What is belief? What is religious freedom? Is religious freedom essential for or inimical to Islam? What is the relationship between religious freedom and freedom of speech? What are the implications of religious freedom for individual fidelity and for faith communities? What do the Quran, Hadith, and Muslim scholars past and present say about religious freedom?

The Islam and Religious Freedom Seminar is a week-long program for students and professionals in Islam-related fields. In a small seminar setting, led by scholars, religious leaders, and experienced policy makers, participants will explore the intersection of Islam and religious freedom. The seminar will address the topics of religious freedom for Muslim minorities, non-Muslims in Muslim-majority areas, and Muslims in Muslim-majority areas.

We will explore Muslim perspectives on faith and religious freedom, the relationship of religious freedom to societal and individual well being, and religious freedom from the perspectives of philosophy and other faiths. Also we will consider proselytization, conversion, apostasy, blasphemy, and the relation of religion to government. Participation in the seminar will require completing preparatory reading, attending lectures, and contributing to discussions.

Seminar Leader:
Abdullah Saeed, University of Melbourne
Guest Speakers:
Thomas Farr, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service
Ed Husain, Council on Foreign Relations
Asma Uddin, The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty
Seminar Director:
Jennifer Bryson, Director, Islam and Civil Society Project, The Witherspoon Institute

For more information on the faculty, please visit the Faculty Profiles page.

Location and Accommodations:
The seminar will take place from 12:00pm on Tuesday, July 5 to 1:00pm on Saturday, July 9, 2011 on the campus of Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey. Participants will reside and eat on campus; halal meals will be provided.

Application:
The seminar is open to students and professionals in Islam-related fields. If accepted, a seminar registration fee -- $100 for students, $300 for non-students -- will be required. The seminar will provide room, board, and seminar materials. Travel expenses are not included. A limited number of need-based travel scholarships will be available. Applicants will be notified of admissions decisions no later than March 30, 2011. To apply, please send the following by March 15, 2011 via e-mail to islamproject@winst.org.

• A 500-word letter explaining your interests and experience related to the seminar topic.
• Resume, including full name, dates of graduation, postal address, e-mail, and phone number.