An Online Conversation with Professor Asma Afsaruddin

In this interactive lecture and discussion Professor Asma Afsaruddin (Department of Middle Eastern Languages and Culture, Indiana University-Bloomington) will reflect upon diversity and inclusion in the Islamic tradition. Extended questions (and answers) from the audience are highly encouraged and anticipated. In-person attendance is welcome.

This conversation is co-sponsored by the Islamic Studies Seminar at the Center for Theology and Religious Studies (CTR), and is facilitated by Jordan Spencer Jacobs (visiting researcher CTR).  Sami Al Daghistani, Associate Professor of Contemporary Islamic Studies (CTR), will follow Professor Afsaruddin's words with initial commentary.  For the zoom link please write to Jordan Spencer Jacobs: jordan.spencer_jacobs@ctr.lu.se

"The concepts of diversity and inclusion have come under increasing attack in governmental and even academic circles in recent times in the United States and western Europe in the face of increasing immigration to these regions.  There are, however, others who have asserted that in these changing circumstances, the principles of diversity and inclusion are more important than ever. In this paper, I exhume a mandate from within foundational Islamic texts to accept human diversity and foster a neighbourly inclusion of 'others' as part of the divine design for this world.  I further explain how these concepts have been applied and tested within Muslim societies over time"- Asma Afsaruddin    

To download the PDF click the link below: