Islamic Monitor

World Interfaith Harmony Week 2012

2012-02-08T09:56:00.000-08:00

World Interfaith Harmony Week 2012

Real dialogue started more than 1400 years ago
by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Real dialogue started more than 1400 years ago by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), said Lord Ahmad of Rotherham, Labour Peer at the VIP Event - Islamic Cultural Exhibition which was arranged as part of the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week 2012, on Tuesday, 7th of February, 2012, at the Islamic Cultural Centre & The London Central Mosque. The Islamic Cultural Centre, London and Exhibition Islam jointly organised this VIP Event which was attended by members of Parliament, including Lord Ahmed of Rotherham, Lord Sheikh of Cornhill, Lord Adam Patel of Blackburn, Ambassadors of the Muslim Countries, representatives of embassies, members of different interfaith organisations,

Many organisations in the United Kingdom celebrated UN World Interfaith Harmony Week on 6th and 7th of February. 2012. World Interfaith Week was proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations in a resolution: “Proclaimed the first week of February every year the World Interfaith Harmony Week between all religions, faiths and beliefs” adopted on 20 October, 2010.

Lord Sheikh
Speaking at the VIP Event at ICC, Lord Sheikh quoted from his speech in the House of Lords where he stated, “Unfortunately, there is a demonisation of Islam in certain quarters, and it is important that the media act in a responsible manner in this regard and avoid use of inflammatory language. In regard to suicide bombings, Islam forbids suicide. In the holy Qur’an it is written that,“ whoever kills a human being … it as though he has killed all mankind, and whoever saves a human life, it is as though he saved all mankind”. This saying is similar to what is written in the Talmud, where it is written, “if you save one life, it is as if you have saved the world”.”

Lord Sheikh also said, “I believe that there are more similarities than differences between people and we should highlight the similarities in order to establish closer links between communities.”

Highlight the similarities
Referring to the Exhibition Islam at the Islamic Cultural Centre, Lord Sheikh said, “At the Exhibition today we can see displays of various items which give a very brief description of achievements of the Muslims and their contributions to the world in various fields. All these empires and dynasties have contributed a great deal to the understanding and promotion of the subjects I have described.”

Referring to the Hajj Exhibition at the British Museum, Lord Sheikh said, Hajj Exhibition “explains one of the pillars of Islam and creates better understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims.”

Islam teaches us to celebrate differences
Lord Sheikh also said, “Mutual understanding, respect, and inter-faith dialogue are essential if we are all to coexist peacefully. Islam teaches us to celebrate the difference and diversity which God has purposefully created in our world.”

Finally, Lord Sheikh said, “Islam is indeed a religion of peace and everyone one of us should therefore be an Ambassador to convey this message and help promote peace and harmony between various racial and religious groups.”

Lord Ahmad
Lord Ahmad of Rotherham spoke about interfaith dialogue. He said, “It is important that the Islamic Cultural Centre is providing platform for dialogue but the real dialogue started 1400 years ago by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Real dialogue started 1400 years ago
by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
Lord Ahmed mentioned, “Even long before revelation, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) made a society Halful Fazul and also entered into agreement with the Jewish community and people with faith or no faith.

Lord Ahmed also mentioned about Caliph Omar. He said, “When Caliph Omar (may Allah be please with him) conquered Jerusalem he allowed the Jewish community to return to Jerusalem after 300 years when they have been excluded and he included them in all the decision making process.”

Responsibility to neighbours
“So dialogue started all ago and so we have responsibility to our neighbours,” said Lord Ahmad and then he quoted from the Holy Qur’an, which says, “There is no compulsion in religion.”

This stunning exhibition outlines: Islam – The Religion; Islamic History; Islam’s Relations with other faiths. It also allows visitors to view Historic Qur’ans, Torah Scrolls and Bible fragments from across the Islamic World.

The Interfaith Relations Committee of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) organised an event under the heading “Building Trust, Peace & Harmony through Interfaith Relations”, on Monday, the 6th of February, 2012 at the House of Lords, hosted by Lord Sheikh of Cornhill. Lord Sheikh who chaired the event, welcomed the audiences including the Guest of Honour Princess Badiya El-Hassan of Jordan who presented a message on behalf of her father, HRH Prince Hassan bin Talal of Jordan.

In this connection, it may be pointed out that many Muslim countries sponsored the resolution to create United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week as the first week of February each year.

Media Tour and Press Conference on BM Hajj Exhibition

2012-01-29T05:15:00.000-08:00

Hajj Exhibition at the British Museum:

Media Tour and Press Conference

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Through the vivid images and artefacts on display, the exhibition reveals the truly universal character of the Hajj, said His Royal Highness Prince Charles, heir apparent to the British throne, while inaugurating the Hajj Exhibition at the British Museum, on Thursday, the 26th of January 2012. He also added, “I cannot tell you what a pleasure it is to have been asked to open this splendid exhibition celebrating the Hajj; one of the five pillars of Islam and thus of the greatest possible significance to the spiritual and temporal lives of Muslim people across the entire world.”

