| At the centre of the discussion will be the Dundee Declaration for the future development of Islam and Muslims and the passionate belief by the Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, that multiculturalism is the route to new and improved relationships.
This was revealed by Professor Abd al-Fattah El-Awaisi, Principal of the Al-Maktoum Institute, speaking to an audience of students, academics and invited guests in Dundee today.
Professor El-Awaisi said, “As we witness daily events from world trouble spots on our TV screens, I believe, more than ever, that a dialogue has to be encouraged between Muslim and non-Muslim countries and between academics and others who inhabit those countries. There must be more serious civilisational dialogue.”
To progress the desire for wider dialogue the Institute has funded a six-month research project, by two leading British academics, reviewing the methods and approaches used by the different departments and centres involved in the teaching of Islamic studies throughout the UK.
Professor El-Awaisi also highlighted the gathering of Muslim and non Muslim scholars held in Dundee in March, under the auspices of the Islamic Universities League.
From their discussions came the publication of the “Dundee Declaration,” a 13-point plan recommending the future development of the study of Islam and Muslims in the 21st century.
Also at today’s event, the Bishop of Brechin, the Right Rev Neville Chamberlain and Mr Ernie Ross, MP for Dundee West were awarded Honorary Fellowships of the Institute.
Thirteen students of the Al-Maktoum Institute, who today receive their Master of Literature degrees from the University of Abertay Dundee, were also honoured at the ceremony.
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