Exploring 'Understanding Islam' in the West

1.What kind of a course leader and manner of approach?

A Christian who has spent decades studying Islam and developing courses to promote a better understanding! What is he really about? A manner of approach aimed specifically at human beings who are not Muslim or even ‘religious’ – not to convert them but to help them to reflect on the message of Islam. Can we recognise our ‘Islam’ in that approach?

2.Mis/understanding God

Breaking away from so many misapprehensions about the concept of God. Facing square-on the unknowability of God: what can we say of God? The limitations of language, concept and philosophy.

3.The din al-fitra – what is it to be human?

Islam as ‘the natural way of human living’ and therefore open to be perceived in the head and the heart of any human being: how do we present that? Moving away from Islam as the religion of ‘the other’ in our midst.

4.Guidance from Adam to Muhammad

How are human beings to live a truly fulfilled and harmonious life: individually, in families, communities and society, without knowing ‘the Great Designer’s plan’? The quest for justice and peace.

5.Al-insan al-kamil: the perfect human being

Reading a book of guidance is not enough; how are we to put it into practice? The need and character of prophets down through the ages, culminating in Muhammad. What are the ‘tricky’ aspects of his life?

6.One Islam – many schools

Dealing with diversity in a way that lifts it above ‘my team is better than yours!’ The absolute unity of the shahada and the text of the Qur’an alongside diversity of interpretation and practice. Presenting the Sunni/Shi’a division and the multiplicities within both major schools.

7.Ibada – the vertical aspects, taking the example of prayer

What is the function of religion and how do our rituals promote it? Exploring the concepts of taqwa and ihsan. Strengthening both concepts through fasting and assembling for the Hajj.

8.Ibada – the horizontal aspects, taking the example of economics

“Establish the prayer and pay the zakat” – twin pillars of the worship of God. Bringing our economic and societal life under the direction of God: din as a complete way of life.

9.Expanding horizons: modesty and hijab

Moving away from talking about the hijab as ‘square centimetres of exposed skin’ to begin with modesty as ennobling the human being – both male and female. Broadening modesty beyond wearing a headscarf.

10.Expanding horizons: struggling for justice that leads to peace, personally and collectively

Justice and peace begin within the human heart but cannot end there. How does the concept of jihad move from the individual to building a just society, and ultimately to be prepared to take up arms in the last resort?