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"Between Texts and Freedom: Where Islamic Thought Meets the Modern Idea of Liberty" is a podcast series that seeks to re-engage contemporary audiences with Islamic philosophy and to reposition its rich intellectual tradition in addressing today’s concerns. It aims to explore the concept of freedom in Islamic thought in comparison with modern political understandings of liberty. This month’s episode, ‘Is There an Islamic Social Contract? Rethinking Freedom and Governance’ features the host Souad Adnane, a researcher with a PhD in Public Policy from George Washington University and a longstanding interest in Islamic thought. She is a founding member of the classical liberal think tank Arab Center for Research, Morocco, and a former board member of the Islam and Liberty Network. Souad is also an economic development specialist with over 15 years of experience across the MENA region, Sub-Saharan Africa, and South Asia, providing advisory support to governments and international organizations.  The guest, Dr. Deina Abdelkader, is an associate professor in the Political Science Department and a research affiliate at the Center for Middle East Studies, Harvard University. Dr. Abdelkader is the director of the Peace and Conflict Studies program. She is a comparativist and international relations specialist. Her scholarly interests and research focus on the Middle East and North Africa, comparative democratization in the Muslim World, Islamic activism, and the role of Muslim women in religious interpretation. She is the author of the book The Forgotten Khayr al-Din al-Tunsi's Islamic Social Contract Governance, Public Welfare and Justice. This book confronts the longstanding marginalization of Muslim thought within political theory, highlighting the epistemological assumptions that have elevated Western intellectual traditions while overlooking the rich political heritage of the Islamic world. Focusing on the nineteenth-century reformer Khayr al-Din al-Tunsi, it presents the first in-depth study and translation of his political writings, interpreting them through the framework of Islamic jurisprudence, particularly the Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿa (Objectives of Islamic Law).

"Between Texts and Freedom: Where Islamic Thought Meets the Modern Idea of Liberty" is a podcast series that seeks to re-engage contemporary audiences with Islamic philosophy and to reposition its rich intellectual tradition in addressing today’s concerns. It aims to explore the concept of freedom in Islamic thought in comparison with modern political understandings of liberty. This month’s episode of “Ijtihad as a Space for Freedom and Reason in Islamic Thought” is the second part of a two-part episode featuring the host Souad Adnane, a researcher with a PhD in Public Policy from George Washington University and a longstanding interest in Islamic thought. She is a founding member of the classical liberal think tank, Arab Center for Research, Morocco, and a former board member of the Islam and Liberty Network. Souad is also an economic development specialist with over 15 years of experience across the MENA region, Sub-Saharan Africa, and South Asia, providing advisory support to governments and international organizations.  The guest, Dr. Badr M. Tachouche, is a  Doctor of Philosophy and a Lecturer at the Anglo-American University, Prague. He teaches Europe and Islam: An Interdisciplinary Approach and Composition. He is also a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Middle Eastern and African Studies, University of West Bohemia, and a research fellow with the Islam and Liberty Network in Malaysia.  Dr. Badr has published with the University of Oslo, contributed to a range of Arabic media platforms, and reviewed scholarly work for both the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace and the University of West Bohemia. He has also written and produced television programs and web documentaries. His research interests include Islamic legal theory and Malikism, the history of al-Andalus, pedagogy in Islamic educational settings, and the musicology of al-Andalus. Bridging scholarship and art, he has shared his work through academic publications as well as performances for both scholarly and artistic audiences.

