Dundee-based expert to give online lecture

Dundee-based expert to give online lecture explaining Islamic perspective on Coronavirus, as Ramadan begins.

A top academic from a leading private-sector college is to deliver an online lecture entitled ‘An Islamic perspective on Coronavirus’ this Thursday, 23 April, when Scotland’s Muslim population begins to observe Ramadan.

Dr Alhagi Manta Drammeh, a senior lecturer at Dundee’s Al-Maktoum College of Higher Education is the college’s lead on Islamic Studies, and one of Scotland’s most respected academics with a background in the study of Islamic politics and religious belief.

Dr Drammeh believes that understanding the approach to Coronavirus in different cultures is vital as governments grapple with their response to the disease.
As Dr Drammeh explains:

“COVID-19 has exposed the fragility of human beings, while emphasising the fact that global challenges require global approaches to dealing with them. It has also shown that regardless of diverse ethnic, racial and religious backgrounds of humanity, this pandemic has created an opportunity for people to come together to have a unified strategy to tackle this global world menace.”

The virtual lecture, which is expected to draw an international audience, is part of Al-Maktoum College’s Open Lecture series, usually held at the College’s Dundee campus.

Head of Al-Maktoum College Dr Abi Abubaker explains that the open lecture series reflects the college’s ethos:
“As a respected international institution based in Dundee, we provide a broad business education with added specialist elements of Islamic finance, Middle Eastern studies and Arabic languages, positioning us as Scotland’s centre of academic study of the Islamic world.

“At this time of international crisis, my colleague’s expertise is contributing to the world’s understanding of the impact of coronavirus and we are keen to share our thoughts with a wider audience as part of our open lecture series.

“It is particularly poignant that the lecture takes place just before the start of Ramadan, a time at which, traditionally, extended families gather each evening to break their daily fast. Social distancing will have a big impact on how families observe Ramadan, and many people will be reliant on technology to come together while staying apart.”

Access to Dr Drammeh’s free online lecture is via Eventbrite. Sign up here.