The official opening of the Hajj Exhibition: “A Journey into the heart of Islam” was made in the presence of a large gathering of politicians, parliamentarians, academics and important figures in Britain, led by HRH Prince Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of the Board of King Abdul Aziz Public Library; HRH Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf bin Abdul Aziz, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in London and HE Mr. Faisal bin Abdul Rahman bin Muammar, General Supervisor of King Abdul Aziz Public Library.

Before the official inauguration of the Hajj Exhibition at the British Museum by Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and the heir apparent to the British throne, there were media lunch and media tour and conference. Immediately one day before the inauguration, there was media tour and press conference at the British museum on Wednesday, 25th of January and two days before the inauguration, there was Media Lunch at the Saudi Embassy, London, on Tuesday, 24th of January, 2012, detail reports are given below:

MEDIA TOUR AND PRESS CONFERENCE ON HAJJ
EXHIBITION AT THE BRITISH MUSEUM
Earlier, one day before the launch of the exhibition: “Hajj: A Journey to the Heart of Islam,” on Wednesday, 25th of January, 2012, a meeting with the members of the media from the British media, Arab and Islamic world was held at the British Museum. At the meeting, Saudi Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf, said, “Hajj provides wonderful examples of equality and peace among people. The Kingdom is concerned about people’s lives and is doing a lot to serve the pilgrims.”

Dr. Neil McGregor
In the beginning, Dr. Neil McGregor, the Director of the British Museum, explained the idea behind the Hajj Exhibition; its objectives and divisions. He pointed out the importance of Hajj as the fifth pillar of Islam and that it is one of the greatest phenomena in the world. He stated that the Hajj has a great impact on the lives of many people.

Mr. McGregor said, “It was not possible to have an exhibition on Hajj without the support and patron of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the support of the Saudi Embassy, London.”

He added, “We cannot address all of the five pillars of Islam in this Exhibition, but it is enough to point out the Hajj in two ways: firstly, the spiritual experience pilgrims go through and secondly, the logistics of the Hajj.”

The Director of the British Museum went on to explain that this ritual was performed by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) which dated back to Adam (peace be upon him) and through the ages until today. This made us address the method of transportation to Makkah (Mecca) throughout successive centuries down to the present.

Concluding his observations, Dr. McGregor thanked those who provided objects and artefacts to the exhibition including King Abdul Aziz Public Library in Riyadh. He also stated that “We need to remember that the duty and care for the Hajj rests on the shoulders of the ruler of Makkah” emphasizing that “this is important and central”.

He continued saying “Today this responsibility for the Hajj rests on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz.” The Museum Director made it clear that “It was not possible to have an exhibition on Hajj without the patron and support of the Hajj; i.e. the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. So we are honoured to have the presence of the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf bin Abdul Aziz here today.”

Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf
Saudi Ambassador Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf addressed the meeting where he thanked the British Museum, its Director and the Hajj Exhibition coordinator Dr. Venetia Porter, Assistant Curator of Islamic and Contemporary Middle East at the British Museum as well as Mr. Faisal bin Muammar.

Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf affirmed the importance of the Hajj in Islam and that it is an obligation upon every Muslim once in a lifetime if he is able, physically and financially. The Ambassador also said that “Pilgrimage comes on top of the concerns of Muslims and the trips they make whether they are men, women, old or young.” He pointed out that the exhibition provides only a glimpse of this great pillar of Islam and its evolution over the centuries.

Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf also stated that “The Hajj offers wonderful examples of equality and peace among humans, and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is keen on protecting people’s lives. This is a top priority for Saudi Arabia and this is why it spends a lot of effort and money to serve the pilgrims and to develop the Holy Sites and the two cities of Makkah and Madinah.”

At the end, the Saudi Ambassador reiterated his thanks for the presence of media and those in charge of the exhibition and expected a great success for the exhibition.

Dr. Venetia Porter
After that, Assistant Curator, Dr. Porter stated about the difficult decisions made by officials at the Museum on how it would reflect the great meaning of the Hajj which has been going on for centuries. Dr. Porter then said, “The exhibition is divided into three parts, the first is about the access roads to the Hajj and the means of transport for pilgrims. The second is on what the pilgrims do in Mecca and the holy sites; the performance of rituals and a description of the place through some of the expressive artefacts and paintings. The third part is on how the Hajj has changed the lives of pilgrims, a description of their journeys and what they brought back to their own countries from Makkah after performing the Hajj.”

The Curator at the British Museum pointed out to the precious artefacts as well as the fascinating old and modern photos which came to the exhibition from multiple sources, including, of course, King Abdul Aziz Public Library.

Dr. Porter gave an example of Darb Zubaydah where some artefacts from Museums in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia dating back to the 8th century are on display.

Dr. Porter concluded her presentation with reference to the scene of standing in front of the Ka’aba which stunned the ancient and modern pilgrims and visitors to the Grand Mosque, who expressed their emotions in various means expressing the magnitude of this place and the holiness of this ritual.

After these brief statements, His Excellency Mr. Faisal bin Muammar, the General Supervisor of King Abdul Aziz Public Library led the media and journalists on a tour of the contents of the exhibition and answered their questions.

