Points Relevant to Muslim – Catholic Dialogue

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A summary of the main points gleaned from a research project commissioned by Tabah Foundation to examine the position of the Catholic Church in relation to Islam since Vatican II, and the underlying philosophical stances adopted with regard to dialogue with non-Christian faiths. The memorandum provides an outline of the Church’s doctrinal platform for Muslims engaged in such a process of dialogue.

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How We Got Here: A Critical Analysis of Niall Ferguson’s “The Ascent of Money”

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Niall Ferguson’s “The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World” offers a history of six crucial components to modern capitalism, the benefits these provide, and the consequences of their realization.

This review of Niall Ferguson’s The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World is divided into three sections. After introducing Ferguson, I summarize the themes and content of this conceptual history of modern finance, noting those arguments most relevant to a scholarly Islamic audience. In closing, I will attempt the following: Firstly, to discuss the intellectual climate that reflects Ferguson’s positions, those beliefs and values which frame his book. Secondly, to point out the relevance of conceptual histories to Islamic scholarship, taking Ferguson’s work as an inspiration to begin similar projects, albeit within and for the Islamic tradition. Lastly, to explain how conceptual histories of Islamic finance will provide depth to Islamic scholarship, on questions of finance, economics and the like. I will end with a series of questions designed to stimulate further discussion.

America’s Priorities in the Future of US-Muslim Relations

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A summary and analysis of Changing Course: A New Direction for US Relations with the Muslim World, a report of a 34-member bipartisan leadership group recommending best strategies for improving America’s relationships with Muslim countries and communities.

Intellectual Formation as a Conduit to the Spiritual Dimension of Man

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The purpose of this Tabah Research seminar held at St Cross College, Oxford, was to explore the relationship between spiritual knowledge and the philosophical sciences by way of Dr Taha Abderrahmane’s experiences in both disciplines. In his understanding the philosophical quest and its attendant activities are proposed as essentially a force for inter-cultural and cognitive unity.

A Comparative Analysis of the Common Word Dialogues

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A concise review and analysis of the Common Word initiative, its history, and the response of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Reverend Rowan Williams.

A Common Word between Us and You is the letter that began an interfaith initiative led by key Muslim institutions and endorsed by prominent Muslim scholars. The focus of the initiative is to identify common ground between Muslims and People of the Book (specifically Christians), and using this common ground to achieve peace and work towards their shared interests and future. The proposal has been welcomed by the Christian community and it has already triggered tangible results. Key among them is the response of the Archbishop of Canterbury in a letter entitled A Common Word for the Common Good. The initiative’s website address is http://www.acommonword.com.

 

Ethical Dimensions of Nanotechnology

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This brief paper introduces the subject of Nanotechnology and its ethical implications as an applied technology. It goes on to explore and present a blueprint for the theological, legal and ethical issues which Muslim scholars may need to address, as well as a framework through which scholars can determine relevant solutions.

Nanotechnology comprises several fields where matter is viewed and manipulated at the extremely small scale of billionths of a meter. At this scale matter exhibits phenomena and properties that can be used for new applications. Nanotechnology has already made its way into common consumer products such as stain-free cloth, sunscreen, and computer chips. Unfortunately, nothing conclusive is known about the additional health and environmental risks of matter at such a small scale. Concern about these risks, and about how nanotechnology will be used and its impact on society have prompted several invitations for public discussions on the ethical dimensions of nanotechnology. Religious perspectives have been requested. Muslim scholars and opinion leaders have yet to respond.

This brief introduces the topic of nanotechnology and its ethical dimensions. It then presents a blueprint of the theological, legal, and ethical issues which Muslim scholars and opinion leaders may need to address, as well as a framework through which scholars can begin working out some of the answers.

 

The Roman Catholic Church’s position on Islam after Vatican II

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A study and analysis of the philosophy underlying the Catholic Church’s approach to dialogue with non-Catholics and non-Christians. The study includes a presentation of the official Church position on Islam and Muslims following the SecondVatican Council.

A Global Ethic: Its Scope and Limits

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Taha Abderrahman, the author, holds that a critical window of opportunity remains open for theistic world views to collectively provide a program of shared ethics. However, it is his assertion that recent attempts to furnish a set of fundamental criteria, in the name of world religions, have failed to deliver on the promise. Drawing on the richness of Islamic theological systems, the author endeavors to provide both a critical analysis and  a corrective prescription.

 

Reasonable Accommodation

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“Reasonable Accommodation” contends that religious practices will no longer be sheltered under the umbrella of multiculturalism. Further, it imposes a limitation on the participation of faith in the public space by stipulating a condition of “reasonable proof” on religion.