A Case of Adaptations with Life with Neighbours in Brussels
14.00 (UK Time)
Living in Europe substantially alters the context of Muslim immigrants. They live as minorities amid non-Muslims and are governed by the secular state (with Christian antecedents) and its laws. This lecture focuses on one aspect of larger research conducted in Belgium. It examines evidence from the ground related to issues involving dietary rules. It shows how Muslims in Belgium look for creative adaptations to challenges of everyday life, involving food. At a deeper level, the findings highlight examples of ordinary Muslims proactively seeking guidance for particular issues and finding their own creative solutions in many instances. Therefore, they are not passive followers but free agents making choices in adapting to the position they consider most suitable.
Speaker
Dr Ishak Makram Ghatas
a religious expert at the International School of Protocol and Diplomacy (ISPD)
Ishak grew up in Egypt, a Muslim-majority country where he was trained and worked as a mechanical engineer. Since migrating to Belgium, he has become involved in the Protestant Church’s work for Muslim immigrants. In addition, he has been a prison chaplain and a religious expert at the International School of Protocol and Diplomacy (ISPD). He has also been active in the inter-faith dialogue in Belgium. His PhD focussed on the Everyday practices and Shariʿah interpretations with Belgium as a case. His Egyptian background and deep cultural immersion in Europe gave him the advantage of being both an insider and an outsider enabling him to publish different publications focusing on the issues of Muslim diasporas.
