Parallel Session B: Fundamentalism and Islam

Dr M YOUNIS SHAIKH

There was a good discussion on the above topic. Prof. Paul Kurtz started with the introduction of the basic premises of the topic, defining fundamentalism in all its hues and colours. He was of the opinion that fundamentalism is a psychological mindset, claiming monopoly of absolute truth derived from certain principles where sacred texts are seen literally. And in many cases state apparatus has been used to impose and propagate these beliefs.

Prof. Mourad Wahba spoke on the topic of "Fundamentalism and Secularism in the Middle-East". He discussed his proposition that secularism is the real enemy of fundamentalism. The secular science of Copernicus on "The Revolution of Heavenly Bodies" being a watershed in western philosophy. He presented the evolution of secularism and fundamentalism through the Islamic scholars of different countries in different times. He emphasized the role of the great philosopher Avorres in enlightening the west who valued him. He mourned that the East plunged into darkness as it did not value Avorres.

Dr. Nehal Karim, of the "Assembly of Free Thinkers", Bangladesh, talked about the fundamentalist challenge in Bangladesh with special reference to Taslima Nasreen and gave a detailed account of Islamic and Secular forces in Bangladesh.

Mr. Leo Igwe of Nigeria spoke about "Traditional African Practices and Islam". He graphically described the cruelty of female circumcision. He concluded that Islam is the cause of backwardness in African Muslim Countries. (For the full text of this paper see New Zealand Humanist Issue 141 March 1999 pp 20-21 or http://www.humanist.org.nz)

Mr. Javed Anand, Editor of "Communalism Combat", India, discussed "Tackling Communalism and Fundamentalism in the Indian subcontinent". This inspired a lively discussion about human rights and fundamentalism, and on the question as whether fundamentalist terrorists had any human rights.

Prof. Mona Abousenna presented her paper on "Absence of Hermeneutics in the Islamic Culture". She mentioned that hermeneutics or the interpretation of sacred text is almost impossible in Arab Culture.

The discussion was lively and there was active participation from the floor. The session could not decide whether fundamentalism could stop new world development or not.

There was mention of a paper by Prof. Riaz of Adelaide University, Australia, about the difference in religious practices in different Islamic countries. The fundamentals of Islam differed in Arab and Non Arab countries - for example, female sex slaves have been allowed in Arab Islamic countries but sex conduct codes have been kept very strict in Non-Arab Islamic countries. The question arose as to whether Islam was a philosophical religious code or merely a theory of Arab Empire.

The session concluded with a recommendation in favour of long range efforts for democratic and neutral states and secularised culture.