Lectures, Consultations and Seminars

Islam and Civil Society Seminar
The Islam and Civil Society Seminar is a week-long program for young adults in Islam-related fields of study and work. In a small seminar setting alongside scholars and religious leaders (Muslim and non-Muslim), participants will explore the relationship of Islam to civil society by engaging together in study, reflection, discussion, and pragmatic solution-seeking. The seminar will consider history and the modern world, with a focus on modern challenges and opportunities for Islam and civil society. Topics will include religious liberty (its nature, Muslim perspectives, and constitutional protections), theological issues (e.g. ijtihad, fatwa authority), violent extremism, conflict alleviation, Muslims in pluralistic societies, Islamophobia, and emerging trends. Participants will be encouraged to publish post-seminar papers; the Witherspoon Institute will assist in identifying potential publication outlets.

Faculty:
Zainab Al-Suwaij, (Founder and Executive Director, American Islamic Congress)
Imam Mohamad Bashar Arafat (President of the Islamic Affairs Council of Maryland; Civilizations Exchange and Cooperation Foundation)
David Belt, Professor (National Defense Intelligence College)
Maneeza Hossein, (Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute)
Hassan Mneimneh, (Visiting Fellow, Hudson Institute)
Rabbi Brett Oxman, (Colonel, U.S. Air Force; Senior Chaplain, U.S. Strategic Command)

For more information about the seminar, please visit the seminar website.