Muslims and Islam in the Twenty-first Century (original) (raw)

2005, American Journal of Islam and Society

The Muslim world remains embroiled in a whole host of religious, social,political, economic, and cultural disputes. Without any real internationalinfluence, despite the 57-member Organization of the Islamic Conference,great wealth, and large numbers, Muslims are mere spectators in world politics;Islam is synonymous with extremism; and Muslims are often labeled asterrorists. Such issues, as well as questions of media bias, the validity of the“clash of civilizations” thesis, Islamophobia, and realistic Muslim responsesled to the above conference, initiated by the Department of Psychology,International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Kuala Lumpur.Held at the Putra World Trade Center and hosted by IIUM on August4-6, 2004, this conference attempted to highlight and devise solutions tosome of these burning issues. Distinguished scholars presented 120 selectedpapers, in addition to several panel discussions and keynote speeches.About 400 delegates from over 30 countries participated, a...