"Between Texts and Freedom: Where Islamic Thought Meets the Modern Idea of Liberty" is a podcast series that seeks to re-engage contemporary audiences with Islamic philosophy and to reposition its rich intellectual tradition in addressing today’s concerns. It aims to explore the concept of freedom in Islamic thought in comparison with modern political understandings of liberty. The June episode “Ijtihad as a Space for Freedom and Reason in Islamic Thought” is the first part of a two-part episode featuring the host Souad Adnane, a researcher with a PhD in Public Policy from George Washington University and a longstanding interest in Islamic thought. She is a founding member of the classical liberal think tank, Arab Center for Research, Morocco, and a former board member of the Islam and Liberty Network. Souad is also an economic development specialist with over 15 years of experience across the MENA region, Sub-Saharan Africa, and South Asia, providing advisory support to governments and international organizations.  The guest, Dr. Badr M. Tachouche, is a  Doctor of Philosophy and a Lecturer at the Anglo-American University, Prague. where he teaches Europe and Islam: An Interdisciplinary Approach and Composition. He is also a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Middle Eastern and African Studies, University of West Bohemia, and a research fellow with the Islam and Liberty Network in Malaysia.  Dr. Badr has published with the University of Oslo, contributed to a range of Arabic media platforms, and reviewed scholarly work for both the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace and the University of West Bohemia. He has also written and produced television programs and web documentaries. His research interests include Islamic legal theory and Malikism, the history of al-Andalus, pedagogy in Islamic educational settings, and the musicology of al-Andalus. Bridging scholarship and art, he has shared his work through academic publications as well as performances for both scholarly and artistic audiences.

"Between Texts and Freedom: Where Islamic Thought Meets the Modern Idea of Liberty" is a podcast series that seeks to re-engage contemporary audiences with Islamic philosophy and to reposition its rich intellectual tradition in addressing today’s concerns. It aims to explore the concept of freedom in Islamic thought in comparison with modern political understandings of liberty. The April episode “Who Owns the Self? Islam, Obedience, and Liberty” features the host Souad Adnane, a researcher with a PhD in Public Policy from George Washington University and a longstanding interest in Islamic thought. She is a founding member of the classical liberal think tank, Arab Center for Research, Morocco, and a former board member of the Islam and Liberty Network. Souad is also an economic development specialist with over 15 years of experience across the MENA region, Sub-Saharan Africa, and South Asia, providing advisory support to governments and international organizations.  The guest, Mustafa Akyol, is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute’s Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity, where he focuses on the intersection of public policy, Islam, and modernity. He is the author of books such as The Islamic Moses: How the Prophet Inspired Jews and Muslims to Flourish Together and Change the World (2024), Reopening Muslim Minds: A Return to Reason, Freedom, and Tolerance (2021), Why, as a Muslim, I Defend Liberty (2021), The Islamic Jesus: How the King of the Jews Became a Prophet of the Muslims (2017), and Islam without Extremes: A Muslim Case for Liberty (2011), all of which have been translated into various languages. The Thinking Muslim, a popular podcast, defined Akyol as “probably the most notable Muslim modernist and reformer.” In July 2021, the UK magazine Prospect listed him among “The World’s Top 50 Thinkers.” In addition to his work at Cato, Akyol is a senior lecturer at the Islamic Civilization and Societies program at Boston College and the director of the Islam and the Muslim World course at the Foreign Service Institute. Subscribe to ILN's Substack: https://blog.islamandlibertynetwork.org/

Welcome to the first episode of the Edraak Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Ali Salman and Noor Netusha Nusaybah introduce the Edraak series and the thinking behind its expansion into Edraak Weekly and Edraak Monthly. The conversation unpacks Edraak’s core vision: developing a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the Muslim world by moving beyond conflict-centric and security-focused narratives. The hosts explain the structure of Edraak Weekly, which tracks key developments across four zones of the Muslim world, and Edraak Monthly, which will feature long-form analysis, podcasts, and book reviews. This episode also situates Edraak within the broader mission of the Islam and Liberty Network, focused on advancing informed conversations around religious, economic, and political freedoms in Muslim societies. Subscribe to ILN's Substack: https://blog.islamandlibertynetwork.org/

