Upcoming events

A unique two-day conference for young Christians and Muslims in Scotland organised by the Edinburgh Alwaleed Centre in partnership with the Edinburgh Inter-Faith Association. Delegates will explore scripture, doctrine and history in a safe and respectful atmosphere. Hosted at the University of Edinburgh with accommodation available. Follow the link below for more information and to book you place.

A special event discussing the findings of a research project funded by the Alwaleed Centre at the University of Edinburgh. The research was conducted by researchers in the Centre for Research in Education Inclusion and Diversity, University of Edinburgh and ran from January 2010 to April 2013.

A very special lunchtime seminar delivered by one of the leading political scientists working today. Not to be missed.

A lecture by Dr Emin Poljarevic, Postdoctoral Researcher, Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (University of Edinburgh). Organised by the Centre for the Advanced Study of the Arab World.

Dr Leda Blackwood, University of St Andrews, will present research she conducted with Muslims in Scotland, examining their experiences with the police and other authorities. The research highlighted concerns around counter-terrorism interventions and airports more specifically.Take this opportunity to meet Dr Blackwood and her colleague Dr Nick Hopkins, comment on their research findings and discuss ways forward for representing community concerns. The presentation will be followed by a workshop on Muslim voice, and the promise and pitfalls of Muslim participation in consultations and partnerships. Click on the "more information" link for further details and to book your place.

Fr. Nabil Haddad of the Jordanian Interfaith Coexistence Research Centre reflect on the contemporary experiences of Middle-Eastern Christians. UNFORTUNATELY FR HADDAD CANNOT JOIN US FOR THIS LECTURE. WE APOLOGISE TO THOSE WHO WERE LOOKING FORWARD TO ATTENDING.

A very special screening of Ken Loach's critically acclaimed 2004 film which tells the story of a romance between a Scottish Pakistani boy and an Irish girl in Glasgow. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the film's star, Atta Yaqub. This screening is free but you MUST RESERVE YOUR SEAT. To reserve your seat email: filmsoc@ed.ac.uk.

A special seminar delivered by Dr Stephen Goodwin (Istanbul).

A special seminar my Mark Hill QC, expert on the law of religious liberty and the country's leading practitioner in ecclesiastical law.

A special seminar led by Iqbal Khan, CEO of of leading international Islamic investment firm Fajr Capital.

A special seminar delivered by Professor Houchang Chehabi, International Relations, Boston University.

The inaugural lecture of Professor Mona Siddiqui as Professor of Islamic and Interreligious Studies in the University of Edinburgh.

In the battle of the baptized versus the circumcised, Paul is the first and greatest knight. Imagine a Petrine or Jamesian Christianity triumphing instead of the Pauline version. Would it have survived the onslaught and intellectual appeal of a confident imperial Islam? The Pauline elements in Christianity truly distinguished it from its parent faith and it is these distinctive features that safeguarded it against Islam. This is a commentary on what is probably Paul's earliest and certainly most seminal letter, the epistle to the Galatian churches, an epistle that initiated the complete and irreversible rupture of the nascent Jesus movement from its established parent Jewish faith. Dr Akhtar's commentary contributes to inter-faith theological commentary while maintaining a rigorous scholarly interest in the purely exegetical dimension.

A special lecture by Dr Ed Kessler MBE as part of UN Inter-Faith Harmony Week. Dr Kessler is Executive Director of the Woolfe Institute, the UK's leading centre for the study of relations between Jews, Christians and Muslims.

It is often said that Jews, Christians and Muslims pray to the same God. The religious texts of the three religions appear to refer in many cases to the same prophets and other leading characters, and there is a tendency to think that these are all references to the same people. On the other hand, there is reason to think that the references to biblical and Qur'anic characters are so distinct from each other that they are not in fact references to the same people at all. The notion of how reference works in the scriptures and in particular in the Qur'an is complex and worth refining, since the idea that the Abrahamic religions include references to the same individuals is not without problems. On the other hand, if the religions are not linked by sharing key personnel, it is difficult to see how they are linked at all. In examining this issue it is important not to accept a priori what any of the religions says about itself and its relationships with the others.

A special launch event in Scotland for a new report produced by the Alwaleed Centre of Islamic Studies at the University of Cambridge. Contextualising Islam in Britain II is the result of a series of unique symposia involving contributions from over forty British Muslim leaders, scholars and community activists. For more information about this event and to book your seat please click on the "Further information" link below.

The views of leading British Muslims on the role Muslim communities play in contemporary British society have been published in the second phase of a ground-breaking project. Contextualising Islam in Britain II, produced by the Alwaleed Bin Talal Centre of Islamic Studies at the University of Cambridge, points to the enormous potential held by Muslims as a creative minority in Britain as well as engaging with a number of pressing issues facing British Muslims today. You are invited to join us at the Scottish Parliament for a special roundtable discussion reflecting on the report and exploring the questions it raises from a Scottish perspective. Seats at this special event are very limited. To reserve your seat, please contact Rosie Mellor (rosie.mellor@ed.ac.uk) before 5pm on the 19th of January.

