I have been interested in the world's religions since I was ten years old. It all started at primary school, when I read a book about religion in India. The colour, the beauty, the wisdom spoke to me in a way that the rigid fundamentalism in which I was raised did not. It was whilst reading theology at Exeter University that I became aware that many people shared my fascination, yet, ironically knew surprisingly little about it. 'Hinduism? Isn't that the religion where they wear swords and turbans?' people would say.
Expressing Muslim belief through the creative arts forms the basis of an exhibition and series of live events at the University of Exeter from 11 to 13 June. The ‘Resonate’ and Reformulate’ event involves youthful artists creating work onsite producing graffiti art with an Islamic twist and Sufi-Dub DJs spinning their creative tracks on the Streatham Campus.
The three-day festival stems from the ‘Islamic Reformulations’, a three-year Global Uncertainties Leadership Fellowship that explores how Muslim thought has developed and will be re-examined through thought, literature and the...
Thousands of Ethiopian Muslims took to the streets of Addis Ababa on Friday to mark the anniversary of a year of protests. The east-African country's Muslims have staged sporadic street protests in the capital since January 2012, arguing that the government is promoting an 'alien branch of Islam', the Al Ahbash sect, which is avowedly apolitical and has numerous adherents in the United States. The government denies promoting Al Ahbash, but is determined to prevent Islamic militancy spilling over from neighbouring Sudan or lawless Somalia. Around 60 percent of Ethiopians are Christian and...
What is the role of women in Islam? Do Buddhists believe in God? What about reincarnation?
If you have ever wanted to know the answers to these questions, then this is the course for you! We shall begin by looking at Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Then, we shall turn to Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism. The course will end with a session on Humanism. No prior knowledge is requires, only an open mind and a willingness to learn about the beliefs of your neigbours. This is a mixed ability class, open to all. No religious viewpoint will be promoted - the aim of the course is to promote...