How do students in Moroccan Madrasas achieve Arabic fluency in just a few years, without the use of modern tools? Dr. Mohamed Bufaris, Associate Professor and Imam at Zaytuna College, explains the powerful teaching methods employed in traditional Madrasas, such as Madrasa Igleh. In this rich conversation moderated by Badr Tachouche, discover how holistic learning, close teacher-student bonds, and deep immersion in Arabic poetry and grammar foster both linguistic mastery and intellectual independence. This discussion explores how Madrasas balance tradition and modern needs, the significance of Arabic in understanding Islamic texts, and how these centuries-old institutions are adapting to contemporary challenges without compromising their core values. 🔹 Highlights: Arabic instruction for non-native speakers The role of the “Sheikh” in holistic education Poetry and memorization in Arabic mastery Madrasas as community and spiritual centers Educational relevance in today’s world 📌 Keywords: Madrasa education, Arabic fluency, traditional Islamic learning, Zaytuna College, Mohamed Bufaris, Islamic pedagogy, Arabic language instruction #Madrasa #ArabicLearning #IslamicEducation #TraditionalLearning #ZaytunaCollege #DrMohamedBufaris #MoroccoMadrasas #ArabicForBeginners

Dr. Mustafa Radji, a senior professor from the University of Mustaganum in Algeria, delivered a webinar presentation on the role of Sufi endowments in Algerian civil society, discussing their historical significance and potential for addressing contemporary challenges. The presentation explored how waqf (Islamic endowments) systems can support social welfare, particularly for women and refugees, while highlighting the need for legal reforms to empower Sufi institutions in North Africa. Despite facing various challenges in establishing the Hayek Institute of Economic Thinking in Algeria, Dr. Radji continues to work with civil society and Sufi organizations to promote economic freedom and civil society development rooted in Islamic tradition.

Is religious conversion an ultimate expression of free choice? How does embracing Islam in secular society reshape one's sense of identity and freedom? Join us as Dr. Václava Tlili explores the complex journey of Czech converts to Islam, framing religious conversion not as a single moment but as a gradual process shaped by personal experience and existential searching. Discover how individuals navigate between societal expectations and their inner quest for authenticity and spiritual meaning in a country with little historical connection to Islam. Speaker: Dr. Václava Tlili, Cultural Anthropologist specializing in Islamic religious expressions, affiliated with Department of Middle Eastern Studies, Faculty of Philosophy and Arts, University of West Bohemia in Pilsen Discussant: Noor Netusha Nusaybah, Program Manager at ILN Moderator: Dr. Ali Salman, CEO at ILN You can also watch the full webinar recording here.   Do follow our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube channel and X (Twitter) to stay abreast with our upcoming Edraak series webinar, or visit our website to subscribe to our email newsletter for any latest updates. Thank you for listening to our podcast and see you in the next one! This is part of the Edraak series, an initiative by the Islam and Liberty Network Foundation (ILNF) designed to deepen our understanding of liberty and its various manifestations in theoretical, legal, and social contexts.

In a world fractured by conflict and religious division, how do we find common ground for dialogue and understanding? Dr. Mohsin Naqvi invites us to rediscover the shared ethical, spiritual, and philosophical foundations of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Drawing from scriptural, historical, and theological perspectives, learn how these traditions unite on fundamental principles like monotheism, justice, and compassion—creating pathways to mutual understanding in our divided world. Speaker: Dr. Mohsin Naqvi Moderator: Dr. Ali Salman You can also watch the full webinar recording here.   Do follow our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube channel and X (Twitter) to stay abreast with our upcoming Edraak series webinar, or visit our website to subscribe to our email newsletter for any latest updates. Thank you for listening to our podcast and see you in the next one! This is part of the Edraak series, an initiative by the Islam and Liberty Network Foundation (ILNF) designed to deepen our understanding of liberty and its various manifestations in theoretical, legal, and social contexts.

