Thinker and writer, Fahmy Howeidy, delivered a lecture at Al-Furqan Islamic Heritage Foundation’s headquarters, Eagle House in Wimbledon, London, on 5th June 1996, entitled “Pluralism and Democracy in Islam”.
Mr Howeidy spoke of the natural bent of Islam towards pluralism, and of its stress on Shurá in government. He insisted that Shurá was never meant to be purely consultative but was meant to be a true basis for decision-making in government. He spoke of Islam’s position on human rights - on the rights, in fact, of all living beings - and repeated that Islam cannot be held responsible for the practises of the governments of Islamic countries.
Much heated questioning and discussion followed Mr Howeidy’s lecture and continued well into the reception which everybody attended later, in the gardens of Eagle House.