The British Museum has invited the media for a full day tour of the exhibition one day prior to its inauguration, where they moved freely inside the exhibition, took photos and conducted interviews. At hand was Dr. Ahmad Turkistani, the spokesman of King Abdul Aziz Public Library at the exhibition where he answered some of the reporters’ questions.

“Hajj celebrates peace, unity and our equality before God – men and women, of all ages, from every nation. It is a profound, life changing experience – it doesn’t guarantee a passage to heaven, but it focuses all Muslims on what is really important in life, as prescribed by our faith,” said Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf, Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the United Kingdom & Ireland at a Media Lunch on Tuesday, 24th of January 2012 prior to the British Museum Hajj Exhibition to be inaugurated on Thursday, the 26th of January, 2012.

The King Abdul Aziz Public Library of Saudi Arabia in cooperation with the British Museum is holding an Exhibition, Hajj: Journey to the Heart of Islam, which will be inaugurated on Thursday, the 26th of January, 2012 at the British Museum. His Royal Highness Prince Charles, Heir to the British Throne, is going to be the honorary guest for the inauguration of this exhibition and Prince Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a Member of the Board of King Abdul Aziz Public Library will be present at the inauguration ceremony among others. . The British Museum Hajj Exhibition will be opened from 26 January to 15 April, 2012.

Prince Charles inaugurates Hajj Exhibition at British Museum

2012-01-27T13:43:00.000-08:00

Prince Charles inaugurates the Hajj Exhibition
at the British Museum

Dr. Mozammel Haque

I cannot tell you what a pleasure it is to have been asked to open this splendid exhibition celebrating the Hajj; one of the five pillars of Islam and thus of the greatest possible significance to the spiritual and temporal lives of Muslim people across the entire world – said His Royal Highness Prince Charles, Heir to the British Throne, while inaugurating the Hajj Exhibition at the British Museum, yesterday, Thursday, the 26th of January 2012.

The official opening of the Hajj Exhibition: “A Journey into the heart of Islam” was made in the presence of a large gathering of politicians, parliamentarians, academics and important figures in Britain, led by His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of the Board of King Abdul Aziz Public Library; HRH Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf bin Abdul Aziz, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in London and HE Mr. Faisal bin Abdul Rahman bin Muammar, General Supervisor of King Abdul Aziz Public Library.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz
In the beginning of the ceremony, hosted by Prince Charles, Crown Prince of Britain and Prince of Wales, Prince Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah delivered a speech in which he welcomed Prince Charles, the audience and the guests of the exhibition. He appreciated the initiative of the British Museum and having the partnership of the first exhibition on the Hajj in Britain with the participation of King Abdul Aziz Public Library. He highlighted the importance of pilgrimage for being the largest gathering of Islam, goodness and devotion to God the Creator on the plan of Makkah; a safe sanctuary devoid of harm and violence and where pilgrims are devoted for the pure and lofty worship of the Creator.

Prince Abdul Aziz also pointed out that Saudi Arabia’s participation in this cultural exhibition aims to introduce the pilgrimage and to highlight the humanitarian aspects of pilgrimage since ancient time until now, and to display in this Museum the rare objects and artefacts as living evidences of the humanitarian values from diverse Muslim cultures and civilizations.

Prince Abdul Aziz addressed the efforts of King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz saying: “Tangible efforts exerted by Saudi Arabia to spread peace all over the world through the initiatives of the Man of Peace, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz and his humanitarian projects include the service of the Hajj and the development of the Holy Sites’ facilities in Makkah.

Prince Charles
Then the patron of the event HRH Prince Charles delivered a speech in which he said: “I cannot tell you what a pleasure it is to open this splendid exhibition celebrating the Hajj, one of the pillars of Islam.” He went on to say that the Hajj is of the greatest possible significance to the spiritual and temporal lives of Muslim people across the entire world.”

The Prince of Wales welcomed Prince Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah who came to London especially for the exhibition which demonstrates the value of the exhibition for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Prince Charles emphasized the spiritual aspect of this trip made by Muslims to Mecca every year which is reflected in the subtitle of the exhibition: “Journey to the Heart of Islam”.

Prince Charles also took note of the twenty five thousand Muslims of the United Kingdom who go on Hajj every year which explains how it affects Muslims performing this ritual, and reflects the unity of the human race from all over the world through the continued pilgrimage over the centuries. He said, “The exhibition reflects the universality of the Hajj.”

Prince Charles also pointed out, “like me, you will see that, by gathering together a remarkable collection of treasures from across the world, this exhibition brings to life the very human stories of the countless generations who have completed the Hajj through the ages – from Singapore to Istanbul, from Nanjing to Mombasa. Through the vivid images and artefacts on display, the exhibition reveals the truly universal character of the Hajj.”

The Prince of Wales also offered special tribute to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz on the hospitality, saying: “I wanted to pay particular tribute, if I may, to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques who, in accordance with Islamic teaching, generously hosts Hajjis making the pilgrimage to Mecca, providing remarkable practical all facilities to them.” Prince of Wales also mentioned, this recalls the hospitality shown to earlier pilgrims taking example from the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Islamic tradition dating back to the era of Abraham (peace be upon him) who built the Ka’aba.

