‘Understanding Islam’ workshop at AMI by Dr Chris Hewer

On Saturday 26th November 2016, Al-Mahdi Institute in collaboration with the Birmingham Council of Faiths invited Dr Chris Hewer, an expert in Christian-Muslim relations  and founder of the ‘Understanding Islam’ series, to deliver a study-day workshop on ‘Understanding Islam’ for people of all faiths and none. The workshop was well received by all participants and introduced them to the principles and teachings of Islam.

The workshop was split into two segments. The first part covered some of the basic principles of Islam, whilst the second segment was dedicated towards discussion on specific topics requested by participants. Some of the topics covered in the workshop were; tawḥīd (oneness of God), adalah (justice within Islam), Prophethood & the role of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), succession to the holy Prophet, similarities and differences between the Sunni and Shia sects and the day of judgement in light of Islamic and Christian views. The second part of the workshop, led by the participants questions, covered the similarities and differences between Christianity and Islam, extremism within Islam, the current Islamophobic environment and the coming of a Messiah in light of Muslim and Christian beliefs.

Dr. Hewer comes from a background in Christian theology, education, Islamic studies and inter-faith studies and has worked in the field of Muslims in Britain and Christian-Muslim relations since 1986. With over thirty years experience in educating people to understand Islam, Dr Chris Hewer has been delivering lectures in person and on Television specifically for adults and has thousands of followers around the UK and in Europe. With experience as an Inter-faith relations advisor for the Bishop of Birmingham, and at countless Institutions in London, his current work is to conduct study days, residential courses and to develop written and electronic resources available for consultations.

To view more images from the workshop, please click here.