University news

The Director of the Centre for the Study of Islam at Glasgow University, Professor Mona Siddiqui is to present an honorary Lecture at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome next week.

Addressing Islamic theological perspectives on Judaism and Christianity, Professor Siddiqui will speak to an Angelicum audience of Jewish, Catholic and Muslim dignitaries and students at the event on 20 April. She will lecture on the problem Islam has confronted from its earliest days:  that of Judaism and Christianity as both divine and corrupted revelations. Today, as theological and political tensions are intertwined, Professor Siddiqui calls for a more robust Islamic theology of inclusion where compassion, not salvation, is the starting point. 

Mona Siddiqui, Director, Centre for the Study of Islam says: "It seems to me that the more I research religion, the more I find the word knowledge in its broadest sense: that knowledge is a divine gift not confined to the religious sphere of any one religion, and that the pursuit of knowledge in every great faith is inextricably linked with the great virtues of justice, hope and love. Its pursuit is a noble exercise of the mind and body, but knowledge is perfected only when it is followed by doing what is right, doing what is good. Religious faith itself when directed to God can be emptied of dogma and doctrine but it will always hold good deeds as noble values in themselves, good deeds are what God himself desires."

Rabbi Jack Bemporad, Director of the Centre for Interreligious Understanding and Professor at Angelicum says: "Professor Siddiqui provides a bold new path for Muslims. Through her theologically sound work, she shows that the traditional Muslim view - that Jewish and Christian scriptures are corrupted - can be reinterpreted, and Judaism and Christianity can be valued and appreciated without condemnation."

Professor Siddiqui is a regular guest commentator for BBC Radio, BBC World Service, BBC Scotland, and Radio Free Europe (Central Asia); and also writes for the Times (London), The Scotsman, Guardian and The Herald and is the first Muslim columnist for the Catholic weekly, The Tablet.

The Annual Lecture is a central event of the John Paul II Centre for Interreligious Dialogue, created through a partnership between the Russell Berrie Foundation and the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum).  The Centre’s goal is to build bridges between Catholic, Jewish and other religious traditions by providing the next generation of religious leaders with a comprehensive understanding of and dedication to inter-faith issues

Further information:
Martin Shannon, Media Relations
University of Glasgow Tel: 0141 330 8593

Susan Barnett, Impact Communications
Email: skbarnett@nyc.rr.com

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First published: 15 April 2010