A Lecture on Muslim Perceptions of Science by Stephen H. Jones

Date: June 29, 2023 @18:30 – 20:00 (BST)

Venue: Edgbaston Park Hotel, 53 Edgbaston Park Rd, Birmingham B15 2RS, UK

A lecture on Muslim perceptions of science hosted by the Institute for STEMM in Culture and Society (ISTEMMiCS) and the Science and Technology Cluster in the Department of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Policy, University of Birmingham.

While there have long been lively discussions about gender and racial inclusiveness in science communication, Muslims, one of the UK’s most marginalized populations, have largely been ignored. This is despite Muslims being a group whose members are often described as being especially resistant to science, with news media regularly claiming they stand in opposition to everything from evolution to COVID regulations.

In this public lecture, Stephen H. Jones will use a range of data to look at what British Muslims really think about science and at the question of whether, and how, science communicators should engage Muslim members of the public. Drawing on a new research project hosted at the University of Birmingham, ‘Science and British Muslim Religious Leadership’, the lecture will offer particular insight into Islamic authorities’ role in arguing for and against scientific theories and how they approach issues such as human origins, organ donation, and engaging with secular society.

About the Speaker

Stephen H. Jones is a sociologist whose research covers themes including equality and discrimination, governance and political participation, religion in public life and the public understanding of science. He specializes in the study of Muslims in the UK and their treatment by British society and the state, with his research in this area encompassing Islamic organizations and movements, governance and securitization, and Islamophobia. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology, University of Birmingham. He was General Secretary of the Muslims in Britain Research Network between 2017 and 2020.

This lecture is free to attend. Refreshments and snacks will be provided. Please do not sign up unless you are certain to attend in person, as space is limited.

More information and registration via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/

Islam in America: Challenges, Opportunities and Advocacy

Date: June 30 – July 2, 2023

Venue: Tysons Corner Marriott, 8028 Leesburg Pike, Tysons Corner, Virginia 22182, USA

Join the 5000 shia Muslims this year insh’allah at the annual UMAA Convention as we come together to shine light on “Islam in America: Challenges, Opportunities and Advocacy”.

• Programs:

• • Lectures
  • Matrimonial services
  • Banquet Dinner
  • Grand Bazaar with Booths
  • Celebration night
  • Comedy show
  • Youth Programs
  • World Café
  • Art Exhibit
  • Sport Events

• Some of the confirmed speakers:

– Dr. Sayed Moustafa al-Qazwini
– Dr. Hassan Abbas
– Professor Sajjad Rizvi
– Sr. Sayeda Habib
– Sayyid Sulayman Hassan
– Dr. Mohammad al-Shimmary
– Dr. Noor Zaidi
– Dr. Abbas Kadhim
– Sheikh Abdul Jalil Nawee
– Dr. Mohammad Sagha
– Sheikh Mustafa Akhound
– Syed Baqir Sajjad
– Saiyid Hasan Ali Rizvi
– Sheikh Fadhel Al-Sahlani
– Sr. Sarah Mokh
– Dr. Odeh Muhawesh
– Sr. Jerrmein Abu Shahba
– Dr. Abdullah Alrebh

Conference Website: https://www.umaamerica.com/18th-annual-umaa-conference-2023/

Lecturer: Amir Dastmalchian

Date: February 22, 2018 @ 6:00 pm

Venue: The Islamic College, 133 High Road, Willesden, London NW10 2SW, UK

For many religious believers around the world, particularly those living in large urban centers, religious diversity is a pressing issue. Yet in their interreligious engagements truth is politely ignored. What are some of the key philosophical issues involving religious diversity and how might believers from different religious traditions respectfully discuss their own beliefs with confidence?

Amir Dastmalchian has held research fellowships at the Islamic College (London) and the University of Geneva and has taught at King’s College London and Canterbury Christ Church University. He is a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Shi‘a Islamic Studies, having previously served as an assistant editor. His research interests cover philosophy of religion, interreligious dialogue, and Islamic studies.

Source: The Islamic College

The last session of the Islamic College’s monthly lecture series on “Humor in Islam and Muslim Civilization” was held on January 18.

