Date: Wednesday, March 17 2010
Time: 6:30pm
Location: 3rd Floor Ballroom, MacEwan Student Centre, University of Calgary (2500 University Drive NW)
Tickets: $18 General Admission
“Diversity of ethnicity and religion are not barriers”
Named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most important innovators of the 21st century, Tariq Ramadan captures his audiences with a unique and captivating enthusiasm. Islam as of late has become a center of attention for many controversial topics in the media. Ramadan is a representative in voicing the challenges that this generation of Muslims face worldwide, as well as being a beacon for reform. During the past year he has very vocally dispensed his support for the Islamic population regarding current tensions in the public eye by engaging in debates, lectures and countless television and print interviews. Ramadan’s main message to the Islamic populace is that Muslims must be visible, active and proactive within their respective western societies to create change. Muslims in the west are here to stay; diversity of ethnicity and religion are here to stay.
About the Event
Interest in issues regarding North American Muslims have risen in recent years and we feel it is necessary to gain the perspective of scholars from diverse backgrounds to speak on these issues. The Muslim population in Alberta has risen considerably over the past ten years including first and second generation Muslims from various ethnic backgrounds. As these mainly young, dynamic Muslims strive to establish an identity, they seek to reconcile differences between their faith and Islamic teachings. By inviting fresh new ideas into this newly emerging community, we are trying to bring about new solutions to the challenges being faced.
Tariq Ramadan is Professor of Contemporary Islamic Studies at the Oxford University (Oriental Institute, St Antony’s College) and author of several influential publications including “Western Muslims and the Future of Islam” and “Radical Reform: Islamic Ethics and Liberation.” He is active both at the academic and grassroots levels lecturing extensively throughout the world on theology, ethics, social justice, ecology and interfaith as well intercultural dialogue.
Event Sponsors
The Western Muslim University of Calgary Club
The Western Muslim Club addresses contemporary issues facing North American Muslim communitities by promoting dialouge that weaves the Muslim Diaspora into the fabric of North American society. The club holds events and activities that encourage post secondary students to engage in constructive and progressive discussions about Islam and Muslim living in North America.
Muslim Council of Calgary (MCC)
The democratically elected representatives of Calgary’s Sunni Muslims, the Muslim Council has been a positive force in Calgary, defending Canadian rights, freedoms and diversity for almost 50 Years. The MCC is dedicated to improving relationships through positive dialogue.
Muslim of Southern Alberta Initiating Change (MOSAIC)
MOSAIC is a non-profit organization whose main goal is to provide opportunities for Southern Alberta youth to obtain training and experience in a planned voluntary training program and develop stronger ties in the Muslim community.
GNOSIS Religious Studies Club, University of Calgary
Asalaam. Thank you for offering this to our community. Insha’allah it will be well attended. I am sure that the event will offer everyone in attendance something to take away with them to mull over.
Really looking forward to this event. I think this is first time he’s been in Alberta…it should be great lecture.
Gazakom Allah Khiran, It looks like a good lecture..
Disappointed to see this radical Islamist being hosted by the University of Calgary
Looking forward to seeing mr.ramadan after following him closely since his debate with Mr.devillier.
Just as I questioned the legitimacy of known IRA activist and sympathizer, Gerry Adams, charging admission to his lecture in Calgary, I question the admission charge for this event.
If this is truly an educational forum presented by the University of Calgary, shouldn’t the cost of admission be free for students? The upcoming Anne Coulter presentation is advertised as such.
I question whether this is an event that will be generally attended and truly open to all opinions.
Dear Carolyn,
Thank you for raising a very valid point. Just for clarification, this lecture is not being financed by the University of Calgary; it is being hosted by the Western Muslim Initiative. Ideally, we would not have wanted to charge an admission fee for such a lecture, but because we are funding the lecture and are not for profit we have to recover the costs somehow.
We hope in the future we are able to hold similar lectures at minimal to no costs to the attendees.
Thanks,
Western Muslim Initiative
After watching the iq squared video, i am left wishing Douglas Murray was the speaker rather than this rambling, incoherent man.
It is easier to digest the processed musings of the editorialist as compared to unpacking the careful nuances of an academic.
The thought of Douglas Murray speaking on a University Campus has me rolling in laughter, good one Derek!
I suppose that I should not be surprised by the lack of intelligence in some posts that decide to cite to racist blogs but it is still sad. But your article is perfect! You put an end to the culture of anti-intellectualism, I hope the following video about Tatiq Ramadan will help somebody to make a head or tail of this topic - http://www.videorolls.com/watch/TARIQ-RAMADAN-VS-ZEMMOUR .
Tariq RAMADAN
Videos and news
http://tariqramadanvideosnews.blogspot.com/