Oxford’s contribution to civilisation is immeasurable. A tradition of critical analysis has seen it challenge received ideas and intellectual monopolies throughout its history. Oxford’s uncompromising ethos of academic rigour has produced clarity of thought on complex problems, whilst the nuanced insights of its scholars and distinguished guest speakers have led to original perspectives and important contributions in every field.

History has shown that the world looks to Oxford for leadership, and never has Oxford's maturity stifled the innovativeness of its thinking. For centuries Oxford has been home to lively debates and movements which have thought and rethought religion and its place in wider society. From the “morning star of the Reformation,” John Wycliffe, who espoused anti-clerical and biblically-centred reform in the 14th century, to Richard Dawkins' present day critiques on theistic thought, these grand halls and picturesque quads have long served as hotbeds of theological debate, discussion and reform.

Oxford University’s contribution to political life hardly needs to be stated. Over 25 British Prime Ministers and innumerable Members of Parliament have passed through its distinguished halls, where the primacy afforded to freedom of thought and speech, so characteristic of Oxford, has been a crucial component in forging notable leaders. It is this intellectual independence which enabled the controversial motion 'That this House will under no circumstances fight for its King and Country' to be passed in the Oxford Union in 1933, and which gave Malcolm X the platform to assert that 'any means necessary' were required to bring justice to a people, in the event that their own government had failed to do so.

Oxford University, with its pedigree and its prestige, is an opinion forming centre in the truest sense of the term and as such, is a fitting host for our eminent speakers, Shaykh Hamza Yusuf and Professor Tariq Ramadan. It is within this creative cradle which balances the essential elements of tradition and innovation, in an atmosphere which prizes academic excellence, that the Oxford University Islamic Society is proud to have hosted this important and groundbreaking conference, Rethinking Islamic Reform.