Back to all news

Europe Needs Fresh Look at the Role of Muslims

Iqbal-Asaria1An Open Lecture at Dundee’s Al-Maktoum College of Higher Education on Tuesday, November 17 will focus on Muslims and Europe, including the current wave of Islamophobia in the region.

Professor Iqbal Asaria, based at the International Centre for Islamic Finance in Malaysia, will argue that Europe is coming to terms with a significant Muslim presence in its midst.

But he will stress that it urgently needs a new strategy to define the role of Muslims in a rapidly changing world.

Professor Asaria, who was awarded a CBE for his services to International development ten years ago, has advised many UK banks and insurance companies on their launch of Islamic financial services.

He will argue that there has been, historically, an invaluable Muslim contribution to European success over the centuries.

But these attitudes, he will suggest, have been replaced by what he describes as the “vile building blocks of the wave of Islamophobia now rampant across Europe.”

He will describe these as “a dangerous turn of events at this juncture in European history” while exploring lessons from the history of Muslim interaction with Europe that, he believes, could again lead towards a more fruitful, future pathway.

Al-Maktoum College, Principal and Vice Chancellor. Dr Hossein Godazgar, said:

“I am sure Professor Asaria’s presentation will be challenging and hugely interesting.

“This is the third Open Lecture in the current series and because of the contemporary nature of the topic, I think our audience is in for a thought-provoking time.”

The lecture takes place at Al-Maktoum College on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 6pm.

This lecture is FREE to attend and open to the public. However registration is required due to capacity.

To register Email: openlectures@almcollege.org.uk

Refreshments will be available half an hour before the lecture and there will There will be socialising and networking with light nibbles afterwards.

There is also a free car park available adjacent to the College.