Press ReleaseAl-USTADH MAHMOUD MOHAMED TAHA“Islamic Transformation: Celebrating Martyrdom for Freedom”
THE 21ST COMMEMORATIONUnited States Institute of PeaceAmerican UniversityJanuary 20-21, 2006
In Khartoum, Sudan, on the 18th 0f January 1985, the government of General Numeiri executed the 76 year-old pacifist Islamic reformer Al-Ustadh Mahmoud Mohamed Taha, confiscated his mud house, burned his books, banned his organization- the Republicans- and put hundreds of his followers in jails. Taha was accused of a thought crime; he was virtually the first person in modern times to be convicted of apostasy, by a court that he treated with contempt and refused to recognize.
His main reform ideas, among other things, include the major concept of “absolute individual freedom,” enshrined in the Quran. Accordingly, Islam provided for equality of men and women before God and before the law. It provided for equity between all people regardless of ethnicity or religious background. It also provided for necessity of abrogating Jihad, if Islam to resume it influence as a major force in human history.
To commemorate Al-Ustadh’s remarkable life, United States Institute of Peace has kindly sponsored a panel presentation. American University has graciously sponsored another panel and launching the Al-Ustadh Center to keep his rich legacy alive in a world that demands his reform insights.
United States Institute of PeaceFriday, January 20th, 2006
2:00-4:00 PM (Hall and room number)
“Islamic Reform: Life and Work of Al-Udadh Mahmoud Mohamed Taha”
Dr. Elnour Hamad, University of Mansfield, Mansfield, Pennsylvania
Dr. Earnest Johnson, Shoreline Community College, Seattle, Washington
Dr. Steve Howard, Ohio University, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
American University
Saturday, January 21ST, 2006
2:00-4:00 PM (Hall and room number)
“Islamic Transformation for Democracy, Peace, and Development”
“Secularism from an Islamic Perspective” Dr. Abduallahi An-Na’im, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
“The Sudanese Republican Thought: Islamic Transformation for Peace and Development in a post 9/11 World” Dr. Haydar Badawi Sadig, Medaille College, New York.
“Sudanese Republican Thought and Movement: An African Phenomenon” Dr. Steve Howard, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio.
American UniversitySaturday, January 21ST, 2006
4:00 PM (Hall, and room number)
LAUNCH OF AL-UTADH MAHMOUD MOHAMED TAHA CENTER FOR ISLAMIC TRANSFORMATOIN
The purpose for which Al-Ustadh Center is formed is to promote global understanding and peace through interfaith and cross-cultural exchange. The Al-Ustadh Center will: (a) foster exchange of reform and transformation ideas and experiences; (b) promote multicultural tolerance with the altruistic goal of promoting global interfaith awareness, understanding, and peace; (c) Advocate the guarantee of basic human rights.
NOTEAttendance at American University is open to all. Attendance at the U.S. Institute of Peace is by reservation or invitation.
Those who would like to attend are strongly advised to e-mail their names to Dr. Baqir Mukhtar ASAP
([email protected]).
For any other enquiries please contact Mr. Mukhtar M. Mohamed Taha at (703-980-2301
Haydar Badawi Sadig
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