Jawdat Kadhim Kaiby taught Arabic calligraphy in Iraq for thirteen years at the Basra Fine Art Institute and was the head of his department for four years. He also served three years as head of the Basra Arabic Calligraphy Society. Jawdat moved to Scotland in 2008 and has led calligraphy workshops at the University of Glasgow’s Hunterian Museum and the prestigious Burrell Collection. In this day-long workshop, students will be introduced to three different calligraphic styles and will have the chance to try their hand at this traditional and celebrated art of the Islamic World. All necessary materials will be provided. No previous experience necessary. Cost £20 (lunch included).

A lecture by Dr Yuka Kadoi, Alwaleed CEntre Post Doctoral Fellow. For the last 1300 years, Muslim craftsmen have worked in a variety of media, skilfully transforming ordinary objects into elaborate works of art. In particular, carpets have played a central role in the socio-economic and material life of the Islamic world. This lecture will explore some key protagonists who helped cultivate the appreciation of Islamic carpets as works of art in the late 19th and early 20th centuries including collectors, scholars and dealers. Chaired by Andrew Haughton, Manger of the Nomads Tent. Part of the Islamic Civilisation Lecture Series 2012.

A lecture by Rabbi Mark Solomon, Rabbi of the Edinburgh and Manchester Liberal Jewish communities, Associate Chair of the Rabbinic Board of Liberal Judaism and Interfaith Consultant for Liberal Judaism. With responses from Shaykh Ruzwan Mohammed (Solas Foundation) and Professor David Fergusson (Professor of Divinity and Principal of New College). Free of charge. No booking necessary.

A lecture by Bruno Abdul Al-Haq Guiderdoni, Director of teh Lyon National Observatory. Copernicus, Galileo, Newton - names we all recognise as giants of astronomy. But how many people have heard of Ibn al-Haytham, al-Khwarizmi or Ulugh Beg? We don't learn about them at school, but their influence is no less significant than their western counterparts. Part of the Islamic Civilisation Lecture Series 2012. What drove Muslims to make such extraordinary progress in the field of astronomy, and what is it about Islam that encouraged these visionaries to look up to the starts? Chaired by Professor Andy Lawrence, Regius Professor of Astronomy, University of Edinburgh. Part of the Islamic Civilisation Lecture Series 2012.

A unique opportunity to hear about current research into the contemporary experiences of Scottish Muslims. Come and meet researchers working across Scotland, let them know what you think of their research and take a look at some of the best entries from this year's "Islam in Scotland" photography competition. Organised by the Alwaleed Centre in partnership with Glasgow Central Mosque. Part of the ESRC's Festival of Social Science 2012.

A lecture by Professor Peter Pormann, University of Manchester. Islamic medicine is considered to be one of the most significant contributions of Islamic civilisation to the sciences, particularly during the Middle Ages when figures such as Al-Razi and Ibn Sina revolutionised approaches to medical theory and practice. This lecture will discuss some of the key Muslim contributions to the development of medical science including anatomy, surgical instruments and procedures, herbal medicine, pharmacology and the development of hospitals and medical training. Chaired by Professor James Garden, Regius Professor of Surgery, University of Edinburgh. Part of the Islamic Civilisation Lecture Series 2012.

The first few years of the 21st Century have witnessed an impressive re-evaluation of Islamic art and archaeology and cultural institutions across the globe have become increasingly important forum for public interest in Muslim cultures. This lecture will discuss the new role to be played by museums. What are the stories embedded in the Islamic objects they exhibit and how can these stories be told? Chaired by Professor Robert Hillenbrand, RSE Fellow and Honorary Professor at the University of Edinburgh. Part of the Islamic Civilisation Lecture Series 2012.

An Edinburgh International Book Festival event sponsored by the Edinburgh Alwaleed Centre: Tony Blair described radical Islam as ‘the world’s greatest threat’. Others argue that the widespread embracing of Islam has generally been thanks to its tolerance and its mission to deliver justice. The reality is more nuanced with recent history requiring us to re-evaluate our hopes and fears for the future. Mustafa Cerić, Grand Mufti of Bosnia and Herzegovina, academic Dilip Hiro and Sudanese author Parker Bilal (pen name Jamal Mahjoub) present perspectives from Europe and Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. Chaired by Ruth Wishart.

