Islamic law versus Western law
Do human rights entitle us to impose our principles on non-western, religious-based societies? Can we ban traditional religious and cultural customs if they go against human rights? Tariq Ramadan argues that, in the Islamic world, a possible imposition of ideals will have an effect contrary to the intended. A firm belief in the undisputed validity of human rights should emerge from within societies. Consequently, the question emerges: is it justifiable to turn a blind eye to human rights violations in, among others, Islamic societies?
In his lecture, Professor Ramadan shall speak about the internal conflict experienced by an increasing number of Muslims, namely one between God’s law, the shari’a, and secular legislation imposed by governments. In particular in Europe, this contradistinction gives rise to societal tensions. Although Professor Ramadan acknowledges the sometimes problematic integration of Muslims in European societies, he argues that Islam does not necessarily pose an obstacle in this process, provided people adjust themselves to the reality of living in a secular environment. For these views, Professor Ramadan is promoting a “European Islam”, a concept which will be elaborated on during his lecture at A Struggle for Peace.
Speaker: Tariq Ramadan
Contribution from Jenny Goldschmidt
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