The Open Letter to the Muslim World, published in the immediate aftermath of the Charlie Hebdo shooting, brought Abdennour Bidar to widespread public attention. A French philosopher and writer born in 1971 in Clermont-Ferrand, he contributes extensively to discussions on Islamic culture, the nature of secularism within France, and the ongoing requirements for meaningful interfaith dialogue in modern society.
Academic Background
Bidar followed an elite trajectory within the French educational system. He attended the Lycée Henri-IV before continuing his studies at the École normale supérieure de Saint-Cloud and Paris-Sorbonne University. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree and has dedicated his career to the professional study of spirituality and Islamic philosophy. He currently serves as a teacher and holds the rank of professeur de chaire supérieure.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Institutional Contributions
Beyond his writing, Bidar participates in several key French advisory bodies. He is a member of the National Ethics Advisory Committee and the Observatoire de la laïcité. His work also involves the Groupe Sociétés, Religions, Laïcités (GSRL). Professionally, he is employed by the Inspection Générale de l'Éducation, du Sport et de la Recherche. Following the death of Abdelwahab Meddeb in 2015, he assumed responsibility for the radio programme Cultures d'islam on France Culture.
Awards and Distinctions
The French state has recognized Bidar's contributions to intellectual discourse on multiple occasions. In 2015, he received the Livre et droits humains award. During the same year, he was appointed a Knight of the National Order of Merit. Later, in 2018, he was honored with the title of Knight of the French Order of Academic Palms.
Fast facts
- Born: 1971, Clermont-Ferrand
- Citizenship: France
- Primary fields: Islamic philosophy, secularism, interfaith dialogue
- Education: École normale supérieure de Saint-Cloud, Paris-Sorbonne University
- Radio work: Cultures d'islam
- Knight of the National Order of Merit: 2015
- Knight of the French Order of Academic Palms: 2018
Questions readers ask
What is Abdennour Bidar's primary area of study?
He focuses on Islamic philosophy, secularism in France, and interfaith dialogue.
Which programme did he lead on France Culture?
He became responsible for the programme Cultures d'islam in 2015.
Achievements
- Knight of the National Order of Merit — 2015
- Knight of the French Order of Academic Palms — 2018
- Held posts at Inspection Générale de l'Éducation, du Sport et de la Recherche
- Fields: Islamic philosophy, interfaith dialogue and secularism in France
