Top 5 Kiwi Questions about Islam and Muslims Dr. Zain Ali Theology & Religious Studies zali003@aucklanduni.ac.nz
Top 5 Questions What is the place of women in Islam What is the difference between Sunni and Shia What is the Sharia Why is there so much conflict in the Middle East & how do we achieve peace Can Islam change & can there be an Islamic reformation
Two Points These questions are linked to deeper universal concerns The Muslim/Islamic traditions can help address these concerns
Women & Islam
Women What is the place of women in Islam What is the place of women #Metoo, pay equality "They are your garment and you are a garment for them" (2:187)
Sunni & Shia
Difference What is the difference between Sunni and Shia How do we deal with difference Biculturalism, Treaty, Brexit , Rep vs. Dems “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another” (49:13)
Sharia
Justice What is the Sharia How can we have law & justice Black lives matter, Incarceration “O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even if it be against yourselves, your parents, and your relatives, or whether it is against the rich or the poor...” (4:135)
Conflict & Peace
Peace Why is there so much conflict in the Middle East & how do we achieve peace How do we overcome conflict & achieve peace Domestic violence, gun violence, hate crimes “And We have sent you but as a mercy to the worlds.” (21:107)
Reformation
Reform Can Islam change & can there be an Islamic reformation Can we change & reform Mental health week, poverty, homelessness “Surely God does not change the condition of a people until they change their own condition” (13:11)
Issues Women Difference Justice Peace Reform How we respond to these challenges will shape the future of Islam in NZ & the future of NZ