The Edinburgh Alwaleed Centre

Join us today for a hybrid seminar by Dr Pietro Stefanini (University of Edinburgh) in which he will discuss tracing a genealogy of the relationship between humanitarianism and settler colonialism, from the period of British imperial rule in Palestine to present-day.

Date - 2 February 2026

Venue - Room LG.09, 40 George Square

Speakers - Dr Pietro Stefanini (University of Edinburgh)

Title - Making Colonisation Humanitarian: A Genealogy of Settler Humanitarianism in Palestine/Israel

Pietro Stefanini will discuss a book manuscript project, which deploys archival and ethnographic methods to trace a genealogy of the relationship between humanitarianism and settler colonialism, from the period of British imperial rule in Palestine, through the 1948 Nakba and 1967 Naksa, to the contemporary conjuncture and the genocide in Gaza.

The book illustrates a settler colonial modality of humanitarianism along two main axes: enabling the continuous reproduction of the settler society; and providing a mechanism for the dispossession of the Palestinian people. It demonstrates how, rather than constituting a constant dynamic throughout a century-long historical arc, the settler form of humanitarianism gains particular prominence during moments of crisis, disruptions of populations (both settler and native), and peaks in colonial violence.

The event is co-badged with The Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH).

https://llc.ed.ac.uk/islamic-and-middle-eastern-studies/imes-seminar-series-260202

Delighted to see Alwaleed Centre, Fellow Dr Hew Wai Weng, speaking at Faculty of Islamic Studies Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia.

🌏✨ Join us for an inspiring session of our Public Lecture!
Exploring how Chinese Muslim communities in Malaysia and Indonesia navigate the intersection of dakwah, identity, and cultural expression within a transnational context, we’re honored to invite *Dr. Hew Wai Weng* to share his insights in a public lecture titled:

*🕌 “Cultural Dakwah: Chinese Muslim Preaching Activities in Malaysia and Indonesia.”*

📅 December 15, 2025
🕒 13.30 – 15.00 (Jakarta Time)
📍 Classroom 10, Level 2 – Faculty A Building, UIII

Join us and be part of this enriching public lecture.
Let’s learn, discuss, and broaden our understanding together.

Looking forward to this!

Islam and AI: Opportunities and Threats

Advances in technology seem to be so rapid that most of us are struggling to keep up. What does religion, and Islam specifically, have to say about Artificial Intelligence? How will AI impact our understanding and practice of religion? Can AI pray five times a day? What are the opportunities but also the threats that this technology creates? Bring your questions and concerns to an engaging discussion with Dr Shoaib Ahmed Malik.

Shoaib is a lecturer in science and religion at the University of Edinburgh. With a PhD in Chemical Engineering and another in Theology, Shoaib stands at the crossroads of Science and Religion. His research focuses on science and scripture, evolution, AI, extra-terrestrial life and its theological implications.

The talk will be delivered in the beautiful Main Prayer Hall in Edinburgh Central Mosque as part of the Islam Festival Edinburgh and is an opportunity for people to get together regardless of faith and background.

👀 Something exciting is coming!

Get ready for , our look back at an incredible semester of culture, scholarship, and community. From the Edinburgh Fringe and transformative theatre to groundbreaking conferences, workshops, and public discussions - we’ll be sharing all the highlights, behind-the-scenes moments, and stories you don’t want to miss.

✨ The journey starts 19 August!

Iran in Focus: A Space for Reflection and Solidarity

Wednesday 25th June | 15:00 - 16:30
G.04 Screening Room, 50 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JU

The Alwaleed Centre invites you to a community gathering and conversation in light of the recent Israeli aggression on Iran. This space is intended to offer an opportunity for learning, reflection, solidarity, and informed engagement.

We’re honoured to be joined by Professor Nacim Pak-Shiraz, whose work on Iranian cinema and society offers a deeply human perspective on the complex realities unfolding today. Dr Mira Al Hussein will be chairing the session, and will allow time for both listening and collective dialogue.

Everyone is welcome, no registration required. Please feel free to share this invitation across your networks.

Register for the Book Talk here!

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-gcc-between-economic-diversification-and-an-uncertain-futures-tickets-1408534086369?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=PAQ0xDSwK5EgFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp9HzOnRijgU0a4CR0ArVmg9-hwHcVmwVrTm-wnzApfkNXEvIurI2pUaG4TU5_aem_MuiGlzHR0Q2Sbb-BuYQrXg

The GCC: Between Economic Diversification and an Uncertain Futures The Alwaleed Centre is delighted to host Prof. Yousef Al Yousef on a timely book talk on the Gulf region and its economic futures.

BOOK TALK | The GCC: Between Economic Diversification and an Uncertain Future 🌍

Join us for a timely virtual book talk with Professor Yousef Al Yousef, exploring the economic challenges and uncertain futures of the Gulf region.

In his latest work, Prof. Al Yousef critiques the Gulf’s diversification efforts and outlines a bold roadmap for reform.

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📅 Date: Tuesday, 24 June 2025
🕒 Time: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM (BST)
📍 Location: Online Webinar

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🎟️ Free registration via Eventbrite
(Link in bio)

🧠 Islamic Counselling & Psychology: Decolonising Mainstream Models & Practices?
🗓 Thurs 22 May | 5–7PM
📍 Screening Room G.04, 50 George Square, University of Edinburgh

Over the last two decades, Islamic counselling and psychology have grown rapidly in the UK - shaping theory, training, and services. These approaches often emerge from cross-cultural, anti-racist, and decolonial traditions, yet there remains limited space for dialogue between diverse models and practices.

This panel brings together Muslim women working as practitioners, researchers, and educators to explore key questions:
🔹 What makes therapy ‘Islamic’?
🔹 How do Islamic approaches relate to mainstream counselling models?
🔹 How can they respond to the mental health needs of Muslim communities, especially women?

Speakers:
🔹 Sabnum Dharamsi
🔹 Prof Ghazala Mir
🔹 Dr Aaliyah Shaikh

Chair: Dr Giulia Liberatore

Free & open to all. Refreshments will be provided.

Free places available for our forthcoming conference 'Digital Islam Across Europe' taking place in Edinburgh on 27 & 28 May. For further info and free registration follow the link below.

Conference: Digital Islam Across Europe (27 & 28 May 2025, University of Edinburgh) Join us in Edinburgh to reflect, and expand, on the insights and implications of the 'Digital Islam across Europe: Understanding Muslims’ Participation in Online Islamic Environments' research project funded by the Collaboration of Humanities and Social Sciences in Europe.

Join us at the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 29 April from 6pm to hear about the research findings, insights and implications of the Digital British Islam research project. Free to attend but registration necessary via email: [email protected].

Forthcoming event in Edinburgh:

Prof. Gary R. Bunt and Prof. Sariya Cheruvallil-Contractor will present Digital British Islam project research findings at the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, 29th April 18:00-20:00.

RSVP to *[email protected]* by 27th April. Details below.