Mona Siddiqui

Mona Siddiqui
Name	Mona Siddiqui
Birth date	1968
Birth place	Glasgow, Scotland
Occupation	Academic, theologian, broadcaster
Employer	University of Edinburgh
Alma mater	University of Glasgow, University of Cambridge

Mona Siddiqui is a Scottish academic and theologian known for work on Islamic studies, interfaith relations, and contemporary ethics. She has held professorial roles and public-facing positions that bridge scholarship and media, engaging with religious institutions, government bodies, and cultural organizations. Her career spans contributions to university teaching, scholarly publishing, public broadcasting, and advisory roles for faith-based and civic institutions.

Early life and education

Born in Glasgow, Siddiqui undertook undergraduate studies at the University of Glasgow where she read theology and religious studies, followed by postgraduate research at the University of Cambridge and doctoral work focusing on Islamic law and ethics. During her formative years she interacted with local institutions such as the Glaswegians community networks and religious centers that shaped her interest in Islamic jurisprudence and Christian–Muslim relations. Her education included study within programs connected to the British Academy, the Scottish Government scholarship initiatives, and collaborations with scholars linked to the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies and the Centre for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations.

Academic career

Siddiqui served in academic appointments at the University of Glasgow before joining the University of Edinburgh, where she became Professor of Islamic and Interreligious Studies. She contributed to departmental links with bodies like the School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh and research councils including the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the European Research Council. Her teaching and supervisory roles connected with doctoral programs affiliated with the Royal Society of Edinburgh and collaborations with the Centre for Fundamental Rights and the Institute for Advanced Studies in various capacities. She has been involved with networks that include the British Council, the Fulbright Commission, and the Council of Europe on religious literacy and policy.

Research and publications

Siddiqui's research covers Islamic law, ethics, theology, and interfaith dialogue, producing monographs, edited volumes, and articles cited across fields. Her publications engage with topics parallel to work by scholars at the School of Oriental and African Studies, Harvard Divinity School, and the Faculty of Theology, University of Oxford. She has written on issues intersecting with case studies involving the European Court of Human Rights, ethical debates in forums linked to the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, and comparative studies with research from the Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law. Her edited collections and chapters have been published alongside contributions referencing institutions such as the American Academy of Religion, the International Association for the History of Religions, and the Middle East Institute. Siddiqui's scholarship dialogues with works by scholars associated with Al-Azhar University, Yale Divinity School, and the Princeton Theological Seminary.

Public engagement and media work

Siddiqui frequently appears in broadcast media, contributing to programs on BBC Radio 4, BBC One, and documentaries aired by networks like Channel 4 and ITV. She has written opinion and feature articles for outlets including the Guardian, the Times, and the Independent, and she has participated in panel discussions at venues such as the Hay Festival, the Edinburgh International Book Festival, and the Cheltenham Science Festival. Her advisory and public roles include consultation with the Archbishop of Canterbury's initiatives, briefings for the Home Office on faith matters, and collaborations with the Interfaith Network for the United Kingdom and the European Council of Religious Leaders. Siddiqui has contributed to projects with cultural institutions including the British Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Scottish Arts Council.

Honours and awards

Siddiqui's service and scholarship have been recognized by honors from academic and civic bodies, including election to fellowships such as the Royal Society of Edinburgh and appointments within orders like the Order of the British Empire. She has received honorary degrees from universities comparable to the University of Aberdeen and the University of St Andrews, and acknowledgments from organizations including the Royal Society and professional associations such as the British Academy. Her contributions to public theology and interfaith understanding have been cited in parliamentary inquiries at the House of Commons and in reports by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Faith and Society.

Personal life

Siddiqui lives in Scotland and maintains links with community organizations in Glasgow and Edinburgh, engaging with local institutions such as the Annah United Church initiatives and charitable bodies like the Scottish Refugee Council and the Citizens Advice Bureau. Her personal engagements include collaborations with cultural festivals and educational outreach through partnerships with the National Health Service for faith-sensitive healthcare training and with museums like the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

Category:Scottish academics Category:Alumni of the University of Glasgow Category:Alumni of the University of Cambridge