The Literary & Debating Society at the National University of Ireland, Galway are hosting the debate ‘Is Islam a religion of Peace?’ at 7.00pm on Thursday 9th October 2014 (at the Kirwan, NUI, Galway).

Event Details:

In recent times, Islam has come to occupy a central place in discussion about law, policy and the future of Western culture. Detractors say Islam is a religion of violence and oppression, while supporters call it peaceful and liberatory. The answer to the question of Islam will change lives and the shape of our society, and the Lit & Deb invites both sides of this contentious issue to present their viewpoints in a free, open discussion.

The other speakers for the debate are as follows:

Proposing Side:

Shaykh Dr Umar al-Qadri of the Al-Mustafa Islamic Cultural Centre

Dr Oliver Scharbrodt, Professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Chester

Abdullah al Andalusi. co-founder of the Muslim Debate Initiative

Opposing Side:

Mr Michael Nugent, Chairman of Atheist Ireland,

Mr Ian O’Doherty, journalist at the Irish Independent

Dr Mark Humphrys, lecturer at Dublin College University (DCU) and writer on religion and politics