The College of Islamic Studies (CIS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) will host a Renaissance Questions international conference to mark the 70th anniversary of 'The Conditions of the Renaissance,' written by the late Algerian scholar, Malek Bennabi. The scholar’s contributions to Islamic thought have gone on to inform studies in many spheres of Islam, and continue to be celebrated throughout the Arab world today.

From February 2 to 4, prominent international scholars, researchers and thought leaders in the Muslim Ummah will convene in Doha to engage in academic dialogue centered on Bennabi’s renaissance project. The project will be examined in the context of global laws (Sunan), which he incorporated into his methodology and study of intellectual, cultural, social and civilizational phenomena.

The event will commence with the Guests of Honor panel discussion with His Excellency Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia; His Excellency Ahmet Davutoğlu, former Prime Minister of Turkey; and Sheikh Rached Ghannouchi, co-founder of the Ennahdha Party in Tunisia; and Dr. Emad El-Din Shahin, conference president and dean of CIS, who will moderate the opening panel. In the panel session, each distinguished guest will share his connection with Malek Bennabi’s work.

Speaking ahead of the event, Dr. Shahin said: “The Renaissance Questions conference will explore the concept of the revitalization (nahda) of Muslim societies through one of Malek Bennabi’s most important works. The questions that Bennabi raised were extremely relevant as they directly dealt with the challenges facing Muslim societies, as well as offering solutions to overcome them and achieve a true awakening to restore Muslims’ vitality. This forms part of CIS’s aim to assess reform projects and intellectual frameworks, and expand on them in the future.”

The three-day event will explore several themes relating to Bennabi’s work: The Question of Faith; The Question of Methodology; The Question of Terminology; The Question of Memory and History; The Question of Culture; The Question of Freedom; The Question of Unity; The Question of Development; The Question of the Future; and The Question of the Relationship with the Western Civilization.

CIS serves as a hub for contemporary Islamic studies, and regularly hosts local, regional and international scholars to contribute to a deeper understanding of the various aspects of Islam.

HBKU is a multidisciplinary university founded on the institutional pillars of innovation, excellence, people and partners, which is driven by strategic partnerships and post-graduate programs, offering students an integrated learning experience.

The Renaissance Questions conference will be held at Minaretein (formerly College of Islamic Studies building) in Education City, from February 2 to 4. The conference will be held in both Arabic and English with simultaneous translation provided. For more information, or to register to attend, please visit www.hbku.edu.qa/en/cis/malek-bennabi.