Prince Charles also commended the British Museum and its partners, including H.S.B.C., for their vision and foresight in developing this exhibition and persuading so many distinguished collectors to lend their artefacts.”

In the concluding part of his speech, Prince Charles said, “I can only pray, Insha Allah that this exhibition will be, for all who see it, a source of education, of understanding and of delight. It therefore gives me the greatest possible pleasure to declare the British Museum’s Hajj Exhibition open.”

Mr. Neil McGregor
Neil McGregor, Director of the British Museum, spoke a few words on the objectives of the exhibition and its sections indicating the importance of the Hajj as the fifth pillar of Islam and the greatest phenomenon in the world which has a great impact in the lives of many people. Mr. McGregor said that the exhibition offers a look into the Hajj as a spiritual experience and explaining its logistics.

The Director of the British Museum thanked all those involved in providing artefacts to the exhibition, led by King Abdul Aziz Public Library and pointed to the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the service of pilgrims and hospitality accorded to them under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz.

At the end of his speech, Mr. McGregor thanked the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf bin Abdul Aziz and Mr. Faisal bin Muammar, Advisor to the Custodian of theTwo Holy Mosques and the General Supervisor of the Library on their efforts to make the exhibition a success.

After the short ceremony, guests toured the exhibition enjoying all departments and watching a short film on pilgrimage.

King Abdul Aziz Public Library contributed to the exhibition some of the items reflecting the achievements and the expansion of the Two Holy Mosques since the reign of King Abdul Aziz until now. The Library has worked as a coordinator between the British Museum and museums and institutions in Saudi Arabia to display 51 rare pieces including parts of the curtain of the Ka’aba and rare pictures of Makkah and Madinah, in addition to artefacts from Darb Zubaydah, manuscripts, photographs and films on the Hajj.

British Museum Hajj Exhibition -Media Lunch

2012-01-25T12:12:00.000-08:00

British Museum Hajj Exhibition
Media lunch at the Saudi Embassy

Dr. Mozammel Haque

"Hajj celebrates peace, unity and our equality before God, men and women, of all ages, from every nation. It is a profound, life changing experience – it doesn’t guarantee a passage to heaven, but it focuses all Muslims on what is really important in life, as prescribed by our faith,” said Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf, Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the United Kingdom & Ireland at a Media Lunch on Tuesday, 24th of January 2012 prior to the British Museum Hajj Exhibition to be inaugurated on Thursday, the 26th of January, 2012.

The King Abdul Aziz Public Library of Saudi Arabia in cooperation with the British Museum is holding an Exhibition, Hajj: Journey to the Heart of Islam, which will be inaugurated on Thursday, the 26th of January, 2012 at the British Museum. His Royal Highness Prince Charles, Heir to the British Throne, is going to be the honorary guest for the inauguration of this exhibition and Prince Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a Member of the Board of King Abdul Aziz Public Library will be present at the inauguration ceremony among others. . The British Museum Hajj Exhibition will be opened from 26 January to 15 April, 2012.

Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf at
Media Lunch at Saudi Embassy at London
The Saudi Arabian Embassy at London held a media lunch in preparation for the British Museum Exhibition on Hajj, titled Hajj: Journey to the Heart of Islam, at the Saudi Embassy, London, on Tuesday, 24th of January, 2012. In the beginning, Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United Kingdom & Ireland, gave a short statement regarding the importance of Hajj as a spiritual journey, so central to the Muslim faith. Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and Muslims all over the world are very much concerned about Hajj. That’s why, the Saudi Ambassador wanted to explain to Muslim and non-Muslim media about the importance of Hajj and its centrality to Islam and of course, Hajj has to be done in Makkah.

The Saudi Ambassador said, “We are sitting in the majlis, at the heart of the embassy where we hold prayers every Friday. You will see that pictures of the Holy Cities of Makkah Al-Mukarramah and Medinah Al-Munawwarah surround us. This is particularly appropriate as we are here today to talk about the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah Al-Mukarramah which is the focus of an exhibition being launched at the British Museum this week and to which the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has contributed.”

Prince Mohammed also mentioned, “This exhibition celebrates Hajj and traces the experiences of pilgrims undertaking this inspirational journey over the centuries. It also includes important artefacts and archive material from the Kingdom.”

“Through the exhibition you will see that Hajj has changed from a journey of great length and hardship undertaken by thousands, to the pilgrimage experienced by Muslims today, undertaken by millions,” said the Saudi Ambassador.

Last year three million people from every corner of the world undertook Hajj. Many millions more visited the Holy sites on the smaller pilgrimage of Umrah.

“To accommodate the growing number of pilgrims who wish to undertake Hajj a dramatic expansion of Makkah Al-Mukarramah has become essential. The expansion, which we will also hear about today, will more than double the size of the prayer area around the Ka’ba, the House of God built by Abraham, peace be upon him,” said Prince Mohammed and added, “Hajj is not just a physical journey: it is the most important spiritual journey a Muslim ever makes. It is an extraordinary experience. We leave our homes, our families and our every day concerns behind us, and submit ourselves totally to God’s will. This journey is at the core of what it is to be Muslim.”

