The Radical Middle Way
“And thus have We willed you to be a community of the middle way, so that you might bear witness to the truth before all humankind.” Qur’an, Surah al-Baqarah, verse 143
The Radical Middle Way (RMW) is a revolutionary grassroots initiative aimed at articulating a relevant mainstream understanding of Islam that is dynamic, proactive and relevant to young British Muslims.
Through public lectures, seminars, workshops and cultural programs, we engage with real issues through legitimate orthodox scholarship. The RMW is about erasing the schism between public and private discourse over issues affecting Islam and Muslims in the modern world – we believe in open debate and meaningful discussion.
The Radical Middle Way is based on clear principles:
a rejection of all forms of terrorism;
a commitment to the revival of mercy, public service and a concern for social justice as emblematic Islamic duties;
a commitment to the emergence of a distinct British Muslim identity that encourages the active involvement of British Muslims in social, public and economic life of Britain; and
inspiring young people to become active agents for peace and positive change in their local communities
These themes are grounded in Islamic scholarship, tradition and civilisation. The project is committed to creating spaces where young Muslims can engage with these ideas in a meaningful, open and creative way.
Bringing the Best – Together
Since 2005, RMW has brought thousands of young people into contact with leading scholars of Islam from all over the world. Our visiting scholars and speakers are figures who command wide respect and authority, including Shaykh Abdullah bin Bayyah, Shaykh Ali Gomaa, Habib Ali al Jifri, Reis-ul-Ulema Mustafa Ceric, Ustadh Amr Khaled, Imam Suhaib Webb, Dr Tariq Ramadan, Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad, Dr Jamal Badawi, Imam Ziaullah Khan, Murad Hoffman, Shaykh Hassan Le-Gai Eaton, Shaykha Halima Krausen, Yusuf Islam, Shaykh Walead Mossad, Mufti of Rwanda Saleh Habimana and Na’eem Jeenah. All are outstanding leaders and visionaries.
“Radical Middle Way events have given frontline workers like me the opportunity to engage with very senior Muslim scholars. Their advice has strengthened my understanding of the dilemmas we face as Muslims in the West. As a result, I am better able to serve the young men in my local community who are crying out for leadership and guidance.” – Participant
“It's nice to hear people speak forcefully and unapologetically about the middle-way and really brings home the meaning of what that exactly is. Too often the mainstream majority is too quiet. It struck the heart beautifully.” - Participant
Fiercely Independent
RMW is an inclusive intellectual and theological movement determined to present the message of the faith in a manner that lacks ambiguity, is exciting and bold: no topic is taboo, dissention is considered a virtue and scholarship is highly respected. We have a rigorously negotiated “terms of reference” with our funders that guarantees the independence of participating scholars and ensures that all of our activities are undertaken in the best interests of Muslim communities. Visiting scholars are given no prior script and are free to both choose and decide on the nature and content of their presentations. RMW has hosted lectures, seminars and debates which have addressed significant issues of the day including foreign policy, faith and citizenship and the role of religion in the modern world. RMW is funded primarily by a grant from the UK Government‘s Global Opportunities Fund and DCLG. Additional support has come from a wide range of sponsors that in the past has included organisations like Islamic Relief.
A Unique Partnership. Since its launch in 2005, RMW has worked with dozens of organisations and groups across the UK. Key partners and supporters have included the Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS), Young Muslims Organisation (YMO), Q-News and Mahabba Unlimited. Our doors are open and we are always expanding our network.