By  Wael Shihab, IOL Correspondent

LONDON — A galaxy of renowned scholars, intellectuals and politicians from the four corners of the globe are meeting in London to discuss what Islam can offer the West.“This year, we have a proposal for a new important institution,” Dr. Kamal El-Helbawy, chairman of the Global Civilizations Study Centre (GCSC), told IslamOnline.net.

Helbawy, the organizer, said participants are discussing a proposal to establish an institution on pondering over skies and Earth.

He said the Noble Qur’an has commanded Muslims to reflect on the creation of skies and Earth.

“Muslims don’t fully carry out the tasks mentioned in the (Qur`anic) verses by not having institutions like NASA and other institutions to study and advance researches related to skies and earth,” he said.

The 3rd annual seminar “What Islam Can Offer the West” was opened on Friday, May 23.

A cohort of Muslim leaders, scholars and intellectuals are attending the three-day event, including Dr. Robert Crane, former adviser to late US president Richard Nixon.

Universal

Dr. Crane, the Director for Global Strategy at the Abraham Federation, said the Islamic Shari`ah has universal principles that fit people in all ages.

“These [principles] may be categorized as the following seven: freedom of religion, respect for the human person and human life, respect for marriage and human community, respect for the universal right of ownership of productive property, respect for the human dignity, especially gender equity, and respect for the rights to free speech, publication, and association,” he told participants.

Dr. Crane, who is also a resident scholar at the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT), was awarded at the opening session in recognition of his scholarly and human efforts.

Launched in May 2006, “What Can Islam Offer the West” seminar aims to maintain dialogue between Muslims and non-Muslims and re-study the Noble Qur’an and the Sunnah (traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) from various perspectives.

It also aims to establish a charity trust in the West to support Muslim progress and promote scientific research.

Source: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1209357888273&pagename=Zone-English-News/NWELayout