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Chris Hewer

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Chris Hewer
Religious AffiliationChristianity
Place of BirthIreland
Place of ResidenceLondon
Known forChristian Scholar of Islam
Notable rolesFellow at the Centre for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations, Interfaith Advisor to the Bishop of Birmingham
ActivitiesIslamic studies, Sira and history of Prophet Muhammad (s)


Chris Hewer is an Irish Islamicist and researcher of Shi'a studies who has authored numerous works on Imam al-Husayn (a).

He considers Islam to be a religion of Fitra (innate nature) and universal scope, and introduces Prophet Muhammad (s) as a distinguished figure with teachings that offer solutions for all of humanity. In his view, Imam Ali (a) is a comprehensive role model for contemporary society.

Hewer regards Imam al-Husayn (a) as a global symbol of the struggle of truth against falsehood and considers the Event of Karbala as the victory of truth and a source of ethical lessons for all human beings. Furthermore, he believes that the belief in Imam al-Mahdi (a) is rooted in human nature and considers his existence essential for saving the world from chaos.

Scientific Biography

Chris Hewer is a Christian scholar and educator with expertise and background in Christian theology, religious education, and interfaith studies.[1] His activities began in 1986 in the field of Muslims in Britain and Christian-Muslim relations at the "Centre for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations" at Selly Oak in Birmingham. From 1999 to 2005, he served as the Interfaith Advisor to the Bishop of Birmingham.[2] From 2006 to 2010, he was a fellow at the St. Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace in London, offering adult popular education courses. His current work involves teaching residential courses and developing written and electronic resources.[3] Hewer has not disclosed his date of birth on his personal website.

Acquaintance and Motivation for Studying Shi'a

Some time after beginning his studies on Islam, Chris Hewer became acquainted with the name of Imam Ali (a). However, he realized the true status and importance of his character when he established close contact and interaction with Shi'a professors and students.[4] According to Hewer, this connection demonstrated that Shi'as regard Imam 'Ali (a) not merely as a historical figure, but as the Divine Leader of the Islamic community, maintaining a deep and real bond with him.[5] Hewer also believes that the Shi'as of Ali (a) sought to study and translate his works and writings, and then to follow and emulate him in their lives. This led Chris Hewer to become interested in studying the character of Ali (a) and conducting research on him.[6]

Views and Thoughts

Chris Hewer's views on Islamic and Shi'a studies have been presented in several different areas:

Views on Islam

According to Hewer, Islam is a religion of Fitra (innate nature), arising from the essence of humanity and the natural state of mankind.[7] He also speaks of the value of learning Islamic teachings for every human being, including Christians. Therefore, he believes that Islam, the Qur'an, and Prophet Muhammad (s) belong to all of humanity.[8]

Views on the Prophet of Islam (s)

Hewer believes that the Prophet of Islam (s) is a distinguished figure in human history whose unique teachings have always been a guide for humanity.[9] Chris Hewer holds that by studying the character of the Prophet of Islam, it becomes clear that Muhammad (s) possessed exceptional human virtues.[10]

Views on Imam Ali (a)

In Chris Hewer's thought, Imam Ali (a) was an influential individual in Islam because his courage on the battlefield and in other arenas strengthened Islam and the Prophet (s). Hewer also believes that the Prophet (s) introduced Imam Ali (a) in his youth as his brother, friend, legatee (Wasi), and successor.[11] Regarding Imam Ali's (a) knowledge and understanding of Islam and its teachings, Hewer believes that even those who ignored his right to lead the Islamic community after the demise of the Prophet (s) and did not support his leadership acknowledged his profound wisdom and knowledge in the path of Islam.[12]

Views on Imam al-Husayn (a) and Ashura

Chris Hewer considers Imam al-Husayn (a) as a global model of justice and standing against oppression.[13] Hewer also believes that the message of Imam al-Husayn (a) leads human beings to the highest levels of faith.[14]

Hewer sees Ashura as the "victory of justice and truth," not a military defeat.[15] He believes that the ethical lessons of Ashura have the potential to influence individual lives and the social structures of any society.[16]

