Intellectual Traditions in Islam - My First Thoughts

Intellectual Traditions in Islam
Edited by Farhad Daftary

The Institute of Ismaili Studies in London organized a seminar entitled "Intellectual Traditions in Islam" from 14-20 August 1994 at University of Cambridge. This book is the product of Essays and Papers presented at that seminar.

Introduction was presented by Aziz Esmail, who highlighted how in today's time value of traditions are compromised.

".....In a sense one might ask: what is the future of the past? What future does the past have in a world which is changing so fast - a world saturated with the instantaneous culture of global communication? What role does history have here? And if there is no past, if the past has no future, what is one to think about the present and the future?"

All of the above questions challenge the intellect to think and reflect on the approaches that today's educational and communication system is taking. Are they fruitful for us and the generations to come? Or that will change our world into global mass which has no concrete and fundamental identity of individuals.

Aziz Esmail suggested that the purpose of this seminar is not answering the reasons behind misconceptual image of Islam in today's world. Instead the purpose is to ask right questions which can lead to the root causes of misconception.

This kind of introduction certainly triggered my desire to read further and see what the rest of the Papers' views will unfold to feed my intellectual quest.