The Science and Religion in Islam research group is the result of a collaboration between a number of Muslim academics who have decided to work together to explore the interface between science and religion from the perspective of different disciplinary horizons. We hope to contribute to the emergence of a working culture which is based on a double perspective: on one hand that of a rationality that is open to problems of a metaphysical, spiritual or theological order and, on the other hand, that of a spiritual life, of a religious conscience, and an inner experience that is open to philosophical problems that arise from investigations in the area of contemporary science. We advocate this double perspective in the sense that we consider that science and religion have things to say to one another. But, at the same time, this requires a great deal of clarity in our intentions as well as rigour in our method. The bringing together in a illusory side-by-side, or a fallacious analogy, of Islamic religious knowledge and the findings of contemporary science can lead to disappointing results since, by ignoring the specificities of the two areas and the singularity of the principles which govern their respective movements, this approach prevents, in reality, the emergence of a real "convergence" between science and religion. For this reason, unlike a certain reading which dominates in the Islamic World, we do not think that these two spheres of knowledge can seriously enter into dialogue with each other in a direct fashion. In our opinion, the nature of the relationship between the two areas requires an "internal", philosophical, theological or spiritual inquiry. Hence we will be able to phrase the question as follows: what is it within science that can enter into a meaningful dialogue with Islam? And what is it within Islam that can enter into a meaningful dialogue with science?   When we speak of Islam we are not only talking about the religious component. In order to promote the emergence of a serious dialogue between science and religion in the perspective of religion, we need to consider all the dimensions of the culture that has arisen from the civilisation that has been nurtured by this religion. It is one of the reasons why our research group includes not only mathematicians, physicists, and astrophysicists but also theologians, historians and philosophers. An interdisciplinary approach is an important aspect of our work: creating links between the findings of each discipline while keeping within the rules of each discipline.   The science-islam site intends to function as a knowledge forum in view of the emergence of a genuine scientific modernity that is rooted in the conscience of intellectual, spiritual and ethical values. Under these four section-headings (articles, abstracts, bibliographical references and links) our site will propose a certain number of tools, concepts and methods, theses and structures which may, in some way, contribute to the renewal or, more accurately, the "revitalisation", of Islamic thought based on a profound comprehension of the challenges and the advancements that are being made in the 21st century. 

Dialogue between civilisations

On the origins of the "Clash of civilizations" Editorial analysis: The cultural dimension of the current crisis    Rèda Benkirane Among the many reflections on the events related to September 11, two of the most profound insights come from Christian thinkers who have focused their analyses essentially on the cultural aspect of the crisis. René Girard, a French anthropologist from Stanford University, known for his (...) Read   Islam and Christianity in 21st Century Europe An Islamic Perspective    Mustafa Abu Sway In determining the relationship between Islam and Christianity in Europe one should take into consideration several factors including theology, culture, history and politics. I believe that there is a possibility to perceive the reality of the situation other than the way it is presented by (...) Read   On the origins of the "Clash of civilizations"    Rèda Benkirane Editorial analysis: The cultural dimension of the current crisis, by Reda Benkirane Among the many reflections on the events related to September 11, two of the most profound insights come from Christian thinkers who have focused their analyses essentially on the cultural aspect of the (...) Read   Beyond the ’clash of civilizations,’ shaping reform in Muslim societies    Abdou Filali-Ansari The "clash of civilizations" supposedly under way between the West and the Muslim world, which many see as manifested in Iraq, as well as in Saudi Arabia’s growing violence, in fact masks other conflicts - disputes that will probably prove to be far more significant in the long term. One of (...) Read   Islamophobia: Meaning, Manifestations, Causes    Mustafa Abu Sway Muslims could change their world and overcome the tyranny of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim discrimination, just as slavery was abolished[1] Islamophobia consists of violence against Muslims in the form of physical assaults, verbal abuse, and the vandalizing of property, especially of Islamic (...) Read   The West and Islam: Clash Points and Dialogues    Abdelwahab M. Elmessiri Features of the New Islamic Discourse: Some Introductory Remarks Some people tend to view Islam as if it were a monolithic or one-dimensional entity. Islam is undoubtedly the faith of transcendental monotheism, the belief in Allah, (the one and only God), who transcends both man and (...) Read   Interfaith Dialogue: Islamic Perspective    Abdul Majid In this paper we intend to give an account of Islamic teachings about the relationship of different faiths to Islam. We shall look into the idea that whether Islamic teachings are accommodative of other faiths or not? Whether Islam accepts diversity of religions and cultures or not? What are (...) Read