Shz Dr. Aziz bhaisab‘s Talk on Religious Tolerance at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

The conference was inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor of the University and Shz Dr. Aziz bhaisaheb delivered a paper entitled “A Foundation for Islamic Tolerance: Reflections on the Concept of the Universality of Religions in Fatimid Thought, Policy and Practice”. The paper asserted that it was the “specific outlook and ideology of the Fatimids on the universality of religions that was responsible for… their largely tolerant and benevolent attitude towards non-Fatimid and non-Shii Muslim communities as well as and especially towards the Ahl al-Kitab, the Jewish and Christian communities living under their rule in Egypt in the 10th and 11th centuries.” The paper begins by presenting a summary of the Fatimid philosophy of the Universality of Religions based on the writings of Syedna Abu Hatim al-Razi and earlier research by Shz Dr. Abdeali bhaisaheb. The paper also presents various examples from history demonstrating the application of this philosophy in the governance of Egypt by the Fatimid Imams.

Based on an overview of Fatimid philosophy and good practice, the paper concludes by reflecting on some of the timeless principles that we would be well advised to consider. Click here to read excerpt.

The Vice Chancellor of the University had hosted a dinner at his official residence for Conference speakers.