Mounting an “Islamic Studies” Program A University of the Free State (South Africa) Initiative

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Muhammed Haron

Keywords

Islamic Studies - South Africa - University of Free State - Baccalaureus Divinitatis

Abstract

The study of Islam at many universities around the world has been
on the increase for the past three decades for various regions. In
South Africa, where it was initiated by Semiticists in Semitic Studies
departments and Missiologists in Missiology courses, its study
gradually developed into full courses. Since the popularity of “Islamic
studies” has been of interest to secular academics as well, the
country’s University of the Free State (UFS) proposed the offering
of a Baccalaureus Divinitatis Degree in Islamic studies. But before
doing so, the university decided to host a colloquium to which the
organizing committee invited various stakeholders. This essay contextualizes
this colloquium by locating the teaching and study of
Islam in a broad South(ern) African context and offers a critical report
on the ensuing two-day colloquium.

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