Muslims today are stereotyped as humorless. Grim images of burning flags and besieged embassies are printed over and over again to represent Muslims. As a result, an entire civilization and culture is regarded as merciless… and also devoid of humor. But is this the reality? Certainly it neglects the abundant evidence of humor in Islamic countries for many centuries. This presentation explored Muslim humor across the ages. It began by looking at modern texts and websites; then proceeded to an examination of anecdotal literature referred to as the nawadir genre; and concluded with an exploration of hadith.

Yasmin Amin is finalizing a PhD at the University of Exeter on “Humor and Laughter in the Hadith”. She obtained a post-graduate diploma in Islamic Studies from the American University in Cairo in 2006 as well as an MA in Islamic Studies from the American University in Cairo in 2010; her dissertation was on the hadiths narrated by Um Salamah. Prior to that, she had a lengthy career in business administration. She is also a co-editor of the upcoming volume, Islamic Interpretive Tradition and Gender Justice.

Source: The Islamic College

Date: November 14, 2016

Venue: Wesley Church, Christ’s Pieces, Cambridge CB1 1LG, UK

Science is rooted in observation, experimentation and repetition. It is a human endeavor based on a human-defined framework. Faith on the other hand, according to Islamic Tradition, is rooted in non-human divine revelation. Faith is concerned with that knowledge and understanding which is beyond any human endeavor. Yet throughout Islamic History there has been a strong relationship between Science and Faith. In this lecture Faisal Mohammed looks at the Islamic understanding of Science and explores how this has contributed to Muslims moving toward Faith rather than moving away from Faith.

Faisal Mohammed is the Managing Director of Cambridge Islamic College. The mission of the College is to produce a generation of independent Islamic scholars and thinkers who are at the same time working professionals contributing to the wider British society. The College is committed to bridging the disconnect between mainstream secular education and specialized Islamic studies.

Faisal holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and Engineering from The University of Melbourne, Australia, and a Master’s Degree in Electronics and Computer Engineering from The Open University, UK. Faisal has also qualified as a Management Accountant, from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), UK. Faisal worked in the mobile telecommunication industry for several years before he moved on to establishing his own businesses in natural health food and management consulting. Alongside his work, Faisal has been actively pursuing Islamic Studies and is regularly invited to give lectures at inter-faith events, mosques, Islamic centers and universities. He founded Muslim Education and Outreach Cambridge (MEOC) in 2010 and co-founded Cambridge Islamic College in 2013.

Source: Wesley Methodist Church’s Website

Venue: Bait ul Aman Mosque, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD3 9JT, UK

For at least a decade there has been a growing movement of young British Muslims who choose to travel abroad to study at religious seminaries (madrasas). However, the madrasa system is controversial: on one hand, it is perceived in the West as a conduit of extremism and, on the other, as an institution lacking pedagogic criticality.

In a lecture by Dr Tajul Islam (University of Leeds), followed by a dialogue between Dr Islam and Dr Mustapha Sheikh (University of Leeds), probing questions will be asked about the classical madrasa model, the problems associated with non-critical engagement with canonical texts in pedagogic settings, and ways of approaching texts from a position of both critical engagement and sensitivity/respect.

An academic discussion of this kind within the setting of a mosque makes for a unique opportunity not to be missed; additionally, there will be time for audience participation following the presentation and conversation.

The event takes place on the ground floor of the mosque and is open to all genders. Visitors should be dressed modestly, although no head covering is required. There is disabled access to the facility.

This event is part of the Being Human festival – the UK’s only national festival of the humanities. As our festival events are free, not everyone who asks for tickets comes to our events.

Source: beinghumanfestival.org

Date: September 30, 2016 @ 18:15 – 20:00

Venue: Georgetown University

In this special public lecture, Dr. Brown will turn his attention to the often-discussed but very often misunderstood subject of Islamic Law (Shari ‘a). How intolerant is the Shari ‘a?

The first public lecture in Scotland by renowned scholar and Director of the Alwaleed Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University.

Dr Jonathan A. C. Brown is author of the acclaimed monographs Hadith: Muhammad’s Legacy in the Medieval and Modern World (2009) and Misquoting Muhammad: The Challenge and Choices of Interpreting the Prophet’s Legacy (2014). His 2011 publication Muhammad: A Very Short Introduction has provided audiences throughout the English-speaking world with a highly accessible and engaging introduction to the life and legacy of the Prophet Muhammad. In this special public lecture, Dr Brown will turn his attention to the often-discussed but very often misunderstood subject of Islamic Law (Shari’a).

Source: The University of Edinburgh