Teaching Islam, Identity, & Modernity: Navigating Beliefs, Misrepresentation, & Social Justice

Description

This presentation provides an overview of key Islamic beliefs and values that shape contemporary issues facing Muslims and Muslim communities in modern societies. Topics explored include the concept of humanity, original sin, faith in Al-Qadar (divine predestination), and the role of servitude to God, among others. The first part examines the perspectives and debates often portraying Islam as "incompatible" with Western modernity. It argues that such views, coupled with media misrepresentations, Islamophobia, and ongoing violence, have fostered a turbulent and complex relationship between Muslims, their communities, and the state, influencing the perception of Islam as both a religion and a socio-political force. The second part addresses the growing concerns surrounding radicalisation, identity crises, and the sense of alienation experienced by many Muslims, who find themselves labelled as "suspects" in the context of a racially charged national and international discourse. Finally, it concludes with existing literature and scholarship recommendations, advocating for greater diversity, and social justice, and promoting interfaith understanding as pathways to a more inclusive and harmonious future.

Keywords: Muslims, Teaching Islamic beliefs, impact on communities, Islamophobia, social justice

Period	7 Apr 2025
Event title	Fellow Showcase: Teaching Islam, Identity, & Modernity: Navigating Beliefs, Misrepresentation, & Social Justice in Contemporary Muslim Experiences
Event type	Conference
Degree of Recognition	Local