Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM) has organized the National Colloquium Series on Islam and Moral Freedom: Issues and Challenges” on the 3rd of December 2019/6 Rabiulakhir 1441H at IKIM Grand Hall.

In today’s world, the relationship between religion and morality are hotly debated. Does religion make us more moral? Is morality necessary? Do moral inclinations emerge independently of religious institutions as espoused by religious groups for example? These debates are currently commonly discussed by academics and the public. This colloquium intends to clarify the reality that the search for many moral issues and challenges can actually benefit from or has been proven to be guided by religious injunctions and teachings. However, this process needs to be explained in a reasonable manner and/or where possible with scientific evidences, such as in the debates regarding gender identity. What is the religious view that would and should be perceived as the most just, regarding this issue, especially in the context of Malaysia?
The main objectives of this Colloquium are i) to explicate in philosophical and scientific terms the concepts of religion and morality; ii) to highlight a few selected examples of issues of morality and the challenges that arise due to misconceptions vis-à-vis the idea of moral freedom; and iii) to suggest the relevant approaches for Malaysia in addressing specific moral issues.
