M. BASHEER AHMED, M.D.
In 2001, the late professor Dilnawaz Siddiqui, past president of the Association of Muslim Social Scientists (AMSS), visited Dallas to explore the possibility of organizing regional conferences for AMSS in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Between 2001 and 2005 four annual regional conferences were organized under the leadership of Ambassador Syed Ahsani, Dr. Basheer Ahmed, Dr. Yusuf Zia Kavakci and Dr. Siddiqui. These conferences, highlighted the contributions of Muslim scholars to the world civilization in sciences, medicine and many other fields. These conferences were well attended by Muslims and non Muslims in DFW area. Dr. Basheer Ahmed, Ambassador Ahsani and Late Dr. Dilnawaz Siddiqui also made presentations at the annual International Congress on Medieval Studies at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo in 2003, 2004, 2005. Around that time they began meeting with the aim of establishing an organization devoted to spreading information about the important contributions of Islamic civilization, especially during the medieval period and the Institute of Medieval and Post-Medieval Studies (IMPMS) was established. Ambassador Ahsani became the first president of the newly incorporated organization. In 2008, Dr. Basheer Ahmed, Mr. Edward Thomas and Dr. Yushau Sodiq became the subsequent presidents. Mr. Muhsin Shaheed has now taken the responsibility as a president.
Goal and Objectives of IMPMS: The essential goal of the Institute of Medieval & Post-Medieval Studies (IMPMS) is to help generate a climate of mutual understanding and respect between Muslims and people of other faiths and cultures and make them aware of the Muslim contributions to the World civilization. In this way we aim to quell what has been labeled as a clash between Islamic and Western civilizations. In pursuit of this goal, IMPMS seeks to reach people of all ages above kindergarten with information about the great contributions and contributors of the Islamic world in many fields of knowledge and art. This is done by giving talks to varied audiences, including students and teachers at schools and universities, congregations at churches, mosques, synagogues and other places of worship, and organizations promoting peace and non-violence, etc. We also circulate written materials including a monthly Newsletter, try to find opportunities to publish articles in newspapers and journals, and take part in conferences.
Some Noteworthy IMPMS Activities
Between 2007 and 2009, IMPMS board member Edward Thomas taught a Continuing Education course at Southern Methodist University entitled “Great Thinkers of the Islamic World.”
In December 2009, Michael Hamilton Morgan, author of Lost History: The Enduring Legacy of Muslim Scientists, Thinkers, and Artists, gave the keynote address to a large gathering at the IMPMS annual dinner.
In September 2010, IMPMS board members Basheer Ahmed, Edward Thomas and Muhsin Shaheed presented papers in an IMPMS session at the Texas Medieval Association (TEMA) annual conference at Southern Methodist University, and board member Reem Elghonimi gave a presentation in another session there.
In November 2010, Basheer Ahmed and Edward Thomas gave presentations at Texas A&M University as members of a panel on “Contributions on History of Science from Islamic Civilization.”
In September 2011, Basheer Ahmed, Edward Thomas, Yushau Sodiq and Muhsin Shaheed gave presentations in an IMPMS session at that year’s TEMA conference, held at Baylor University.
In 2011, IMPMS conducted an essay contest for high school juniors and seniors, who had to write about a Muslim scholar of Medieval Period who made an important contribution to the world. An Award Ceremony held at SMU on March 4, 2012 when the Awards were distributed to the winners.
In June 2012, Dr. Ahmed presented a paper at international meeting on Renaissance at St. Louis University, Missouri on the influence of Ibn e Rushd philosophy on the west.
In June 2012, IMPMS also arranged a presentation by Jack Bender on Screening of award-winning documentary film “Out of Cordoba” outlining the influence of Ibn e Rushd and Maimonides on the western civilization.
May 2013, IMPMS arranged a special seminar on Jamaluddin Afghani which was held at FunAsia Richardson.
June 2013, Dr. Ahmed presented a paper at First Annual Symposium on Medieval and Renaissance Studies on “Medieval Muslim Scholar Ibn Rushd (Averroes) - Influence of His Philosophical Ideas on the West”, Saint Louis University, MO
October 2013, IMPMS Says Farewell to Our Founding Member, Past President and the Dear Friend Mr. Edward Thomas who moved to Washington DC area. A special presentation was made on UNESCO Marks 900th Anniversary of Azerbaijan Poetess Mahsati Ganjavi
June 2014, a special event was held by IMPMS to recognize the community leaders Dr. Farooq Selod and Imam Mujahid Bakach. A presentation was also made by Dr. Ahmed on Rise and fall of Islamic civilization- Causes and remedies.
March 2015, IMPMS held a seminar on Jalaluddin Rumi inviting National speakers, Robert Hunt Southern Methodist University, Ori Soltes Georgetown University, Mahmoud Sadri Texas Women University, Farid Younus California State University, Yushau Sodiq Texas Christian University and Dr. Basheer Ahmed President Emeritus IMPMS.
Published Books: Dr. Basheer Ahmed ,the past president, edited two books, “Muslim Contributions to World Civilization” published by Association of Muslim Social Scientists & IIIT; “The Islamic Intellectual Heritage and its Impact on the West” published by Institute of Medieval and Post -Medieval Studies.
For further information about IMPMS please contact:
M. Basheer Ahmed, President Emeritus 817-907-6080 mbahmed@yahoo.com