Views on Imam al-Mahdi (aj) and Mahdism

According to Chris Hewer, the belief in a Savior and the Promised One is an issue that has been and continues to be raised in all religions and various denominations of the world, because Mahdism is rooted in human nature (fitra).[17] Regarding the necessity of the existence of Imam al-Mahdi (a), he stated that if the world were left without an Imam, it would be destroyed and fall into chaos.[18]

Scientific Works

Some of the books and articles published by Chris Hewer in English include:

Hussein: The Struggle for Justice by Chris Hewer, translated into Persian by Sumayya Suhrabi
  • Hussein and the Struggle for Justice: In this book, Hewer emphasizes that the martyrdom of Imam al-Husayn (a) is not only important for Shi'as; rather, his teachings of seeking justice and truth are valid for all generations and every human being.[19]
  • Hussein, the Grandson of Muhammad: Contemporary Reflections on the Struggle for Justice: In this work, Hewer describes the life and character of Imam al-Husayn (a), beginning each section with reflective questions so that the reader can find its meaning and application in their daily life.[20] Translations of this book into various languages were unveiled at the "I am from Hussein" festival.[21]
  • Article: "Hussein and Karbala: A Model for Humanity": In this article, Hewer introduces Imam al-Husayn (a) and the Event of Karbala as a model for all human beings in fighting oppression and steadfastness on the path of truth.[22]
  • Article: "Arbaeen: Justice, Equality and Peace": In this article, Hewer addresses the topic of the Arba'in Procession. He believes that Arba'in is an opportunity to renew the human and ethical covenant.[23]

Notes

  1. ↑ About Dr CTR Hewer: web, Understanding Islam & Christian-Muslim Relations.
  2. ↑ About Dr CTR Hewer: web, Understanding Islam & Christian-Muslim Relations.
  3. ↑ About Dr CTR Hewer: web, Understanding Islam & Christian-Muslim Relations.
  4. ↑ «Chirā ʿAlī (a) ulgū ast? ...», Shafaqna.
  5. ↑ «Chirā ʿAlī (a) ulgū ast? ...», Shafaqna.
  6. ↑ «Chirā ʿAlī (a) ulgū ast? ...», Shafaqna.
  7. ↑ «Andīshmand-i Masīḥī: 1400 sāl ast kih dark-i ishtibāh...».
  8. ↑ «Andīshmand-i Masīḥī: 1400 sāl ast kih dark-i ishtibāh...».
  9. ↑ «Andīshmand-i Masīḥī: 1400 sāl ast kih dark-i ishtibāh...».
  10. ↑ «Andīshmand-i Masīḥī: 1400 sāl ast kih dark-i ishtibāh...».
  11. ↑ «Chirā ʿAlī (a) ulgū ast? ...».
  12. ↑ «Chirā ʿAlī (a) ulgū ast? ...».
  13. ↑ Hussain and the Struggle for Justice: web, Understanding Islam & Christian-Muslim Relations.
  14. ↑ Imam Hussain (a); from perspective of Chris Hewer: web, Iran Press.
  15. ↑ Hussain and the Struggle for Justice: web, Understanding Islam & Christian-Muslim Relations.
  16. ↑ Hussain and the Struggle for Justice: web, Understanding Islam & Christian-Muslim Relations.
  17. ↑ «Sukhanān-i bāvar-nakardanī-yi andīshmand-i Masīḥī...».
  18. ↑ «Sukhanān-i bāvar-nakardanī-yi andīshmand-i Masīḥī...».
  19. ↑ Hussain and the Struggle for Justice: web, Understanding Islam & Christian-Muslim Relations.
  20. ↑ Written Resources: Books: web, Understanding Islam & Christian-Muslim Relations.
  21. ↑ «Tarjumeh-yi kitāb-i Hussein; naveh-yi Muḥammad...».
  22. ↑ Written Resources: Books: web, Understanding Islam & Christian-Muslim Relations.
  23. ↑ Written Resources: Books: web, Understanding Islam & Christian-Muslim Relations.

References

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