International conference “Understandings of the Qur`an – Muslim researchers in dialogue”
02.-04.11.2018, Münster
In Qur’anic Studies as a discipline of Islamic theology, various, often utmost diverse methods, approaches and techniques are applied to the Qur’anic text. Scholars from all over the world (Asia, Europe, Near and Middle East, North Africa, and North-America) are engaged in the study of the Qur’an, following traditional trails, and paving new paths for an understanding of the Qur’an in the contemporary world, paying tribute to its spiritual radiance and legal impact. The diversity of opinions, presuppositions and results are equally diverse, including literalist, conservative, traditional, modern, liberal, and reform-oriented understandings of Islamic Scripture. It is, thus, even more regrettable that no international platform has yet been created, in which various researchers, driven by mutual interest, honest religious devotion and academic thirst, could meet and openly debate issues in Qur’anic Studies, not shying away from controversial issues. Therefore, in 2018, the “Roundtable Qur'anic Studies - traditional and modern approaches to the Qur’an in dialogue" was launched to provide a secure space of intra-religious debate. This research platform provides a forum for academic exchange among Muslim scholars, applying different approaches to the Qur’an, entering the inner-Islamic debate about traditional methods, new hermeneutical understandings, and challenging readings of traditional texts. The platform is, thus, seeking to establish a common ground and to provoke scholarly progress.
The point of departure for this international platform will be paved out by the inaugural conference “Understandings of the Qur`an – Muslim researchers in dialogue”, which will be held in Münster from 02.-04. November 2018. It will be organized jointly by the Cluster of Excellence "Religion and Politics" and the Centre for Islamic Theology Münster. At the conference, internationally prominent scholars will present their ideas, techniques, methods and preliminary results, often controversial, always certainly thought-provoking. In a secure space, they will be able to engage in a debate with colleagues from all over the world, challenging their approaches to the Qur’an and its meaning in past and present. Bringing together Muslim scholars, who rarely engage in dialogue, will establish the platform, linking diverse hermeneutical approaches.
The conference will be held in English and Arabic (translation will be provided).
Location:
Dek 67.2, Nieberdingstraße 12, 48155 Münster
Dates:
Friday, 2nd November: 16.00 – 19:00
Saturday, 3rd November: 09:00 – 20:00
Sunday, 4th November: 09:00 – 18:00
As the number of attendees is limited. A binding registration per email is required by the 31st of October, 2018.