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On Tuesday 6th July 2010 CISS researchers attended a seminar entitled 'Five years of uncertainty: Rights and freedoms in Saudi Arabia' held at the House of Lords.

The seminar was chaired by Lord Nazir Ahmed with speeches from Christophe Wilcke (Human Rights Watch), Deborah Manning (Al-Karma organisation), Dr. Irfan al-Alawi (Islamic Centre for Pluralism), Abdul Aziz al-Khamis (al-Majala magazine), Ali al-Ahmed (Human Rights Activist) and Fouad Ibrahim (Human Rights Activist).  The seimnar was diverse with many subjects covered from the status of law in Saudi Arabia, the rights of minority groups and the destruction of places of Islamic heritage.

It was particularly interesting to watch Dr. Irfan al-Alawi's presentation who highlighted the destruction of places of Islamic heritage associated with the Prophet and his family such as houses and burial places. He highlighted the need for Muslims to worry about bigger issues such as this and unite against extremist elements operating under the religion of Islam. Christophe Wilkce highlighted the need to significantly develop Saudia Arabian law in order to set precedent and ratio legis for cases. As the floor opened, many participants argued as to why Saudia Arabia has not granted certain rights to minority groups whilst others it would take time.

Overall, the seminar exemplified the need to examine Islam academically in order make distinctions between rule of law, morality and corrupion. That way Muslims would have a clear sense of how Islam does not get susbsumed with politics, cultures and governments that do not exhibit the foundational principles of the religion, mercy and justice.

The CISS Team