We offer a series of talks for select University Islamic Societies and community/professional organisations on a pro-bono basis.
Lectures on offer:
1. Does God Exist
God. Perhaps the most important idea in human history. Yet is He (She/It?) fact or fiction? The most fundamental reality of the universe or simply a figment of human imagination? Join us for an illuminating exploration of the key themes from an Islamic perspective surrounding the belief vs. disbelief debate. Our seminar takes a look at the history of secularism in the West, traditional reasons for belief and the issue of faith in the modern world. Is Dawkins deluded or is God the delusion? Join us to find out…
2. History of Islam in Britain
Lady Evelyn Cobbold. The Right Honourable Sir Rowland George Allanson. Lord Henry Stanley, the 3rd Baron of Alderley. What do all these individuals have in common? Not just that they were part of the English aristocracy – but that they were all converts to the religion of Islam! Islam in the UK has a rich and vibrant history prior to the mass immigrations following WWII – yet many people, unfortunately, are totally unaware of this. Learn about the ancient English King who minted a coin with an Arabic inscription of faith. In what year was the practice of Islam legalised in the UK? And who, in 1869, became the first Muslim member of the House of Lords? Learn these and many more interesting facts as our seminar takes you on a historical journey you won’t forget.
3. Islam in the Modern World: Challenges and Opportunities
Few topics have sparked as much debate and controversy in recent times as the place of Islam in the modern world. Guarded fiercely by ‘fundamentalists’, tweaked and reformed by modernists, vilified by hate-mongers and anti-religionists – what role should this religion play in the life of 21st century European society? Is it no more than the cultural baggage of immigrants who’ve moved recently to Western lands? Or can it speak to the needs and wants of an increasingly divided modern world?
These are some of the topics explored in what promises to be an exciting and insightful lecture.
4. Effectively Engaging Your Muslim Community On and Off Campus
Attention all ISoc activists! Unleash the potential of your Muslim community by attending this vital workshop. Winning the hearts and minds of local people was a noble duty that all Prophets carried out and is one that is beloved to our Creator. So what is it that makes the British Muslim community tick?
A good activist will get a community to work with them; a smart activist will go one better and get the community to work for them. The difference between the two is the art we need to master and indeed is the essence of this training session. It’s not a one-way lecture so expect plenty of stimulation, interactivity and a little bit of thinking. Perfect your game plan, build those important partnerships and get the movers and shakers of your community to champion your cause. Working with Mosques, Scholars & Imams? Learn how to effectively mobilise key players and raise maximum awareness through the khutbah channel. In just 90 ‘quality’ minutes, you are guaranteed to get to grips in knowing how to successfully engage the local Muslim community around you – on and off campus.
5. Inspiration from the Sahābah
We never met any of them but we easily recall their names and relive their stories. Who were these great men and women around the Messenger? Why does their 1400 year legacy continue to inspire so many hearts and minds around the world? Every student yearning to make his or her mark of excellence during University life, be it in academia or delivering positive community action, should start here. This inspirational lecture will energise your spirit with awe-inspiring life examples of these remarkable personalities. Learn how the very noble students of history’s greatest teacher – the Prophet Muhamamad (sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) lived their lives for the benefit of the generations that followed.
6. The Golden Age of Civilisation
Did the European renaissance accidentally come from nothing? Of course not. So where are the roots? Well, they say history is a great teacher but unfortunately many of us today remain ignorant of the Muslim period in Spain. You’ll remember your school History lessons calling it the ‘Dark Ages’ but in reality it is often described as a ‘Golden Age’ of learning where libraries, colleges and public baths were established and literature, poetry and architecture flourished. Both Muslims and non-Muslims made major contributions to this flowering of culture and technological advancement.
So what was the link in the 12th Century between Muslim craftsmen in Toledo and the Salisbury Cathedral in England? Where did the Bishop of Oxford get his inspirational ideas from? Come aboard this time-machine to revisit the pre-renaissance period, which witnessed some of the key contributions to western civilisation, which we all enjoy today. This journey is going to inspire you to appreciate the chemistry of faith and culture.
7. Islamic Finance – Myth or Reality?
A fierce debate continues to rage over whether Islamic Finance violates the spirit, if not the letter of Sharī‘ah law. Now you can benefit from hearing first-hand a qualified Islamic scholar specialising in this field explaining the fiqhi principles underpinning the debate, and become better informed as to how faithful, or indeed fraudulent, the industry is to Islamic principles. This intense seminar will particularly benefit law, finance and accounting students.
8. Medical Ethics – An Islamic Perspective
Organ donation? Stem cells and the use of cord blood? Abortions and post-mortems? What does Islam have to say on these matters? On what principles do contemporary scholars agree, and on what policies do they differ? Every medic in training should attend this thought-provoking and informative seminar which can help ensure one’s future career is practised in a manner consistent with one’s faith.
9. Living Hālal; More than just Finga Lickin’ Chicken!
Like many of us, if you thought ‘Hālal’ was all to do with meat, then just stop reading here and attend this seminar! Hālal sustenance is not only the consumption at the end of the process, but also encompasses the beginnings too i.e. Hālal livelihood. So much so that two questions on the day of reckoning, posed by God Almighty will concern the acquisition and spending of one’s wealth. Did you know, Muslims are obliged to earn and live Hālal? Are you aware that the acceptance of our worship depends on whether our sustenance is Hālal? This in-depth seminar has definitely got meat-on-the-bone! So be rest assured to have your questions concerning Hālal earnings answered by a Mufti eminently qualified to shed light on this issue in light of our modern evolving context.
10. Muslim Women Beyond Stereotypes
‘A Muslim woman only exists to be a wife and have children.’ This is a statement that comes from Muslims themselves, and indeed an increasing number of young Muslims, both men and women. Have we forgotten our heritage? Where are the educators, the lawyers, the leaders in finance, the strong mothers of our time? They are there somewhere but are hiding and only slowly coming out of the woodwork. In this talk we will discuss the role of a Muslim woman and how we need to go beyond stereotypes and re-establish the essence of being a woman from an authentic Islamic perspective. Be ready to change your mind about the role of a woman… and the role of a Muslim woman!
11. Being British and Being Muslim; Two Sides of the Same Coin?
The rise of the EDL, the French niqāb ban and the Swiss minaret ban are all undisputable symptoms of a growing intolerance to Islam predicated upon a belief that Muslims are a threat to democratic, pluralist, secular Europe. Faced with assimilation, segregation or integration, how can Muslims best adhere to a traditionalist reading of their faith whilst thriving as British citizens? Join us to learn more.
12. Post Credit Crunch Reforms: A Viable Alternative
With leading non-Muslim economists, academics and former bankers increasingly calling for some reforms compatible with an Islamic narrative, perhaps a silver lining to the current economic crisis would be for Muslims to support those seeking to reform the banking profession in scripturally acceptable ways.
Positive Money stands out as a serious player lobbying for reforms to the paper-based banking system. In 14 short months, they have secured the support of leading economists, think-tanks, MPs and academics leading to the establishment of the first ever
All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Banking Reform, and the recent publishing of a ground-breaking textbook. A must for economics, finance, accounting and business studies students.
