The world's 1.4 billion Muslims encompass an enormous range of beliefs and practices, a world of cultures from Arab to post-Soviet to Indian to American, and a wide spectrum of movements from liberal progressive to Islamist. However, today's headlines all too often highlight the familiar stories of violence and extremism within the Islamic world. Is religion truly the driving force behind these actions? Where is the space for voices of the moderate majority to be heard? In our country, where many became acquainted with Islam only in the context of September 11th, how can we better understand this major world religion? Ali Asani and Mona Eltahawy explore the tensions within modern Islam and how we can better understand them.

Ali S. Asani is professor of the Practice of Indo-Muslim Languages and Culture at Harvard University, and member of the board of directors of the American Islamic Congress; Mona Eltahawy is an award-winning New York-based journalist and commentator, and international lecturer on Arab and Muslim issues. Moderated by Jeff Jacoby, Boston Globe columnist.

Presented in collaboration with the Old South Meeting House as part of the Partners in Public Dialogue Series.

Ford Hall Forum
Recorded: Thursday, March 15, 2007, 6:30pm
Old South Meeting House