Professor ʿAzza Ramaḍān is an assistant professor in Islamic theology and philosophy at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt. The interview was conducted by Xanthe-Yalou Vije, a master’s student in Middle East Studies at the University of Groningen (NL). The interview was conducted in October 2023 with additional editing in August 2024.

Date of Publication: August 5, 2024

 OPENING QUESTIONS

What inspired you to pursue a career in Islamic theology and philosophy, and how did your educational journey lead you to Al-Azhar University?

I joined the Al-Azhar al-Sharīf educational system when I was less than 6 years old. Following my high school graduation, I enrolled in the faculty of Islamic studies at Al-Azhar University. I opted to join the Department of Islamic Theology and Philosophy, which I found fascinating due to its emphasis on logical thinking. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this department. I completed my studies in 2005 and subsequently got married and started a family. In 2015, I earned my master's, and my PhD in 2019. Now I am working as an assistant professor. My ultimate goal is to secure a promotion to become an associate professor.

What was the subject of your dissertation? Why did you choose that? 

My thesis for the master’s degree was about atomic theory between Western and Islamic thought. And because I like the philosophy of science I decided to continue in this field. So, my Ph.D. thesis was about “Neo-Darwinism between Atheism and Religion.” As you see, I prefer interdisciplinary and comparative studies because I believe that science is one unit and that there is no conflict between real science and religion.

Can you tell me about other research projects or areas of study that you are particularly passionate about? What motivates you to explore these specific areas of Islamic scholarship?

For my research projects as I told you I am interested in linking science and religion. Later I focused on the overlap between social science and religion. More specifically, I published a paper entitled "Religious Upbringing and the New Atheism:  The Duality of Mutual Effect.” This research relied on an integrative approach that combined descriptive-analytical and critical approaches.