CAMSAM Campaign for More Science Among Muslims

Knowledge of science is important for all societies in the modern age, but it is particularly incumbent on us Muslims to do so, if we are to improve our current weak state. More Science Among Muslims means more science at all levels of the Muslim society from the kitchen table to the science lab, not forgetting schools, madrasas and mosques, the latter two requiring science awareness, not only on food, health and infections, but also particularly on Islamic bio-ethics, IVF, organ and blood donations, organ transplantation, DNA evidence and the like. This campaign is inspired by the perception that the study of science is a religious duty for Muslims.

It is recognised that more than six centuries of downturn on science cannot be reversed in a few years, not even in a single generation. Therefore, a sustained effort is needed perhaps over many generations, to be carried forward by committed young men and women of today and of the furure, with new ideas.

It is needless to say that without the cultivation of science, we Muslims (a fifth of the earth's population) will  remain in a limbo, less able to partici­pate in the science-driven 21st century world.  Such a prospect cannot be good for anyone, as it will hamper the creation of one harmonious world. Therefore, we ask all concerned, irrespective of their religious affiliations, to help us achieve the objective of CAMSAM – to spread scientific knowledge at all levels of the Muslim society – transforming the current Muslim society into one where science and technology flourish. And we appeal specifically to Muslims, in particular to Muslim young men and women, we say: make the campaign a success – your community needs it, Islam urges you. Support CAMSAM:

 CAMSAM – Intended  Activities

[These activities could take place not only in the Western countries, but particularly also in Muslim countries]

• - Holding professional-group meetings
• - To initiate a dialogue with schools in order to find ways of encouraging Muslims children to study science
• - To initiate a dialogue with mosques and madrasas: (i) to eliminate their suspicion of science, (ii) to help them understand the need for some science (as listed above), and (iii) to find ways of delivering it effectively to them (e.g through occasional seminars, if not through more formal means)
• - Bringing science to Muslim homes (e.g. food, health, and ... ) through mosques, adult science classes (council grants) and TV programmes, where possible
• - Persuading Muslim students in schools to study science through s- eminars/and museum visits
• - Facilities to help them study (inc. after-school tutoring)
• - Speaking in mosques on this religious duty on Fridays
• - Creating Islamic science sections in local science museums, and organising school trips to such museums
• - Fund-raising though charities, donation and government
• - Publications of good articles of interest in this website and in newspapers.
• - Discussions [blogs] on topics of interest via this website

Prof Deen the Director of Muslim Reform group was invited by Mr Javed Bashir of Bradford Professional Muslims' Institute to give a seminar on Science under Islam on Wed, 01 July, 2009. It was a very fruitful seminar.  For further information, please see the link Bradford Meeting Report.

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REPORT ON THE BRADFORD MEETING TO THE REFORMIST GROUPS

Website: www.muslimreform.org,   Email: info@muslimreform.org

CAMSAM - Campaign for More Science Among  Muslims

Dear Colleagues

Salaam to you all,

Following the earlier announcement, I presented a seminar on Science and Islam at Bradford on Wed, 01 July, 2009, organised the Bradford Professional Muslims' Institute. The focus of the seminar was CAMSAM [Campaign for More Science Among Muslims] as part of my Muslim Reform initiative.

More Science Among Muslims means more science at all levels of the Muslim society from the kitchen table to the science lab, not forgetting schools, madrasas and mosques, the latter two requiring science awareness, not only on food, health and infections, but also particularly on Islamic bio-ethics, issues in organ and blood donations, organ transplantation, DNA evidence and the like.

The seminar was attended by professors, scientists, doctors, engineers, sociologists, other professionals, local councillors, mosque leaders and madrasa leaders – male, female, young and old (sons and fathers) and people of many nationalities [Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Arab, Turkish, etc]. If I had any apprehension that some of the attendees could be anti-science, soon evaporated away. All present supported the campaign and wanted to contribute. Many suggestions were made as to how we should proceed forward. The discussion went on until the closing time of the meeting venue, when the attendees decided to meet again on Wed July 29 for a longer meeting from 6 - 9 pm at Bradford, to continue the discussion and to prepare an action plan.  The attendees even raised the issue of and discussed how to overcome the uneasiness that exists between the ulama and science and also how to bring madrasas and mosques into science education. Needless to say that the meeting was very stimulating. The proceedings were televised by the DM Digital TV [SKY 802]

So I am looking forward to see what happens in the next meeting. In the meantime if any of you would like to contribute and/or to attend the Bradford meeting of 29 July, please let know by email to director@muslimreform.org. And to end this report:

With Salaam,

S. M. Deen – Director, Muslim Reform

July 14, 2009.