‘Islam is a major factor in European history. It has been present for 1400 years. It has sometimes threatened, sometimes enriched and always challenged European ways of life. Not everyone thinks of it as an asset. I believe it is. ln any case, it is important to set aside the current fears and stereotypes and take a fair look at it.’
Charis Waddy is author of The Muslim Mind and Women in Muslim History. She was the first woman to study Oriental Languages (Arabic and Hebrew) at Oxford University and went on to complete her doctorate, at London University, on the Arab view of the Crusades. She has lectured in Muslim centres in Asia and Africa and at conferences in Europe, Australia and North America. ln March 1990 she was decorated by the Government of Pakistan with the Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Star of Excellence). She writes as a Christian who has experienced a life-time of wide-ranging friendships throughout the Muslim world.
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