International Conference on Islam & Modernity

International Conference on Islam & Modernity at IIUI Mushahid Hussain, Prof. Khurshid, Dr. Manzoor, Tamara Sonn, Pervez Hoodbhoy, Dr. Anwar Siddiqui, Misbah Saboohi and other Scholars addressed.

http://www.iiu.edu.pk/news/june_08.html#modernity_conference_end
Two day International Conference on "Islam & Modernity" was held at the International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI). Dr. Manzoor Ahmad, Rector, IIUI and Chairman, Governing Council, Iqbal International Institute for Research & Dialogue (IRD) inaugurated the ConferenceDr. Manzoor Ahmed said the problem of Islam and modernism, as a matter of fact, lies in developing a new hermeneutic for understanding the sacred word. It is not only required to understand the sacred but also to understand language used in any universe of discourse. Muslims, in the beginning of the history of Islam, welcomed Greek logic and developed a very systematic doctrinal system. The problem of modernity lies in trying to find out whether certain alternative systems can be built which may not be totally in consonance with the classical deductive system, yet they reflect the true spirit of Islam. The difficulties for Islam do not arise because of any scientific development but because of the changes in perception about social structures and systems. How far the new insight into the nature of social structure can be accommodated within the basic Islamic faith is the question that has to be dealt today. We may have to deviate from the methodology used by our classicists and develop a new logical approach admitting the possibility of plurality of discourse. Such, to my mind, is the problematique of Islam and modernity today.Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed said that it is high time for Muslims to rethink their strategy towards others in the comity of nations. They should not keep blaming others for their own mistake and misfortunes. The Muslims should bear their responsibilities towards creating a peaceful world. Mushahid added that it is true that Muslims are being chased and attacked by their opponents but they should keep in mind that they have to build their own future.Prof. Khurshid Ahmed said that although there are a lot of differences between Muslims and followers of other religions but they is great space for tolerating each other. He was of the view that Muslims should encourage and involve in meaningful dialogue with others in a respectable way.Dr. Anwar Hussain Siddiqui, President International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI). Dr. Siddiqui emphasized IIUIs commitment to providing a favourable environment for advancing such scholarly exchange.Dr. Mumtaz Ahmed , Executive Director Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue (IRD said the idea of this conference emerged from our dissatisfaction with the current mode of debate on both Islam and modernity, here in Pakistan and the rest of the Islamic world and in the west. Has there been a monolithic Islamic experience and response to what is commonly understood as modernity? Have not there been multiple modernities? If the answer to the first question is No, and the answer to the second question is Yes, then, I believe, it is time to critically reexamine the very nature of the Islam-modernity debate and to understand the ideological-political purposes behind framing the question in this binary and contradictory mode.Ms. Tamara Sonn, Dr. Pervaz Hoodbhoy, Dr. Zafar Ishaq Ansari, Noman-ul-Haq, Dr.Muhammad Farooq Khan, Aasim Sajjid Akhtar, Khaled Ahmed, Salman Sayyid, Misbah Saboohi, Asad Farooq, Suroosh Irfani ,M. Shahid Alam and Dr. Khalid Masud also spoke during the conference. All the speakers stressed upon the need of revisiting actual Islamic teachings which advocate creation of harmony among followers of existing religions in best interest of humanity at large. They said that pure Islamic values have no conflict with any other faith and there was quite good coexistence in past which can be revived.