Restoring Dignity of Islamic Values: A Talk

Yesterday i went to this talk by Dr. Ingrid Mattson, titled, Islamic Values Under Siege: Restoring Dignity, organized by Muslim Converts Association of Singapore. It was a good talk, hence i would love to share about it.

SYNOPSIS : Radical people & extremists are distorting the face & image of Islam by claiming that they act righteously by Divine instruction. Some delude themselves, other Muslims and the global audience under the guise of fundamentalism; purportedly striving to uphold the essence of Islamic values in the face of challenges from an alien society. They resort to antagonism and violence, exemplifying values that are contrary to the message of Islam.

Another inherent challenge is the group that prides themselves as the ‘intelligentsia’; people who propagate unqualified juristic opinions based on limited scope of knowledge to suit personal fancies & group agenda’s, materialistic gains & compromising values. In the name of progression, they strip the Deen of its rich traditions, embracing culture & esteemed values that shape the development of humanity.

It is integral that the true spirit, traditions and values of Islam stand up against the onslaught of contemporary culture. Islam institutionalized the values of Ihsan – humility, generosity, love, care, sobriety, honesty, justice, mercy & forgiveness, etc. etc. Muslims are encouraged to perpetually pursuit knowledge & tread the path of moderation. This is the epitome of our pride &amp;amp; dignity; to exemplify & personify Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) who embodied excellence in all human attributes and live up to the Divine word: “This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed my favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion” (Qur’an-5:3).

PROFILE: The profile of Dr. Ingrid Mattson is interesting, she is Director of Islamic Chaplaincy and Professor at the Macdonald Center for Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations at Hartford Seminary in Hartford, CT.

Dr. Mattson earned her Ph.D. in Islamic Studies from the University of Chicago in 1999. Her research is focused on Islamic law and society; among her articles are studies on slavery, poverty and Islamic legal theory. Dr. Mattson was born in Canada, where she studied Philosophy at the University of Waterloo, Ontario (B.A. ’87). From 1987-1988 she lived in Pakistan where she worked with Afghan refugee women. In 2001 Dr. Mattson was elected Vice-President of the Islamic Society of North America.