The Thirtieth Annual Conference of the Association of Muslim Social Scientists (AMSS)

Abstract

The Association of Muslim Social Scientists (AMSS) held its 30th annual conference with the collaboration of the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) at the University of Michigan - Dearbom campus from October 26 - 28,2001. Students, academicians, Muslim and non-Muslim intellectuals and activists were among the guests at the conference cosponsored by the University of Michigan - Dearborn and its Center for Arab-American Studies, and Project MAPS: Muslims in the American Public Square, Georgetown University. The conference theme "Religion and Public Life in the Global Epoch" echoed in the presentations given by eighty five panelists in twenty panels and seven roundtable discussions, including one workshop; two plenary sessions; and a keynote address at the annual banquet. The social issues outlined and defined by Muslims and non-Muslims in these sessions did not only encourage a stimulating and lively debate after the panel and roundtable presentations, but they also advanced the development of the academic forum fostered by the AMSS, since its inception, to analyze the application of an Islamic worldview on social issues in the larger world community. In his opening statement, AMSS President Mumtaz Ahmad, who is also a political science professor at Hampton University, underscored the need for Muslim scholars and professionals to educate the public on Islam, and to work with people of different faith groups to influence the development of a global social order based on justice, morality and Godconsciousness. His remarks drew attention to the importance of establishing a better understanding of Islam and creating an awareness of our common humanity. Professor Ahmad's opening remarks also set the tenor of the conference and established a theme based on peace and goodwill towards mankind that echoed throughout the three-day gathering. In fact, the character of the conference was further established on the first day at the Conference Reception hosted by the University of Michigan at the Henry Ford Estate -Dearborn campus, when Dr. Ronald Stockton, Interim Director, Center for Arab-American Studies (CAAS), stated that ...