What are the similarities and differences between Islamic law and International Refugee Law and how is the concept of asylum adopted in practice?

The REF-ARAB project at the University of Oslo and the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS) are pleased to invite you to a virtual panel discussion on the right to asylum in International Refugee Law and Islamic Law.

About the event

The 1951 Refugee Convention is widely considered to be the most important international instrument for refugee protection. While most states have signed the convention, a number of states have not. The majority of these are Muslim majority countries, with a high number of refugees.

Often, these states adopt a religious rhetoric and terminology of “guests” and “hospitality” in relation to refugees, instead of international legal categories such as “refugee”.

A 2009 study supported by Al Azhar, UNHCR and Saudi Arabia stated that: “More than any other historical source, the Holy Qur’an along with the Sunnah and Hadith of the Prophet of Islam are a foundation of contemporary refugee law.”

In this panel discussion, the speakers will discuss the similarities and differences between Islamic law and international refugee law, how the concept of asylum is adopted in practice, and the relationship between the two systems of law.

Watch the recording of the event:

Opening remarks:

Ambassador Khalid Khalifa (Representative of UNHCR to States of Gulf Cooperation.)

Speakers:

Dr. Fahad Al Sharif (Senior Research Fellow, King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic studies)

Dr. Charlotte Lysa (Post-Doctoral Researcher, University of Oslo, Visiting Fellow, King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic studies)

Dr. Mesfer Al-Ghahtani (Professor, Department of Islamic and Arabic Studies, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals)

Dr. Dallal Stevens (Professor of Refugee Law, Warwick University)

Moderator:

Mohammed Alrmizan (Associate Fellow, King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic studies)