Join us as Dr. Kazeem Olaniyan explores Nigeria's historical journey with Shariah implementation, examining how the lack of absolute religious freedom has impacted the nation's path to peace and prosperity. From pre-colonial to post-independence periods, Dr. Olaniyan demonstrates how Shariah extends beyond a mere legal system to encompass a comprehensive code of conduct designed for human welfare. The discussion will critically analyze the ongoing challenges in harmonizing Shariah with Nigeria's constitutional framework, and why the quest for its full implementation continues to shape the nation's religious and legal landscape. Speaker: Dr. Saeed Khan Moderator: Dr. Ali Salman You can also watch the full webinar recording here.   Do follow our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube channel and X (Twitter) to stay abreast with our upcoming Edraak series webinar, or visit our website to subscribe to our email newsletter for any latest updates. Thank you for listening to our podcast and see you in the next one! This is part of the Edraak series, an initiative by the Islam and Liberty Network Foundation (ILNF) designed to deepen our understanding of liberty and its various manifestations in theoretical, legal, and social contexts.

Join us for an illuminating discussion with Dr. Saeed Khan on Islamic constitutionalism and its relevance in today's world. In this webinar, Dr. Khan explores the rich history of constitutional development in Muslim societies, from the Medina Charter to modern nation-states, offering fresh perspectives on how Islamic principles can contribute to contemporary governance. Dr. Khan challenges common misconceptions about Islamic law and constitutionalism, examining how the Maqasid al-Sharia (objectives of Islamic law) align with modern constitutional values. Through historical examples and current case studies, he demonstrates how Islamic constitutionalism might offer solutions to challenges facing diverse societies today. Key topics include: The relationship between Islamic law and state authority The evolution of constitutional thought in Muslim societies The Ottoman Empire's constitutional experiences Contemporary challenges in Muslim-majority countries The potential role of Islamic constitutionalism in an era of globalization This thought-provoking session, moderated by Dr. Ali Salman, features engaging audience participation and explores critical questions about governance, religious freedom, and social cohesion in modern Muslim societies. Presented by the Islam & Liberty Network, this webinar brings together scholarly insight with practical applications for today's complex political landscape. Speaker: Dr. Saeed Khan Moderator: Dr. Ali Salman You can also watch the full webinar recording here.   Do follow our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube channel and X (Twitter) to stay abreast with our upcoming Edraak series webinar, or visit our website to subscribe to our email newsletter for any latest updates.   Thank you for listening to our podcast and see you in the next one!   This is part of the Edraak series, an initiative by the Islam and Liberty Network Foundation (ILNF) designed to deepen our understanding of liberty and its various manifestations in theoretical, legal, and social contexts.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗘𝗗𝗥𝗔𝗔𝗞 𝗪𝗘𝗕𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥 : 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗹𝗶𝗺 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆  Join us for an engaging discussion on the 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗹𝗶𝗺 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆 with Dr. Azeemah Saleem, as she explores their critical role in shaping democratic discourse, especially in the context of India  🗓 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝟭𝟵𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 ⏰ 7pm - 8:30pm (Kuala Lumpur time) / 4:30pm - 6pm (Delhi time) 🔊 Speaker: Dr. Azeemah Saleem (JK Lakshmipat University, Jaipur) 🗣 Discussant: Dr. Ayemen F. (Students For Liberty) 🎙 Moderator: Dr. Ali Salman (CEO, Islam and Liberty Network) Key Themes: 𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: Dr. Saleem will use Jürgen Habermas’s concept of the public sphere to explore how Muslim women engage with, challenge, and contribute to democratic discourse. 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗹𝗲𝘀 & 𝗔𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Learn about the unique challenges Muslim women face in liberal democracies and the opportunities for greater inclusivity and representation.   This thought-provoking session will dive deep into issues of gender, faith, and freedom—and the way Muslim women are influencing and shaping democratic practices.   You can also watch the full webinar recording here.   Do follow our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube channel and X (Twitter) to stay abreast with our upcoming Edraak series webinar, or visit our website to subscribe to our email newsletter for any latest updates.   Thank you for listening to our podcast and see you in the next one!   This is part of the Edraak series, an initiative by the Islam and Liberty Network Foundation (ILNF) designed to deepen our understanding of liberty and its various manifestations in theoretical, legal, and social contexts.

