Zwemer Center

Vivienne Stacey discusses the concept of human rights according to Islam. She addresses the topic of apostasy and the infamous blasphemy laws of Pakistan. This topic is significant as historically hard-line Muslim countries like Saudi Arabia attempt to reform their societies to be more compatible with twenty-first century. The question remains whether or not Islam can be reformed to accommodate ideas like religious pluralism. Similarly, Pakistan continues to struggle with the incompatibility of its blasphemy law and its membership in the UN which upholds a declaration of universal human rights.

These lectures were given at Columbia International University in partnership with the Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies. The Zwemer Center was founded in 1979 and exists to offer comprehensive courses on Islam, facilitate research, foster dialogues, offer seminars, conduct training, and provide resources for effective witness and ministry among Muslims. We also have a course study guide for these lectures that you might find helpful.