On Friday, March 27, 2009, IIIT celebrated the 80^th birthday of Dr. Robert D. Crane, prominent scholar/activist and expert on international law, economics, international affairs, and Islamic jurisprudence, at the IIIT headquarters in Herndon, VA.

Dr. Crane delivered a lecture on “Maqasid Al-Shari’ah: A Strategy to Rehabilitate Religion in America.” He traced the origin of the Maqasid to the Qur’an, their relationship with truth, the evolution of Maqasid as a category of thought, spiritual and social principles that constitute and underlie Maqasid, and finally, the role of Maqasid in rehabilitating religion in America.

A very lively discussion of Dr. Crane’s lecture ensued, and followed with the presentation of a gift of appreciation from IIIT to Dr. Crane in recognition of his service to the Muslim community, and his contributions to the cause of reforming Islamic Thought to address the challenges of the modern world.

**Link to lecture
**Link to Robert Crane’s bio