Merryl Wyn Davies was a remarkable woman from Wales who spent her life learning about people, cultures, and religions. She was born on June 23, 1949, in Merthyr Tydfil, a small town in Wales known for its coal mines. Growing up in a working-class family, Merryl experienced the challenges of life in a mining community. One event that deeply affected her was the Aberfan disaster in 1966, where a coal tip collapsed and tragically killed 116 schoolchildren. This event left a lasting impression on her and influenced her desire to understand and help others.

 

Early Life and Education

• Birth: 23 June 1949, in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales.

• Education: Attended Cyfarthfa Grammar School; studied anthropology at University College London.

Career Highlights

• Broadcasting: Worked with the BBC on religious programs such as Everyman, Heart of the Matter, and Global Report.

• Islamic Anthropology: Developed a new mode of inquiry termed "ilm ul umran," emphasizing dialogue between civilizations.

• Writing: Authored several books, including Knowing One Another: Shaping an Islamic Anthropology and co-authored works like Why Do People Hate America? with Ziauddin Sardar.

• Leadership: Served as Director of the Muslim Institute in London from 2010.

Personal Life

• Conversion to Islam: Converted in 1981, influenced by the works of Ziauddin Sardar.

• Family: Had an older brother, Peter, and two nieces, Emma and Becky. She did not marry or have children but was considered a close family member by the Sardar family.

• Death: Passed away on 1 February 2021 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, due to a heart attack.

   

Education and Early Career

After finishing high school at Cyfarthfa Grammar School, Merryl moved to London to study anthropology at University College London. Anthropology is the study of humans, their societies, and cultures. Her interest in understanding different cultures led her to a career in journalism and broadcasting. She worked for the BBC on programs like 'Everyman,' 'Heart of the Matter,' and 'Global Report,' which explored religious and cultural topics.

 

Conversion to Islam

In 1981, at the age of 31, Merryl converted to Islam. Her decision was influenced by her studies and her desire to find a deeper understanding of humanity and spirituality. She was particularly inspired by the works of Ziauddin Sardar, a Muslim scholar, and began collaborating with him on various projects.

 

Work and Contributions

Merryl was not just a scholar; she was also a passionate advocate for social justice and intercultural understanding. She believed that by studying human societies and cultures, people could build bridges of understanding and work together to solve common problems. She co-authored several books with Ziauddin Sardar, including:

• Knowing One Another: Shaping an Islamic Anthropology
• Beyond Frontiers: Islam and Contemporary Needs
• American Dream, Global Nightmare
• Why Do People Hate America?

  These books explored topics like the relationship between the West and the Muslim world, the role of Islam in modern society, and the importance of understanding different cultures.   In the 1990s, Merryl moved to Malaysia, where she worked closely with Anwar Ibrahim, the former Deputy Prime Minister, as a speechwriter and television producer. She returned to the UK in 1996 and became the Media Officer for the Muslim Council of Britain. In 2010, she became the director of the Muslim Institute in London, an organization dedicated to promoting intellectual and cultural exchange.

 

Personal Life and Legacy

Merryl never married or had children, but she was deeply connected to her family and friends. She had a close relationship with her older brother, Peter, and her nieces, Emma and Becky. She was also considered a second mother by the children of her close friends, Ziauddin and Saliha Sardar.   She was known for her warm personality, sharp intellect, and love for her Welsh heritage. She was a passionate supporter of the Welsh rugby team and enjoyed traveling, reading, and collecting artifacts. Her love for books and films was matched by her commitment to understanding the world and helping others.   Merryl passed away on February 1, 2021, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, after a period of ill health. Her death marked the end of a life dedicated to learning, understanding, and building bridges between cultures and communities.

Merryl Wyn Davies' life teaches us the importance of curiosity, empathy, and the pursuit of knowledge. She showed that by understanding each other, we can create a more just and peaceful world. Her work continues to inspire those who seek to bridge divides and promote understanding among different cultures and religions.