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Islamic Studies Personal Statement

Today, the Middle East and Islam are in the spotlight at an unprecedented level. Nevertheless, it is true to say that it is not always represented in the most positive of ways. While we will all too often hear of a Hamas spokesman vowing to bring bloodshed to a restaurant in Israel or Wahabi extremists gaining popularity in Saudi Arabia, little time is spent celebrating a civilisation which centuries ago laid the foundations of mathematics and made numerous advances in fields such as physics and medicine. Indeed, it is easy for one to be unconvinced of any progressive and enlightened Islam in the past when today, one-eyed Mullah's in Afghanistan are able to gain influence promoting an Islam that allows no time for education and enlightenment but rather strips individuals of their freedoms and human rights through a system built on cruelty and intimidation

Through my studies, I wish to learn more of an enlightened and tolerant religion which brought about some truly magnificent and inspiring philosophers, writers and intellectuals who helped shape the way in which we live today through advances in the realms of literature, science, medicine and art. I am enchanted by the rich history of the faith, from the Abbasid Empire to the Ottoman Empire. I feel that knowledge in Islam is vital for an understanding of the complex and ever-intriguing world we live in today. Through the study of Islam and Islamic literature, a deeper knowledge of the modern Islamic world's culture and politics can be realised. Islam plays a central role in determining the relationship with the west and often ignorance can prevail on both sides leading to disputes and grievances

Initially, my love of the subject of Islam and the Middle East stemmed from my deep interest in the Arab-Israeli conflicts. With a father of Lebanese origin, my curiosity in the Lebanese civil war and the Israeli invasion of 1982 progressed into a hunger to learn more information about the creation of the state of Israel in 1948 and the situation of the Palestinians. I gained a sound knowledge of the situation in the Middle East by reading 'Pity the Nation' by Robert Fisk and 'The Question of Palestine' by Edward Said. I had already read of the first uprising in Joe Sacco's 'Palestine' when in August 2000 the second Palestinian Intifada was born. This was a turning point for me as it encouraged me to take further time to learn about the Middle East in a more serious manner. I also became quickly aware of the international community's interest in the situation, in particular the United States, and their roles in attempting to bring the two sides together. As the Intifada progressed, I became more cognizant of the role of Islam in the conflict and its use by groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Through the Qur'an and the Hadith, I learned more of Islam and its teachings and became fascinated by its roots in the politics and cultures of countries such as Saudi Arabia and Iran. Of particular interest to me, was the number of different factions and Islamist movements with different interpretations of Islam stemming from century old disputes and cultural differences. I am rather keen to learn more of the ever-diplomatic relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia and the way in which oil has shaped Western-Islamic/Arab relations. My other interests concerning the Middle East and Islam are; Islamic art, Sufi philosophy, the Iranian Revolution, the fall of the Ottoman Empire, The Gulf War and Zionism. I have a small knowledge of the Arabic language in a Lebanese dialect but am unable to read/write in the language

In my spare time, I enjoy reading mostly non-fiction books (I am currently reading Noam Chomsky's 'The Fateful Triangle'), playing the piano and studying philosophy (particularly Khalil Gibran). I have always been keen in history and particularly enjoy learning about 19th Century Britain and modern historical figures such as Lenin, Churchill, Hitler and Stalin. I also spend time advancing my ability in Arabic language with my father. At school, I feel that I fit into the community well and take part in the activities such as swimming, table tennis, squash and certain societies that the school has to offer such as the philosophy society, the citizenship society and the comedy society. I take pride and put effort into all my work whether academic or not.

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