HAMILTON - A chair in Global Islam has been set up at McMaster University, thanks to a $1-million gift from one of the rulers of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi of Sharjah.
“A scholar himself, his highness is committed to the advancement of knowledge and learning opportunities in Sharjah and internationally,” said Peter George, president of McMaster University, in a statement. “This investment . . . will allow us to attract a leading scholar to teach, direct scholarship, and contribute significantly to the body of knowledge on Islam in the modern world.”
Recent figures place Canada’s Islamic population at between 750,00 and 1 million, the majority of them under the age of 20.
“There is a need to understand and inform our community about Islam as a transformative force in contemporary world politics, economy, and the changing cultural and religious context, and it makes sense for McMaster to take the initiative,” added George , noting that more than 1,500 Muslim students at McMaster in a student population of 23,000.
“Understanding the religions and cultures of the peoples of the world enhances the prospects of global peace and prosperity,” the sheik added in the statement.
