This talk examines the ideological evolution of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), one of Syria’s most significant armed factions, which emerged from al-Qaeda’s Syrian affiliate but has undergone remarkable transformation in recent years. Drawing on fieldwork and analysis of primary sources, Professor Hellyer explores how HTS has navigated the tension between its Salafi-jihadi origins and the pragmatic demands of governance in northwest Syria. The presentation addresses critical questions about religious authority, political legitimacy, and whether militant organizations can genuinely moderate their ideology\u2014or whether such transformations are merely tactical adaptations. For audiences in Malaysia and beyond, this case study offers important insights into contemporary debates about Islamic governance, the relationship between religious ideology and political power, and the challenges facing Muslim-majority societies emerging from conflict. The discussion will also consider broader implications for understanding how religious movements evolve under pressure, and what this means for post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation in the Muslim world.<\/p>\n
Dr. Hisham A. Hellyer<\/strong> is Senior Associate Fellow of the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies in London, and the Center for American Progress in Washington DC, where he focuses on geopolitics, Middle East studies, and the interchange between religion and modernity. He previously held posts at Harvard University, Cambridge University, the Brookings Institution, and the Carnegie Endowment. He was also appointed to Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, and Bayan College as Professor in Islamic Thought, to teach doctoral courses in conjunction with the Chicago Theological Seminary.<\/p>\n Date: 10 November 2025 (Monday) 02.30 p.m. Registration<\/p>\n 03.00 p.m. National Anthem & Varsiti Kita 03.10 p.m. Welcoming remarks: Prof. Dr. Kartini Aboo Talib @ Khalid, Deputy Director, KITA<\/p>\n 03.15 p.m. Presentation of discourse: 04.00 p.m. Q & A session<\/p>\n 04.20 p.m. Closing Remarks: Mr. Azril Mohd Amin, CENTHRA\u2019s Founder<\/p>\n 04.30 p.m. Photography Session and Token of Appreciation<\/p>\n 04.40 p.m. Refreshments and Session End<\/p>\n Disclaimer: <\/strong>The views expressed in the presentation(s) are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the Organizers.<\/p>\nProgramme:<\/h3>\n
\nTime: 3.00 p.m. – 5.00 p.m.
\nVenue: Majlis Meeting Room, Level 5, Chancellory Building, UKM Bangi
\nPlatform: Zoom (link below)<\/p>\n
\nOpening Speech<\/p>\n
\n Moderator: Prof. Dr. Supyan Hussin, Principal Research Fellow
\n Presenter: Dr. Hisham A. Hellyer
\n Salafism and Religious Transformation: The Case of Syria\u2019s Hay\u2019at Tahrir Sham<\/em><\/p>\n