An Edinburgh Festival of Spirituality and Peace event supported by the Edinburgh Alwaleed Centre: The year 2012 is the 20th anniversary of the outbreak of the worst conflict in Europe since the end of World War II, the civil war in Bosnia-Herzegovina, which culminated in the massacre of over 8000 Bosnian Muslims in Srebrenica in 1995. Territorial, ethnic, political and religious factors all played a part in the conflict, and remain active in the region, but attempts at peacemaking and reconciliation have been made by both political and religious actors. In the light of the 20th anniversary of the start of the Bosnian War, Mustafa Ceric, the Grand Mufti of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Revd Donald Reeves, the Director of the Soul of Europe and Professor Hugh Goddard, Director of the Prince Alwaleed Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World, will discuss the legacy of the conflict, and the role of faith community initiatives in bringing about healing.

During August, Edinburgh is transformed by a host of festivals which attract hundreds of thousands of people to Scotland's capital. This year, the Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Edinburgh Festival of Spirituality and Peace all include many events centred around Islam and Islamic culture. We have put together a comprehensive list of all festival events relating to Islam and the world of Islam which can be downloaded by clicking on the link below. Enjoy!

Featuring Professor Hugh Goddard (Director of the Alwaleed Centre) speaking on "The religious communities of North Africa and the Middle East" and Dr Alhagi M. Drammerh (Al-Maktoum College, Dundee) speaking on "The Role of Islam in the Arab Spring".

A conference exploring the participation of Muslim communities in the political processes of Britain. Organised in partnership with the Muslims in Britain Research Network and the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Centre of Islamic Studies in Cambridge, this conference will also feature a public event at the Scottish Parliament.

Please join us for Muslims and the Political Process in Scotland, a public debate on the past, present and future of Muslim political participation in Scotland. The panel will include Muslim representatives from the four largest political parties in Scotland: Majid Hussain (Conservative Party) Hanzala Malik MSP (Labour Party) Shabnum Mustapha (Liberal Democrats) Humza Yousaf MSP (Scottish National Party) The debate will be chaired by Professor Mona Siddiqui OBE. Part of "Muslims and Political Participation in Britain" conference.

Presented by Dr Justin Guest, Harvard University and part of the Alwaleed Centre's "Muslims in Britain" spring seminar series. For the full programme please click on the link below.

Presented by Professor Jack Renard (St Louis University).

Presented by Professor Jack Renard (St Louis University). A joint seminar with the Department of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies.

Dr Rana Alsoufi (University of Edinburgh) "Problems in the contemporary application of Islamic criminal law of Hudud in relation to women" Ms Azizat Amoloye-Adebayo (University of Nottingham) "Islamic law for men? Or for everyone? The dilemmatic question of a Muslim woman".

A unique conference bringing together young Muslims and Christians in Scotland for a weekend of scriptural reasoning, honest discussion and relationship-building.

Presented by Dr Kees Hulsman, Editor-in-Chief, the Arab-West Report.

Presented by Professor Hassan Rachik, Professor of Anthropology, University of Hassan II (Casablanca) with the support of the British Council.

Following on from the workshop held in October 2010, the Islamic Studies Network, in partnership with the Alwaleed Bin Talal Centre at the University of Edinburgh, is holding a second cross-disciplinary workshop for those working in Islamic Studies and related disciplines at higher education institutions in Scotland.

The ideal introduction to the Qur'an from Professor Hugh Goddard, Director of the Alwaleed Centre. This fifty-minute presentation is anyone wnating to learn the basics about the Qur'an. No previous knowledge required! The handout to accompany this presentation is also available to download via the link below.

Presented by Dr Sindre Bangstand, Department of Anthropology, University of Oslo and in association with the departments of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies and Social Anthropology at the University of Edinburgh and the Northern Scholars Scheme.

A panel discussion with Dr Robert Lambert (Co-Director, European Muslim Research Centre, University of Exeter), Dr Anna Souhami (Lecturer in Criminology, University of Edinburgh Law School) and Inspector Tom Galbraith (Lothian and Borders Police). Organised in association with the University of Edinburgh Law School and followed by a reception and book signing by Dr Lambert of his new book "Countering Al-Qaeda in London: Police and Muslims in Partnership".

A panel discussion with Professor Hugh Goddard (Director of the Alwaleed Centre), Dr Talat Ahmed (Department of History), Dr Ewan Stein (Politics and International Relations), and Dr Thomas Pierret (Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies).

Presented by Dr Timothy Peace, Outreach Post Doctoral Fellow at the Alwaleed Centre, University of Edinburgh.

Presented by Professor Hugh Goddard, Director of the Alwaleed Centre at the University of Edinburgh.

In partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council and the Scottish Government, the Alwaleed Centre is very pleased to be welcoming world-renowned graffiti artist Mohammed Ali to Edinburgh this September. Mohammed (also known as Aerosol Arabic) will be painting a large mural outside the Annandale Street Mosque in Edinburgh on Thursday 8th and Friday 9th September. The mural will be a celebration of Islam in Scotland and we welcome people from all over Edinburgh to come along and watch Mohammed paint.