The Saudi Ambassador also mentioned, “Hajj celebrates peace, unity and our equality before God – men and women, of all ages, from every nation. It is a profound, life changing experience – it doesn’t guarantee a passage to heaven, but it focuses all Muslims on what is really important in life, as prescribed by our faith.”

“It is our duty individually as Muslims to make this journey. And it is our prime concern as the people of Saudi Arabia, under the guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz, to look after all pilgrims, their security and welfare and to care for Makkah Al-Mukarramah and Medina Al-Munawwarah,” concluded Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf, the Saudi Ambassador to the United Kingdom.

Dr. Ahmed bin Saifuddin Turkistani
Then Dr. Ahmad ibn Saifuddin Turkistani, on behalf of the King Abdul Aziz Public Library, Saudi Arabia, spoke about the history of Hajj and the history of Ka’aba as the centre for Hajj and centre of gravity for Muslims to come from all over the world in order to perform their duty of Hajj. Obviously Dr. Turkistani also talked about Hajj during the past, through different stages and periods till today. He also mentioned about different projects of developments and expansion of the Grand Masjid in Makkah al-Mukarramah and the holy sites. He particularly mentioned about the projects of King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques regarding the expansion of Masjid al-Haram, expansion of al-Masaa, the new bridge of Jamarat and the Monorail and the Haramain Mashair and then he also mentioned about the Kiswa of Ka’aba and Zam Zam water project.

Dr Ahmed al-Dubayan
Dr. Ahmed al-Dubayan, Director General of the Islamic Cultural Centre & The Regent’s Park Central London Mosque, also spoke on the website of this Hajj Exhibition. This website will be opened tomorrow, Thursday, 26th of January 2012 with the inauguration of the British Museum Hajj Exhibition. General public can visit the website. The British Museum Hajj Exhibition will be opened from 26 January to 15 April, 2012.

I interviewed Dr. al-Dubayan about the website. Answering to my query, Dr. Al-Dubayan said, “I talked about the website; the website which I explained actually to complete the information about the projects in Makkah al-Mukarramah for anybody who wants to have it. It was necessary because the exhibition, regardless of how big is it, is not enough to see everything about Hajj and about all the projects. And that’s why, the King Abdul Aziz Public Library thought of having the website where you add all the new things and all the detail information, numbers and statistical information about Hajj and about the projects. All these complete information are important for the exhibition. It will be available for everybody throughout the world.”

Dr. al-Dubayan also added, “Tomorrow, Thursday, 26th of January 2012 is the official opening and the website will also start tomorrow. I think it is important because our message from Saudi Arabia is not only for the people who will come to the exhibition but we need something if everybody can see it from everywhere and that’s why we have website.”

After the speeches, there were Questions & Answers session when members of the press, both Muslim and non-Muslim media, asked questions mostly and mainly about the new development, the cost of the new development, the accommodation of pilgrims in Makkah and the holy sites and the increasing numbers of pilgrims and so on and so forth.

His Excellency Faisal Al-Muammar
His Excellency Faisal Al-Muammar, General Supervisor of the King Abdulaziz Public Library, said “This exhibition celebrates Hajj, the most important journey taken by Muslims during their lifetime. Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a pilgrimage that all Muslims who are able, from every nation and race across our globe, must make at least once in their lifetime.”

Mr. Faisal also said, “This exhibition aims to tell the story of Hajj over the centuries, exploring the individual and multi-cultural experiences of pilgrims, as well as the routes taken as they are drawn in unity towards the Ka’aba. It traces the heritage of this inspirational journey up to the present day in terms of objects, maps, books, pictures and recollections from all over the world and includes significant artefacts from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

“Care for Makkah al-Mukarramah, for the Hajj, and for the security and welfare of all those undertaking this life changing journey and the lesser pilgrimage of Umrah, is the first priority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah, his government and his people. The Kingdom is continually looking at ways to improve transport and other facilities for Hajjis, and is currently undertaking a he expansion of the prayer space around the Ka’aba to meet the needs of the increasing number of pilgrims wanting to perform Hajj,” Mr. Faisal added.

Mr Faisal said, “We hope that through its visitors gain some understanding of Islam, and that it will be a source of inspiration, giving them a glimpse of the meaning of Hajj to Muslims worldwide.”

Today, Wednesday, the 25th of January, the British Museum holds another media conference. His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed addressed the event. His Excellency Faisal bin Muammar the General Supervisor of the King Abdul Aziz Public Library was also present at the event to answer questions regarding the contribution of Saudi Arabia or the Library as a coordinator of the Saudi institution with the British Museum.”

Interview with Dr Ahmad Turkistani
Dr. Ahmad ibn Saifuddin Turkistani mentioned, “The King Abdul Aziz Public Library has contributed actually 51 pieces of artefacts and objects to be shown in the exhibition. Of course, there will be wider picture of the exhibition but you can never understand the past or appreciate the present unless you go to the past and follow the trace and the trail of the Hajj throughout the ages until today.”

“There is some richness and lot of things in there at the Exhibition to see and to enjoy and to read and to bring back from history what took place in the past and actually this is important to make people aware,” mentioned Dr. Turkistani.

