The Legacy of Isma`il Raji al-Faruqi

Abstract

A two-day seminar on Isma`il Raji al-Faruqi (1921-86), jointly organized by the Centre for the Study of Democracy (University of Westminster), Prince al-Waleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding (Georgetown University), and the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT UK and USA), took place in London at the University of Westminster on 6-7 June 2010. Considering his intellectual output, academic agendas, and scholastic achievements, as well as to commemorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of his death, the organizers thought a seminar of this caliber would be most appropriate. John Esposito and John Voll write of a certain Christian acquaintance of al-Faruqi lamenting the latter’s aspiration to become the “Luther” of Islam, believing that it is in dire need of reformation. This consideration guaranteed al-Faruqi a prominent slot in their “Makers of Contemporary Islam” (2001) ...