In his lecture in the ‘National Identity Lecture Series’ entitled “Europe, Islam and Pluralism” which took place in the School of Humanities and Social Science at 68 Hope Street before a packed and diverse audience, Professor Tariq Ramadan outlined the role Muslims have to play in European societies.
He argued that the fear of Islam was fuelled by populist perceptions and fear stories about the impact of immigration but also pointed out that not all Muslim Europeans are immigrants and that those who are have largely integrated with mainstream society.
Professor Ramadan said the issue is rather about how all citizens can live together in the community and build the same Europe. He also called for Muslims to accept pluralism in Western societies and for greater tolerance, in turn, towards them and concluded that the biggest obstacle to Muslim integration in Europe was a lack of self-confidence on their part.
As signalled by the lively debate that followed, Professor Ramadan’s talk was certainly received very well and left the audience very pleased to have had the chance to have seen, arguably, one of the most influential thinkers in the world today.
Dr Frank McDonough, LJMU Reader in History told the Liverpool Echo: “It is important for the University to welcome high ranking academics whose expertise can greatly enhance the student experience.”
