisciplinarity and the Unity of Knowledge: Beyond “Science and Religion Dialogue”

Metanexus Conference 2007, June 2-6 2007 University of Pennsylvania, USA call for papers

The 20th century may very well threads to tie together the various appropriate and take the measure come to be considered the “age of disciplines or even the classical of all particular expertise, to syn- hyper-specialization.” Through divisions between the natural, thesize the theoretical and the the increasing division of labor— social, and human sciences, let practical, to find ways to integrate both economic and intellectual— alone the discoveries of science the scientific, the technological, humans have certainly made and the insights of religion. the philosophical, the aesthetic, enormous progress. We see the University curricula tend to be lit- the ethical, and the religious. Is acceleration of specialization not tle more than cafeteria menus of that any longer possible? Can we only in industry, but in higher disparate courses, with no gen- regain an ability, a facility or education as well. Does hyper- uine attempt at a synthesis— adeptness, at taking the whole specialization, however, with its intellectual or existential. Taking into our most profound concern? intensification of complexity and a disconnected set of courses is multiplication of information, supposed to constitute an “educa- Papers are invited that address the also produce significant prob- tion,” but it remains unfulfilling broad themes specified in the web- lems? Does it—and must it— unless we can begin to say what it site, but the conference is open to lead to disintegration, a fracturing is we know now that we know so critically rigorous, scientifically, theo- logically, and philosophically of knowledge, of culture, and of many disciplinarily distinct informed papers on any topics that the soul? What impact has hyper- things. Thus, the challenge of the touch on profound questions of a specialization had on education? 21st century will be to integrate transdisciplinary nature. And what are its implications for or synthesize the exponential that which goes by the name of growth in human knowledge into IIIT USA have been invited and are “science and religion dialogue”? a meaningful whole. It’s not that contributing to the conference. specialization needs to be over- Today, universities are divided come; it’s that individuals, com- For further information please into a dizzying array of academic munities, and civilization in gen- contact amssuk. departments and research centres. eral will need to develop the com- There seem to be no guiding plementary means by which to

For information and submissions to the AMSS Newsletter contact: AMSS NEWSLETTER P. O. B ox 126, Richmond, Surrey tw9 2ud Tel: 020‒89489511 /2 • Fax: 020‒8940 4014 [email protected] • www.amssuk.com