Listen to ILN's fourth Edraak - Recognising Liberty's webinar titled “Free Markets in the Age of Populism” presented by esteemed scholar, Prof. Mustafa Acar. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how Islamic values align with and support free market principles. Engage with leading experts and join the conversation on how these insights can contribute to more equitable and prosperous economic systems.   This webinar will examine the challenges that populist movements pose to free-market principles, examining how populist rhetoric and policies are reshaping economic landscapes globally. Prof. Acar will provide insights into the tensions between economic freedom and state intervention, exploring how countries can navigate these pressures while safeguarding market liberties and democratic values.   You can also watch the full webinar recording here. Do follow our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube channel and X (Twitter) to stay abreast with our upcoming Edraak series webinar, or visit our website to subscribe to our email newsletter for any latest updates.   Thank you for listening to our podcast and see you in the next one!   This is part of the Edraak series, an initiative by the Islam and Liberty Network Foundation (ILNF) designed to deepen our understanding of liberty and its various manifestations in theoretical, legal, and social contexts.

Listen to the third Edraak - Recognizing Liberty's podcast to understand the current political landscape in Bangladesh! 🇧🇩 Let us discuss Hasina Wajid’s iron grip which raised critical questions about the balance ⚖️ between economic and political freedom. Will the recent street protests and interim government lead to a new era of liberty and rule of law?   🔍What to expect: 1. Examining the success and struggle of liberty and rule of law in Bangladesh, and how might they speak to historic upheavals attempts in other Muslim-majority countries. 2. Reflecting on the progress to reform political institutions and civil liberties in Bangladesh in particular.   🎤 Our Speakers: 1. Speaker: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Md. Thowhidul Islam – Associate Professor of Bangladesh Studies and Director at IIUC, author, and Bangladesh Fellow of ILN. 2. Speaker: Dr. Moniruzzaman Mohamad – Associate Professor of International Relations at the University of Sharjah, with expertise in comparative politics and Islamic thought. 3. Moderator: Dr. Ali Salman – CEO Islam and Liberty Network   Thank you to our esteemed speaker, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Md. Thowhidul Islam andDr. Moniruzzaman Mohamad for spending time to inform, educate, and answer our questions throughout the webinar. You can also watch the full webinar recording here. Do follow our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube channel and X (Twitter) to stay abreast with our upcoming Edraak series webinar, or visit our website to subscribe to our email newsletter for any latest updates. Thank you for listening to our podcast and see you in the next one!

Since the 2011 Arab Spring, Muslim-majority countries have witnessed rising pressures and expectations from their citizens to ensure the protection of human rights while undergoing democratic transitions. Discussions on human rights and democracy in the Muslim world inevitably include the formation of pro-democratic coalitions between secularists and Islamists, the impact of secularist fears and constituencies on political dynamics, and the prospects for political moderation. By examining the failure of Tunisia's democratic transition, how do we analyze the similarities and differences among democratizing nations with significant Muslim populations?   Join us in this exciting Edraak webinar to debate these critical issues as we; 1. Examine the success and struggle of transition to democracy in Tunisia, and how they might speak to democratic transition attempts in other Muslim-majority countries 2. Reflect on the progress in reforming democracy and human rights in Muslim societies in particular   Islam and Liberty Network would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has made our second ILN Edraak Webinar: 'Tunisia's Failed Democratic Transition: What went wrong?' series a success! Thank you to our esteemed speaker, Dr. Radwan Masmoudi, President of the Center for the Study of Islam & Democracy (CSID) for spending time to inform, educate, and answer our questions throughout the webinar. You can also watch the full webinar recording here: https://lnkd.in/gqtzgkFn Do follow our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube channel and X (Twitter) to stay abreast with our upcoming Edraak series webinar, or visit our website to subscribe to our email newsletter for any latest updates. Thank you for listening to our podcast and see you in the next one!