Panel Discussion: Is Islam Compatible with Western Liberalism?

Manchester University 'Challenging Orthodoxies Society' Presents a Panel Discussion on one of the Defining Issues of our Time...

"Is Islam compatible with Western Liberalism?"

Date & Time: Thursday 13th May 5.30pm-6.45pmVenue: Council Chambers, Manchester University Students Union

Since 9/11, the West has put Islam and its teachings firmly under the microscope. Some may argue this is justified, as the various 'bin Laden-esque' messages espoused by the small faction of Islamic extremists have inspired a number of terrorist atrocities across the world: Bali (2002), Madrid (2004), Delhi (2005, 2008), London (2005), Glasgow (2007). In the meantime, different countries have pursued different courses of action to tackle the perceived causes of such incidents. Whilst the British government has launched it's own counter-terrorism strategy, countries such as France, Switzerland and the Netherlands have sought to prevent the spread of the ideology they see as the root cause of the problems at hand. This is set against a background where many are happy to promote the liberal West as a symbol of tolerance and freedom of expression. The apparent contradiction sets the ground for a fervent discussion on whether the values at the heart of Islam, and the liberal values that so many of us now live by can co-exist together.

How different are these two apparently contradictory sets of values? Is there any common ground between them? If yes, is it realistic to expect fully-fledged integration? Furthermore, what changes in both thinking and policy are required? If not, how should the world cope with the difference? Either way, the question remains as to how the enduring tensions will be resolved.

In a discussion featuring an expert and diverse panel, some of these questions will be addressed:

- Dr Taj Hargey, Chair of the Muslim Educational Centre of Oxford (MECO).
- Hamza Andreas Tzortzis, international public speaker on Islam.
- Dr Peter Lawler, senior lecturer in international relations and director of BA Econ at the University of Manchester.

Following the discussion, members of the audience will have the opportunity to question both speakers on an issue that is establishing itself as a defining issue of our time.