International Symposium on Islam and Modernity 19-21 Jumada al Awwal 1413/ 4-6 November 1993 Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

The three-day seminar on “Islam and Modernity” was held under the
joint auspices of the Goethe Institute (Karachi), the International Institute
of Islamic Thought (Islamabad), and the Islamic Research Institute (Islamabad).
Thirty scholars from Pakistan and four scholars from Germany
participated as delegates, and an equal number of other scholars,
journalists, and bureaucrats attended as observers. The seminar addressed
four themes: a) The State: Legitimation and Participation; (b) The Law:
Law and Justice; (c) The Economy and Finance: Economy and Ethics;
and (d) Society: Equality and Justice. The sesions were arranged to give
adequate time to the presenters and for follow-up discussion.
In general, the seminar sought to create a better understanding and
appreciation of the current self-assertion in the Muslim world and the
ways in which Muslims are dealing with modernity. There is a growing
belief among Muslims that it is possible to achieve developmental goals,
as well as those of material and social welfare, within the framework of
Islam. This, it is believed, would save their societies from moral degradation,
the breakdown of social and family structures, the dehumanization
of human life, and other negative features of western modernity.
This resurgence often generates fear and apprehension in the West,
a reaction that might be partially due to sporadic acts of violence by Muslim
extremists. The West’s perception of Islamic resurgence is thus
colored, which undermines its ability to see it for what it really is. Despite
this, however, many people in the West feel the need for a better
understanding of the changes taking place in Muslim societies and for
entering into a dialogue with their Muslim counterparts in order to
explore the possibility of promoting mutual respect and creating an
atmosphere of meaningful and peaceful coexistence.
In addition to the general divide between Islam and the West, there
is a secular vs. Islamist divide within Muslim societies. Some adhere to
the secular view of life and seek to confine religion to a private concern,
while others want to restructure the individual and all elements of social
life according to Islamic principles and values ...