Dr. Turkistani also emphasized on the importance of the Exhibition. He said, “Obviously you can see the importance of this event for the Muslim community here in Britain and for the British community at large where we need people to get better understanding of what Hajj is all about, what Islam is all about and obviously Hajj, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed pointed out today, Hajj reflects the basic tenets of Islam of peace, tranquillity, equality, love of God and care for other pilgrims and so on.”

Karen Armstrong in The Guardian
Karen Armstrong, the renowned scholar and commentator, writing in The Guardian, mentioned, “Ever since the Crusades, when Christians from western Europe were fighting holy wars against Muslims in the near east, western people have often perceived Islam as a violent and intolerant faith – even though when this prejudice took root Islam had a better record of tolerance than Christianity. Recent terrorist atrocities have seemed to confirm this received idea. But if we want a peaceful world, we urgently need a more balanced view. We cannot hope to win the ‘battle for hearts and minds’ unless we know what is actually in them. Nor can we expect Muslims to be impressed by our liberal values if they see us succumbing unquestioningly to a medieval prejudice born in a time of extreme Christian belligerence.”

Writing on the eve of the exhibition at the British Museum – Hajj: Journey to the Heart of Islam – Karen Armstrong observed, “Like Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, Christians, Sikhs and secularists, some Muslims have undoubtedly been violent and intolerant, but the new exhibition at the British Museum – Hajj: Journey to the Heart of Islam – is a timely reminder that this is not the whole story. The Hajj is one of the five essential practices of Islam; when they make the pilgrimage to Mecca, Muslims ritually act out the central principles of their faith. Equating religion with ‘belief’ is a modern western aberration. Like swimming or driving, religious knowledge is practically acquired. You learn only by doing. The ancient rituals of the Hajj, which Arabs performed for centuries before Islam, have helped pilgrims to form habits of heart and mind that – pace the western stereotype – are non-violent and inclusive.”

Karen Armstrong also mentioned, the Muslim Hajj is all about the Abrahamic family – not Muhammad himself. Pilgrims re-enact the story of Hagar and Ishmael, symbolically returning to the era that preceded religious chauvinism. Alas, all traditions lose their primal purity and we all fail our founders.”

“But the British Museum’s beautiful presentation of the Hajj can help us understand how the vast majority of the world’s Muslims understand their faith. Socrates, the founder of the western rational tradition, insisted that the exercise of reason required us constantly and stringently to question received ideas and entrenched certainties. The new exhibition can indeed become a journey to the heart of Islam and also perhaps, to a more authentic and respectful western rational identity.”

British Muslim leaders mourn death of Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha

2012-01-19T06:54:00.000-08:00

British Muslim leaders mourn death of the founder
of first Muslim Umbrella Organisation in the UK

Dr. Mozammel Haque

British Muslim leaders mourn the death of Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha, the founder of the first Muslim Umbrella Organisation in the UK, the Union of Muslim Organisations of UK & Eire (UMO). He was very disciplined, enlightened and organised leader the Muslim community of Britain had. He organised and held meetings, seminars, conferences, workshops and Summer camps and never missed recordings the proceedings of the conferences. Even he himself after the conferences sat down with his typewriter to write the press release and posted them to the newspapers and to the different departments and ministries, not only of the United Kingdom; but to other newspapers in other countries. I remembered very well as early as in the mid-70s, we used to get press releases of the conferences held by the UMO from Dr. Pasha for publication and as an editor of the Muslim World League Journal, we used to publish those press releases in our Magazine. Those press releases prepared, written and posted by Dr. Pasha are the primary source and documents of the Muslim community of Britain of those periods.

On the 7th of January, 2012 there was a recitation of the Qur’an programme at the Islamic Cultural Centre, London, organised by the UMO. In spite of my many efforts, I could not attend the programme at the ICC. I was in Saudi Arabia at that time. Though I was not physically present at the recitation of the Qur’an programme, I made special supplication at the Masjid al-Nabawi in Madina Munawwarah and also at Masjid-al-Haram at Makkah al-Mukarramah and also made dua after every prayer for the soul of Dr. Pasha.

Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef
On Sunday, the 8th of January, 2012, I was in Jeddah in the office of Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef, former Secretary General of the Rabita al-Alam al-Islami and present Secretary General of the International Islamic Council for Da’wah and Relief (IICDR). When Dr. Pasha passed away, Dr. Naseef was at that time in the United Kingdom and he attended Dr. Pasha’s Janaza at the London Central Mosque at Regents’ Park. I interviewed Dr. Naseef about Dr. Pasha. Speaking about Marhum Dr. Pasha, Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef said, “Dr. Pasha was really an Islamic personality; he was spending all the time to the service of the Muslim community and nothing for his person.”

“He was hard worker and went from here to there and followed up the matters of the Muslims. He used to have good relations with the authorities in Britain. So he could manage to pass many things that are very useful for the Muslims,” observed Dr. Naseef and added, “He was very much really interested in Islam and worked accordingly, Alhamdo Lillah.”

