IRI holds lecture on “Muslim theologians of non-violence”

Islamic Research Institute (IRI) International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) organized a lecture of Dr. Marcia C. Hermansen, a Professor of Theology at Loyola University Chicago. She is a expert of Islamic Studies and World Religions. She delivered a lecture on the theme of “Muslim Theologians of non-Violence” at Allama Iqbal Auditorium, Faisal Masjid Campus, IIU Islamabad. The seminar was presided over by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, Director General of IRI.

Dr. Hermansen highlighted spiritual/metaphysical aspects of Islam for non-violence. She further explained juridical aspects of Islam on non-violence. She further threw light on the contribution of seven contemporary and near-contemporary Muslim Theologians from different parts of the world including India, Pakistan, Thailand, Syria, Sudan and United States who have made significant impact on academic and pragmatic levels towards non-violence. She was of the view that there are significant voices among Muslims who promote peace and non-violence. Some such scholars are Khan Waheeduddin Khan, Muhammad Mahmud Taha and Muhammad Abu Nimr.

She emphasized that the core theological concepts such as ta’uwhid, patience, pity, righteousness and other juridical-cum-theological principles promote peaceful relationship with non-Muslims; Civic Jihad is one such concept that leads to patience, harmony and mutual co-existence. She concluded that Muslims do not need to look outside of Islamic tradition to find methods of non-violence instead Islamic teachings do provide comprehensive set of guidelines that promote culture of non-violence.

Dr. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, Director General IRI in his concluded remarks, thanked the speaker for her thought-provoking presentation on the subject of non-violence that is very relevant to the needs of contemporary Muslims societies. He was of the view that if the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are followed accurately, violence will automatically be eradicated from Muslim societies mainly because the life of the Prophet (peace be upon him) is role-model for Muslims and the Prophet never promoted violence. Therefore, the solution of contemporary problems lies in the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah.

At the end of the presentation, Dr. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq presented a University shield to Dr. Marcia Hermansen.