World-renowned scholar, Ms Karen Armstrong, speaks on ‘Lessons from Islamic History in Facing Contemporary Challenges'
 World-renowned scholar and best-selling author Ms Karen Armstrong delivered the final of five lectures in Pakistan on the pluralistic and intellectual traditions of Islam, at Aga Khan University (AKU) on February 4, 2008.
Aga Khan University organised this lecture as part of a series of events, conferences and seminars being held to mark the Golden Jubilee of His Highness the Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. Predicated on the notion of fostering an inclusive and pluralistic understanding of Islam, the Golden Jubilee year will see a number of endeavours aimed at building bridges within and outside the Muslim Ummah. The Golden Jubilee will also catalyse new socio-economic, cultural and human development initiatives to realise the social conscience of Islam, and improve the quality of life of the less fortunate in society. This Golden Jubilee year falls at a time of increasing global complexities, and when the search for mutual understanding amongst nations, faiths, and cultures remains essential to assuring global peace and stability. In the last fifty years, polarisation amongst nations has resulted from mutual suspicion and ignorance, and the misappropriation of faith for political and ideological purposes. This then calls for values of acceptance and compassion amongst and between the peoples of the world. During the lecture Ms Armstrong provided a broad and comprehensive assessment of the daunting challenges facing the world today. Citing the watershed tragedy of September 11, 2001, Ms Armstrong asserted that this has created a tremendous hunger and thirst for knowledge on Islam because people need to make sense of the current conflict and turmoil in the world. Addressing the audience, Ms Armstrong emphasised that ever since the time of the Crusaders the West has had an entrenched and ill-informed ‘story' about the Muslim world and that what is sorely needed now is for individuals from both East and West to provide ‘counter-narratives' to correct these preconceived notions. Indeed, Ms Armstrong poignantly reminded the audience about the long period of time when the West itself was mired in intellectual and spiritual poverty and when it was the Europeans who were amazed by the advancements of Muslim civilisation. She specifically cited how the Prophet (PBUH) believed in the emancipation of women whereas the West only recently became progressive in this regard. Ms Armstrong concluded her lecture with a firm but optimistic and hopeful message. She said that Muslims have a rich and gloriously successful past from which to learn. Indeed, Ms Armstrong made clear that her own hope is well-founded because history teaches us that Muslims can and have responded to crises before in spectacular and creative ways within the context of Islam – by being open to new ideas and by adapting to changing conditions. Ms Armstrong exhorted Muslims to show the world a narrative that more accurately captures the multiplicity, pluralism and peace that is at the core of Islamic faith, saying that “Muslims have shown extraordinary resilience in the face of disaster,' and can and will do so again. Guests in attendance included Government Officials, Eminent Citizens, Diplomats, Civil Society Organizations, Academia, Media and Corporate Leaders. For further information, please contact:
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