Activities of Research
Studying the heritage of islam
The Dominican Institute for Oriental Studies (Idéo) in Cairo is a renowned research centre dedicated to the in-depth study of the Islamic heritage. Idéo’s work is multidisciplinary and includes theological, philosophical, linguistic and historical research.
Idéo researchers explore classical Islamic texts, such as the Qur’an and the ḥadīths, Qur’anic commentaries and theological or mystical treatises, Arabic grammar, treatises on heresiology and interreligious polemics, with the aim of better understanding their historical context and contemporary interpretation. They also engage in comparative studies between Islam and Christianity, with a view to laying and fostering the foundations of interreligious dialogue.
Research is conducted through weekly seminars between researchers and open seminars aimed at sharing knowledge and renewing perspectives for fellow Islamologists or a wider public (dissemination of knowledge). The Institute’s researchers organise conferences and colloquia, teach courses and regularly publish their work in specialised journals, thereby contributing to the enrichment of the field of Oriental studies.
Thanks to their ongoing efforts and their dual expertise (Christian theology and Islamology), Idéo researchers contribute both to a better understanding of Islam and to offering a new theological perspective on Islam, thereby promoting interreligious dialogue.
Sībawayh Seminar
“Nadwat Sībawayh”: strengthening the dialogue between eastern and western academic approaches
The “Nadwat Sībawayh” is a joint initiative led by Jean Druel (Dominican Institute in Cairo) and Zübeyt Nalçakan (Kahramanmaraş University, Turkey). This project aims to bridge the gap between Arabophone researchers and those working in European languages in the field of studies on Sībawayh and his Kitāb.
In the Arab world, scholars often perceive Orientalist studies as hostile to Islam. However, this mistrust is gradually fading, and a dialogue with Western research is slowly emerging, except in the field of Arabic linguistics. This domain remains deeply divided: most Arabophone researchers lack proficiency in European languages, and their work, rarely published in international journals, remains largely unknown. While researchers working in European languages often accuse their Arabophone colleagues of adopting a defensive approach to the Arabic language, Arabophone scholars criticize Western researchers for their limited understanding of grammatical texts.
To overcome these tensions, the “Nadwat Sībawayh” proposes a three-phase program:
✸ 2025: Eight sessions hosted by the Dominican Institute in Cairo, either in-person or online, will provide Arabophone researchers with a platform to present their work on Sībawayh and his Kitāb. These sessions will be translated into French, and English, published on YouTube, and summaries will be featured in an academic journal.
✸ 2026: Eight new sessions will invite Western researchers to present their studies. These contributions will also be disseminated in the three languages.
✸ 2027: An international conference will bring the two academic communities together for in-depth discussions on a theme defined during the first two years.
This ambitious project aspires to create a unique space for dialogue, where the perspectives of Arabophone and Western researchers complement each other, enriching linguistic studies on Sībawayh and his Kitāb.
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Coming conference
"The Authority Of Silence" - May 2-3, 2025
Despite the absence of direct writings left by the Salaf, they have become a figure of authority today. But what was their status in the classical age? How was this authority built up? What teachings did they serve to legitimize? Read more
Problematic and societal issues
Literalism involves interpreting texts with a commitment to preserving the original intended meaning, yet defining this original meaning can be a complex task. The question arises: can’t the text itself admit multiple interpretations? Numerous fundamentalist movements embrace a literalist approach, employing it to rationalize acts of violence, promote separatism, and justify opposition. They ground their actions in a literalist framework, which can lead to contentious interpretations and conflicts.
Scientific contribution
The upcoming study days will delve into epistemological inquiries and explore ways in which the interpretation of sacred texts can move beyond literalist approaches. Additionally, the objective is to develop a classification system for interpretations based on the various Abrahamic religions.
Speakers
Researchers from the three monotheistic religions (Christianity, Judaism and Islam).
Organization
The conference is being organised by the Anawati Chair with the support of the European Union Delegation in Cairo.
Study day
Ali ʿAbderraziq, Islam and the foundations of power - April 11, 2025
One hundred years ago, in 1925, Ali ʿAbderraziq, an academic at al-Azhar University in Cairo, published Islam and the Foundations of Power. In his thesis, Ali ʿAbderraziq advocated for the separation of religion and politics in Islam. He challenged the idea that the state must be governed strictly by religious precepts, suggesting instead that political governance could be based on universal and ethical principles distinct from specific religious prescriptions. In doing so, ʿAbderraziq defended an interpretation of Islam that emphasizes rationality and adaptability to modern conditions while respecting the moral and ethical values of Islamic tradition.
This book emerged in a political context marked by the abolition of the Caliphate in Turkey in 1924. This event provided an opportunity for some to reassess the institution’s role, while others advocated for its restoration to the Arabs. In this debate, ʿAbderraziq sought to move beyond this specific context and identify new institutional directions.
Although his thesis had a significant impact and was the subject of numerous refutations, his book remains highly relevant today, especially in the context of defining an Islamic approach to democracy and redefining governance frameworks.
On the centenary of its publication, IDEO suggested organizing a study day dedicated to his thought, aiming to draw the attention of teachers and students at al-Azhar University, as well as political science students in Egyptian universities, to the power and richness of ʿAbderraziq’s ideas. This initiative seeks to highlight his intellectual contributions in a context where his teachings are increasingly marginalized or even ignored.
Certificates
"Islam and other religions" – May 2025
How has Islamic thought understood other religions, and how, in turn, have they perceived Islam? This analysis will integrate theological, historical, and sociological dimensions. Read more
The Anawati Chair
The Congress is taking place within the framework of the Anawati Chair, which contributes to the participation of researchers and students from the Middle East. If you would like to take part in the Congress as part of the Chair, and if you meet the requirements (for those who will not be giving a paper, you must be under 30 years of age and willing to get involved in creating fraternity circles when you return from the Congress), you can send your request to the Chair’s secretariat: chaire.anawati@ideo-cairo.org.