Hela Ouardi casts a critical eye on the origins of Islam in her online lecture and accompanying text.
In her lecture titled Rendre l'Islam à l'Histoire [Rendering Islam to History] Hela Ouardi talks about her historical research. In the accompanying text L’islam à l’épreuve de son Histoire [Islam, facing its history], she analyzes the historical genesis, more specifically the founding period of Islam. A turbulent political period that is clearly less rosy than many Muslims portray it. According to Ouardi, the creation of the caliphate during this period marks the birth of political Islam, the consequences of which can be felt until this day.
The lecture and accompanying text are available on the websites of Crosstalks and Moussem. The lecture of Hela Ouardi is in French, but subtitled in Dutch and English. The text is available in French, Dutch and English.
Part of Critical Thinking within Islam, a series of talks presented by VUB Crosstalks and Moussem. Contrary to common perception, Islam has been nurtured and questioned throughout history by philosophers and dissidents, and to this day lives a fascinating culture of debate that is at odds with the delusion of a 'pure', unchanging religion. The series will feature a range of great thinkers whose lectures and essays offer remarkable insights into a rich philosophical and intellectual tradition.
Photo overview: Hela Ouardi
