Reading Session on Ibnu Khaldun Lessons for the Contemporary Malay Society – Part 2

Date: Saturday, 23^rd December 2017
Time: 11AM – 1PM
Venue: Graha Pemuda, Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur

Abstract
While the atrocities born out of terror itself is not a new occurrence given human history, Muslim extremism is a contemporary phenomenon that has, at its heart, several causes. Extremism can be defined as a narrow, exclusivist approach to religion, in this case, Islam. It creates dichotomies and divisions that disunite groups of people, and this disunity in turn creates an atmosphere of prejudice and bigotry. One significant cause of extremism among Muslims is the presence of certain myths that have been circulating in the community since the early days of Islam. Dr. Farid Alatas’ presentation will examine the examples of such myths, which have contributed to the demonization of Jews and Shi’ites in Muslim societies. Furthermore, he will also discuss how Ibn Khaldun’s approach to the study of history is relevant to a proper assessment of such myths.