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. 

Arts establishes Canada’s first chair in Islamic Studies

January 18, 2006 - The University of Alberta is establishing Canada’s first endowed chair in Islamic Studies, with the help of $1 million pledged by the Edmonton Council of Muslim Communities and matching funding from the government of Alberta.

It’s fitting that the first such chair be established in Edmonton, Dean of Arts Dr. Daniel Woolf said during a ceremony to announce the new chair Tuesday.

"Edmonton is absolutely the place for this to have happened - in 1938, the first Mosque in Canada opened in Edmonton," he said.

The U of A Faculty of Arts will also contribute $1 million to the endowment, and Woolf said the chair holder could be hired as early as July of this year. So far, the position has garnered international interest, but won’t be filled until the right candidate is found, he said.

Work on establishing the chair began with the creation of the Edmonton Council of Muslim Communities (ECMC), said Larry Shaben, who chairs the council, which represents some 35,000 Muslims living in the greater Edmonton region.

"Gaining knowledge and education have always been important principles in Islam since the earliest days of the religion," said Shaben. "Thus, we in Edmonton’s Muslim community are delighted at the U of A’s announcement of Canada’s first endowed chair in Islamic Studies."

The ECMC and the U of A Faculty of Arts are spearheading a major fundraising campaign to secure the academic chair in perpetuity. Nearly $200,000 was raised during Tuesday night’s ceremony, bringing the total to about $270,000, excluding the province’s matching grant.

U of A President Dr. Indira Samarasekera said the creation of the new chair is a perfect fit with the university’s four cornerstones of talented people, learning, discovery and citizenship, connecting communities, and skilful organization and support.

"This is truly a milestone for the U of A," she said, adding that the ECMC "has set an extraordinary standard of philanthropy and advocacy," which will enhance and enrich the U of A learning experience.

"The chair will be a tremendously important addition to the community and to the faculty," said Nashir Karmali, education chair of the ECMC. "The person who occupies it will play a key role in increasing knowledge of the diversity of Islamic traditions, cultures and interpretations, the history of Islam’s rich intellectual and cultural heritage, and its relationship with other societies and faiths."

Minister of Advanced Education David Hancock, who pledged $1 million in matching funds from the newly established Access to the Future Fund, said the chair contributes to the U of A’s position as "one of the most progressive, innovative, forward-looking universities in Canada."

Woolf was clearly delighted with the announcement of the chair, which had been in the works for more than three years. In a world in which we are often faced with fear, intolerance and darkness, he said, "a ray of light has shone down on the U of A and Edmonton today."