ALIM Winter Program - Overview

The American Learning Institute for Muslims Winter Program is a 4-day intensive study of one of many traditional Islamic sciences in the context of the modern American paradigm.

The Winter Program was designed to meet the apparent need for a shorter intensive program focused on specialized themes. This program targets those who cannot make the Summer Program because of time commitment and those alumni who want more exposure to the ALIM learning philosophy throughout the year. This program rotates across the United States. For 2009, the program will be held in the Greater Washington DC area and the theme will be "Islam and the Secular Society".

“Islam is the answer.” … the rallying cry of Muslim movements for more than a century. What does this mean? Is it hollow or pithy? While all 21st century Muslims do not doubt the practical usefulness of following shariah as a means towards taqwa and personal piety, the social and – more importantly – political implementation of shariah throughout the world brings with it its own problematic: what and how?

* What should be the place of religious law in the political fabric of a modern world where individual and minority rights as enshrined by the UDHR are held with utmost regard?

* How was shariah viewed in the premodern world, and how does this view differ with modern day Muslim movements that seek to implement it, however they may define it.

* How does the Islamic and modern views compare: are they mutually exclusive, one in the same, or something in between?

The next ALIM Winter Program will seek to ask the relevant questions regarding the nature, scope, and historical role of shariah law in Muslim communities, and their contemporary relevance – all in an effort to strengthen our understanding of our faith.