The Work of VIPIS
Virginia Institute for Peace & Islamic Studies will promote peace and fight prejudice by teaching international studies and democratic governance, support the resolution of conflicts, and achieve a better understanding about Islam and the Muslim world.
A teaching institute
We are neither religious nor political. We are teachers!
Our first job is therefore to open people's eyes. How many Americans realize that Islam is the only world religion that contains the word "peace" = salaam in Arabic? How many Americans know that the Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon Him and upon all the Prophets) was born in pagan Arabia and became a Christian? Jesus is pronounced "Isa" in Arabic and is recognized as the second most important teacher after Mohammed. Later the Archangel Gabriel (pronounced "Gibril" in Arabic) appeared to Mohammed and reveled to Him the teachings that became Islam.
We intend to teach VIPIS courses in the following three broad areas, so that we can challenge prejudice with knowledge:
- Peace studies
- Islamic studies
- Arabic studies
Challenging simplistic labels with serious teaching
Since 9/11 2001 there has been confusion in USA between terrorism and Islam - 40% of Americans blame religion for all terrorism, but they are wrong! Ignorance feeds prejudice, and we believe the best way to challenge prejudice is with knowledge. VIPIS professors believe there is no such a thing as "religious terrorism." Even in Northern Ireland, the labels "Catholic" and "Protestant" are a misleading shorthand that hides the real causes of violence which are economic deprivation and political exclusion. "Islamic terrorism" is an equally misleading label, encouraging us to forget what the Mayor of London, speaking after the London tube and bus bombings of 7/7 2005, "the 80 years of constant Western interference and repression in the Middle East, mainly because of oil."
Al-Qaeda may use terrorism, but we do not believe it is "religious terrorism." Labels are simplistic. We need to understand much more about them the 1.4 billion people in the world who are Muslim. True Muslims consider the Taliban of Afghanistan to be non-Muslims because of their outrageous behavior. The Taliban are tribal bullies! True Muslims do not commit suicide, do not kill women and children, do not kill other Muslims.
What do we bring to the table?
- International reputation based on fieldwork, research and publications
- Expertise in peace and a network of international contacts
- Understanding of Muslim societies and cultures
- Knowledge of Africa, Middle East and Central Asia
- Teaching skills and student popularity
- Research skills and links to a team of international experts
- Communication skills - excellent lecturing and writing
- An idea and an institute - VIPIS - that is created and registered in Virginia
Objectives for Year 1
- Offer teaching on Afghanistan for students in Virginia Commonwealth University
- Organize in Richmond an exhibition on Timbuktu, Fifth City of Islam
- Provide teacher training and workshops based on the Timbuktu-in-Mali exhibit
- Begin outreach into schools to teach and provoke discussion about peace and Islam
- Find contacts, members and sponsors to produce fundraising of $1 million
- Create partnerships for VIPIS that will enhance our teaching capacity
- Develop new courses on Peace, Terrorism and the Middle East
- Expand existing course and curricula for the teaching of Arabic language
- Produce very positive press and political coverage inside Virginia
Objectives for Years 2-3 and beyond
We will develop and expand teaching about:
Peace Studies
Peace and conflict resolution studies have local importance as well as international substance. Peace is more than the absence of violence; it is the presence of social justice through equal opportunity, a fair distribution of power and resources, equal protection and impartial enforcement of law. Confrontation seldom solves a problem. Understanding all the points of view generally favors a peaceful solution between people in conflict. We already have a course on Terrorism and other courses will be developed.
Islamic studies
The Islamic Religion is taught in the mosque and in the family home. Within the local context of Richmond, capital city of Virginia, we are partners with the Islamic Center of Virginia (ICVA) where students and teachers meet and pray in Richmond's biggest mosque. VIPIS in not in competition with ICVA, we are complementary. Our job in VIPIS is to teach about Islam - its history and evolution, its scholarship and real message as compared to the misperceptions of Americans since 9/11, and Islam's important role in world civilization. We have an excellent course on the Modern Arab World and more will be developed.
Arabic studies
Richmond, capital city of Virginia and international commercial center, has very little teaching of Arabic, despite the fact that the population and market of Arabic speakers is so huge. We would like to offer beginner, intermediate, advanced and very advanced classes in language, and courses in literature and history based on the Arabic language.
VIPIS ANNUAL ACTIVITY REPORT
Click here to read the report about our first year of activity 2005 (Microsoft Word file)