1. New Directions in Islamic Thought

The objective of the project is to spread knowledge of new ideas and strategies within Islamic reform thinking through the publication of books, academic articles and information.

/smr/english/about/programmes/oslocoalition/news/istanbul-workshop.htmlJameh Mosque, Yazd Iran, (Commons, Flickr user Bankoboev)

Background

Many Muslims in the world today experience discord between their role as citizens and their religious affiliation. They lack the theological and fiqh-based references they need to respond to modern challenges. Oslo Coalition provides a forum where Muslim reform thinkers can present and discuss ideas and strategies for further development.

Project’s Achievements

In the project’s first phase (2004–2008) conferences were held in Yogyakarta, Sarajevo and Istanbul. These resulted in the publication of the book: New Directions in Islamic Thought. Exploring Reform and Muslim Tradition.
In the second phase (2008–2011), the project focused on one of the central points in the ensuing debate: the equality of women before the law. Three conferences were held, in Marrakech and Cairo, resulting in Gender and Equality Justice and Ethics in the Legal Process, and a Report with guidelines for Equality before the Law.

Current Focus

In the third phase (from 2012) the project focuses on the freedoms of belief and expression. The last of three workshops, Freedom of Religion and Expression in the Islamic tradition, was held in Istanbul in August 2014. The Oslo Coalition is preparing a book on the freedom of religion and expression in the Islamic tradition based on the workshop series.