UCC Receives Unique Collection of Arabic Books

The African Koran Codex

The African Koran Codex

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The Boole Library, UCC has been given a substantial collection of Arabic books on Islam and the Middle East.

The collection belonged to the late Dr Mohammed Zaki Badawi (d. 2006). The Boole Library College now possesses the most comprehensive and extensive collection of Arabic books on Islam and the Middle East in Ireland to be used both by academic researchers and the public.

Dr Mohammad Zaki Badawi was an important Muslim leader in Britain. As Chief Imam of the London Central Mosque and founder of the Muslim College in London, he advocated a moderate interpretation of Islam adapted to the culture and values of European societies. In addition, he was a strong supporter and passionate practitioner of interfaith dialogue, establishing the Three Faiths Forum in Britain to foster dialogue among Christians, Jews and Muslims.

The substantial Arabic library of Dr Badawi has been given to the University College Cork Library by his son, Faris Badawi, who lives in Cork.

The collection will be launched by Prof Tariq Ramadan of Oxford University. Tariq Ramadan is one of the leading Muslim intellectuals in Europe. Born in Switzerland to Egyptian parents, he studied philosophy and has pursued a distinguished career as a writer and academic. In his book ‘Western Muslims and the Future of Islam’ he argues for a re-interpretation of Islamic theology that harmonises Islamic beliefs and practices with the cultural and social values of European societies.

The collection will be officially launched on 24 May 2012 at University College Cork, 6pm, Boole Lecture Theatre 2 (on main campus).

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