The College of Islamic Studies (CIS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) is currently hosting a series of explorative lectures as part of its ongoing outreach program to offer the wider community an opportunity to learn more about the various spheres of Islam and Muslim societies.

On March 10, Dr. Bernard O’Kane, professor of Islamic art and architecture at the American University in Cairo, delivered a lecture on Stars and Symmetry: The Name of the Prophet Muhammad in Architectural Inscriptions, during which he took the audience on a journey across Egypt, Iran, Syria, Turkey, and beyond, exploring the various designs, materials, and expressions of Arabic calligraphy inscribing the name of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on 11th to 16th century architecture in the region. Dr. O’Kane examined the possibilities behind the popular motif of the rose in relation to the Prophet, and its connection to the calligraphic expressions in the form of five- and six-pointed stars, or the Seal of the Solomon.

Forthcoming lectures will include a talk by guest lecturer, Dr. Nasser El-Din Saidouni from the Doha Institute of Graduate Studies, who will address The Impact of the Curricula of Muslim Scholars on Europe, on March 13. The lecture aims to examine the nature of knowledge and science among Muslims, and will investigate areas of interaction between Islamic civilization and Europe. 

Education Leadership: Moving from Research to Action will be the topic explored by Dr. Asmaa Al-Fadala, director of research and content development at the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), on March 18. Dr. Al-Fadala will elaborate on the local and global understanding of educational leadership with a specific focus on Qatar.

From Qatar University, Dr. Batul Khalifa, associate professor of mental health, and Dr. Hasan Yashou, assistant professor of objectives of Shari’a, will address The Phenomenon of Domestic Servants and their Social and Cultural Effects, on March 20. The lecture will consider the psychological attitudes of domestic workers when childminding, from a comparative Islamic thought perspective.

Commenting on the lecture series, Dr. Emad El-Din Shahin, dean of CIS at HBKU, said: “All of our lectures aim to cover a broad range of topics and contribute to a deeper understanding of Islam and Muslim societies in all of their aspects. The subjects that are put forward in these lectures provide our students with the opportunity to interact with scholars in the field from Qatar and abroad, and, in turn, provide scholars a platform to share their original works and experience with our students. These interactive forums aim to ignite and present debate within historical and modern-day frameworks, which in turn aid the scholarly work and academic output of CIS.”

CIS serves as a hub for contemporary Islamic studies that promote dialogue on topics concerning Islam and Muslims. The college offers five graduate degree programs and houses several distinguished research centers that bring together scholars and thought leaders from around the world.

To register to attend one or more of the lectures, please visit the college’s website.

All lectures are being held at the Auditorium, Minaretein (College of Islamic Studies building) in Education City.