Network member, Rashad Ali recently co-authored a book challenging radical Islamist claims to theological authenticity. The book presents arguments by classic and respected Muslim scholars that contradicts Islamist views on jihad, the Caliphate and relations with non-Muslims. The book highlights a rich vein within classic Islamic thought to counter extremist views.  

The report has been endorsed by leading Islamic scholars, including Sheikh Khalid Abdul Aziz Omran of Cairo's prestigious al-Azhar University.  

“Is there a conflict between the values of the French Republic and the values of Islam?” This question was put forth to panel of prominent Muslim intellectuals and politicians at a conference in Paris organized by Toufik Bouarfa and Nadir Ouilain. The exclusive event brought together 40 civil society activists, journalists and politician for a frank discussion that is rare in France. 

The Network for a New European Generation and the Centre for Spiritual and Cultural Advancement hosted an event at University College in London on the importance of interfaith dialogue and acceptance in Islam. The event opened with a recitation from the Quran of Sura Rum verses 22- 26, which highlight the diversity of humanity and the importance of compassion and mercy in governing our relations with each other:

Network members, Ahmad Mansour, Wael El-Gayar and Ridwan Bauknecht organized a conference entitled, “Young Muslims in Danger? Salafism in Germany” on November 3rd 2012. The conference gathered an audience of more than 100 people involved in counter radicalization in Germany including local officials, members of the police force, teachers, social workers, lawyers and academics.  

We strongly condemn the violence that extremist voices have incited in recent weeks in reaction to a trailer for an obscure anti-Islam film produced in the United States. We recognize that the filmmakers were motivated by a desire to foster anti-Islamic sentiment with a caricatured, negative and misleading portrayal of Islam. However, this does not justify mob protests in response that have resulted in death, injury and destruction.

On September 21, 2012, the Network for a New European Generation, together with British Muslims for Secular Democracy, organized a talk at Queen’s Mary College in London on “Islam and Secular Democracy.” The featured speaker was Shaykh Manwar Ali (Abu Muntasir), the founder and Chief Executive of JIMAS, an Islamic educational charity in the UK dedicated to helping Muslim refugees and asylum seekers; promoting understanding between communities; and teaching about Islam. Speaking from the perspective of a devout Muslim and scholar, Abu Muntasir sought to address common concerns that Muslims express towards Secularism.

_ UK Network members, Houriya Ahmed and Maqsood Ahmed held their second recruitment meeting in London with half a dozen individuals and organizations. The meeting included a discussion of Muslim radicalization in the UK, particularly in universities.

__ French Network members, Toufik Bouarfa and Farida Belkacem organized a half-day workshop on the different strands of Islam and practices for teachers, community workers and civil servants which took place in Reims with the support of the mayor and the Paris-based Institute for Strategic International Relations. It was entitled "Laïcité, pensée musulmane et pratique religieuse: rencontre avec des acteurs du quotidien" (‘Secularism, Muslim thinking and religious practices: meeting with the daily practioners’.) The keynote speaker was Cherif Ferjani, a professor and Islamic scholar from the University of Lyon. Approximately 115 people attended the workshop. 

_ Italian Network member, Ejaz Ahmad organized an academic conference on “Liberal Islam: reformers and reforms of Islamic thought” at the Università la Sapienza in Rome. The conference was hosted senior Professor of Sociology, Maria Immacolata Macioti and was attended by an audience of over 100 people including students, professors, media and NGOs.

Network members from five European countries came together in Brussels to finalize the text of the Network Charter, affirming our belief that integration policies in Europe must be based on strong principles of individual rights, freedom and separation of religion and state. The Charter was approved by 16 founding members who agreed to sign their name publicly to the Network. The members also selected a new name, “The European Network for a New Generation,” and agreed to launch a simple website to publicize their activities.Click here to read the Charter.