Speaking about his personal relationship with Dr. Pasha, Dr. Naseef, who was Secretary General of the Muslim World League in those days, said, “As far as my relationship is concerned, Rabita al-Alam al-Islam is for everybody and he used to come and discuss the needs of the Muslims. Dr. Pasha put me on the Council of Muslim Education Trust as governor. I attended once or twice the meeting of the Muslim Education Trust as governor. He invited all shades of people from different communities, everybody; not only Indian or Pakistani community, everybody was there at the conferences.”

“As a person Dr. Pasha was really a wonderful man,” said Dr. Naseef and prayed to Almighty Allah by saying, “I ask Allah Subhanahu wa Taala to bless his soul and send him to Paradise.”

Recitation of the Qur’an Programme at
The London Central Mosque at Regents Park
The Recitation of the Qur’an programme for Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha Marhum, the former Secretary General of the Union of Muslim Organisations of the United Kingdom & Ireland (UMO) was conducted at the London Central Mosque at Regents Park on Saturday, 7th of January 2012 after Salatul Zuhr and it was concluded by the time of Salatul Maghreb. There were many lovers of Dr. Pasha present in this meeting. They were Mr. Noon, one of the executive members of the UMO, Sir Iqbal Sacranie, former Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) and present Chairman of the Muslim Aid Trust, Mr. Yousuf Bhailok, also former Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain; Mr. Mohamed Ali from Islam Channel, Maulana Dr. Shahid Raza, Chairman of the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board Trusts (MINAB) and the imam of the Acton Mosque. There was an Imam from the Islamic Cultural Centre who participated at the programme and concluded the meeting with dua (supplication).

As I was not at the meeting and as I could not find any recordings of the proceedings or any press releases, I personally contacted those people who spoke on the occasion and I am grateful to those speakers who cooperated and helped me by giving an interview at the eleventh hour about their statements. First of all, I requested Sir Iqbal Sacranie about his speeches at the programme.

Sir Iqbal Sacranie
Sir Iqbal Sacranie said, “The first point the very presence of cross section of the Muslim community is a clear testament of the love and affection towards late Dr. Pasha. Dr Pasha gave his entire life for the betterment and unity of the Muslim community. He was a beacon of light and the principled man who stood firm on the teachings of Islam.”

“I was privileged to have attended the very first meeting of the formation of UMO and was fortunate to work closely with Dr. Pasha in the UMO committees for many years. I learnt a lot from him and was able to utilise that experience and knowledge in my work for the community,” mentioned Sir Iqbal.

Sir Iqbal concluded by saying, “His mission in life was to ensure that Muslims in the UK were united so that they can have effective voice. The most appropriate way to show our appreciation to this wonderful personality is first of all to remember him in our daily prayers and to work for the unity of Muslims in the UK.”

Sir Iqbal also observed, “It is now very important that over the last 25 years, time has changed and it is about time that major organisations, such as Muslim Council of Britain ( MCB), British Muslim Forum (BMF) and Union of Muslim Organisations (UMO) should seriously consider how they can work together for the benefit of the Muslim community of UK.

Mr. Yousuf Bhailok
Mr. Yousuf Bhailok, former Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) said, “The late Marhum Haji Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha was a God-fearing man; above all, of such taqwa! Man of integrity and a man of service to the deen of Islam. Right to the last breath.”

“Dr. Pasha was a wonderful human being, an old-fashioned charm and sharp intellectual with vision for the future,” observed Mr. Bhailok and mentioned, “We held for the UMO 25th anniversary in 1990 an international three-day event at Earls Court. We lobbied at many political conferences and attended many international functions.”

Mr. Bhailok said, “Dr. Pasha always said blunt truth, without fear or favour, even to the highest dignitaries he reminded them of duty and accountability to Allah swt.”

Recollecting to his last visit to the hospital, Mr. Bhailok mentioned, “Dr. Pasha was a decent man, in the last visit to him in hospital, he said to me, first do your salaat, then sit with me. He trained many of us, we were young men then, who later took prominence in UK, but without doubt he was our senior Statesman. He had commitment, passion and energy to serve.”

“He inspired me and was my mentor. I had great respect for him as a good human being and an example in this modern society,” said Mr. Bhailok and added, “We had a selfless individual, whose lifetime and dedication to UK Muslims is second to none. He was the conscience and voice of UK Muslims.”

Mr. Bhailok concluded by praying, “May Allah Subhanahu wa Taala accept his services. I will surely miss him.”

Maulana Dr. Shahid Raza
I interviewed Maulana Shahid Raza about Dr. Pasha. Speaking on the life and services of Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha Marhum, Maulana Dr. Shahid Raza said, “Since I came in this country in 1978, from that time until the end Dr. Pasha always advocated unity among the Muslims and I considered it as one of the great contributions to the life of the Muslim community in this country. Perhaps he was the only Muslim leader who genuinely and in reality made all possible efforts in order to achieve unity of the Ummah in this country.”

