The Challenge of Pluralism ─ Paradigms from Muslim Contexts

Established in London in 2002, the Aga Khan University, for the Study of Muslim Civilisations aims to strengthen research and teaching about the heritages of Muslim societies as they have evolved over time, and to examine the challenges these societies face in today's globalised world. It also seeks to create opportunities for interaction among academics, traditionally trained scholars, innovative thinkers and leaders, in an effort to promote dialogue and build bridges.

This series seeks to address salient and urgent issues faced by Muslim societies as they evolve in a rapidly globalising world. It brings together the scholarship of leading specialists from various academic field, representing a wide range of theoretical and practical perspectives.

Current popular and academic discussions tend to make certain assumptions regarding Islam and its lack of compatibility with notions of pluralism. Some noted liberal thinkers have even argued that pluralism itself is inherently antithetical to Islam. This volume intends to address these assumptions by bringing clarity to some of its key suppositions and conjectures. It seeks to go beyond the parameters of political correctness by engaging in a dialogue that refutes these postulations in a direct, frontal debate. In this volume, as well as in the forthcoming volume, The Possibility of Pluralism, eminent scholars from around the world explore notions of pluralism, discussing the broad spectrum of its relevance and application to modern day societies, from secularism and multiculturalism to democracy, globalisation and the pivotal role of civil society More

Abdou Filali-Ansary is Director of the Aga Khan University, Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations. He is the author of several books including Is Islam Hostile to Secularism? and Reforming Islam? An Introduction to Contemporary Debates
Sikeena Karmali Aluned is the Manager of Publications at the Aga Khan University, Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations. She is the author of a collection of poetry, Places to Remember, and an award-winning novel entitled a House by the Sea