“Dr. Pasha never supported or never favoured any of the groups. This country has so many groups, so many organisations, different Mazahebs and different Sects; but he was, in my opinion, loved by all, respected by all. In his programme, I have seen all the groups, all the schools of thoughts present, even the non-Muslims. But among Muslims, all the Muslim groups were represented in his programme. That was in my opinion one of the unique features of Dr. Pasha’s life that he was the symbol of unity; he was great advocate of the unity of Muslims in this country,” said Maulana Raza.

Speaking about another quality of Dr. Pasha, Maulana Raza mentioned, “The second thing I have very strongly and distinctly noticed in the life of Dr. Pasha is that he was a very bold person, a very courageous person. He used to speak in front of Prime Minister, Home Minister and other Ministers and whatever he felt truth, he never compromised. I can tell you that he never compromised. Look that I am sitting with the Prime Minister and if I say something he might be upset, he might be angry. He did not care about it. Whatever he believed to be correct, he used to speak boldly and clearly.”

Maulana Raza said, “Dr. Pasha was a messenger of truth. The Hadith (the Tradition of the Prophet peace be upon him) of the Prophet says: “If you say the truth in front of a ruler, this is one of the biggest Jihad. Dr. Pasha was a Mujahid. He continued this Jihad throughout his life in front of Prime Minister Tony Blair, in front of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, in front of Home Minister Jack Straw and whenever he used to meet the ministers in front of many other Muslims and in front of many other non-Muslims, he always used to say what he believed to be correct and true. So this is something I believe everybody will agree that Dr. Pasha was a true bold courageous leader in the Muslim community in this country.”

Speaking about Dr. Pasha’s contribution, Maulana Raza said, “Dr. Pasha’s contribution is something which we will never forget; about organising Summer camps for the training of Muslim young boys and girls and I personally know many Muslim boys and girls who attended his Summer camps of moral, spiritual and Islamic training and after attending those camps these young Muslim boys and girls became practising Muslims and they came back from his camps as genuinely interested in learning Islam. I know some of those who attended these Summer Camps, now are doctors working with big companies, in big organisations, but they still practise Islam. So Dr. Pasha, through his company, through his discourses, through his trainings put Islam and love of Islam in the hearts of thousands of young Muslim boys and girls. He also trained so many young people who later on became leaders of the Muslim community in this country.”

I enquired whether someone has suggested how to remember the services of Dr. Pasha. Maulana Raza said, “Unfortunately, there were no suggestions about how Dr. Pasha needs to be remembered regularly by us all; it could be an annual memorial lecture, it could be, for example, an annual conference dedicated to Dr. Pasha.”

I mentioned that throughout his whole life Dr. Pasha never missed the celebration of the Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him; it was a sort of interfaith conference where people of all different religious communities were invited, people from the government and political parties participated and attended in the celebration. Maulana Raza said, “This is something Dr. Pasha was unique that he celebrated Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi all the years as an interfaith programme. I think it was the first Milad-un-Nabi in the history of Muslims in the United Kingdom to be celebrated in that way where representatives from political parties, from the government, from the police and from other faith communities, they used to join Muslims and we used to share with them the great miracles and message of our great Prophet peace be upon him. So it was a wonderful programme and he was the founder of this programme and he took it at the peak and I think it would be something wonderful if the UMO can carry this programme of Milad-un-Nabi exactly as Dr. Pasha designed it. It would be a great tribute to Dr. Pasha if UMO can continue with this programme.”

Problems faced by World Muslim Community and Solutions

2012-01-18T04:02:00.000-08:00

An interwith with WMC President
Problems faced by World Muslim
Community and solutions

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Two days five yearly assembly of the World Muslim Congress (Motamar Al Alam Al Islami) was held on 13th and 14th November, 2011 at Hotel Ramada, Colombo, capital of Sri Lanka. This international conference was organised by Sri Lanka Islamic Centre-Maligawatta in association with Motamar al-Alam al-Islami (World Muslim Congress), Islamabad, Pakistan. The theme of the conference was “Problems faced by the World Muslim Community and Solutions”.

The opening session was addressed by the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Mr. D. M. Jayarathna and Minister for External Affairs, Prof. G. L. Peiris. The delegates included Field Marshall Abdul Rahman Sowar Al-Dahab, former President of Sudan, Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef, former Deputy Chairman of the Shoura Council of Saudi Arabia, M.H.Mohammed, Senior Vice President, Sri Lanka Islamic Institute; Senator Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq, Secretary General of the World Muslim Congress, Senior members of the executive council of the Motamar, eminent scholars and a large number of Muslim religious and political leaders from all parts of the world.

As an executive councillor of the World Muslim Congress, I was supposed to be present at the Conference, but I could not attend the conference because I received King Abdullah’s invitation to perform Hajj this year and I was in Saudi Arabia from 3rd November onwards upto 23rd of November, 2011. So I met Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef in Jeddah when he returned back from the conference in Sri Lanka and I discussed and interviewed him about the meeting.

An Interview with Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef
President World Muslim Congress
Dr. Naseef said, “The theme of the conference was what we shall do under the present situation of the Muslim world? How to help the people to overcome the difficulties and to cope with the very good changes that are taking place? The conference discussed this besides the five yearly affairs of the Motamar. People spoke about how the Muslims should be able to adapt to the Islamic principles with the changes that are happening in the Muslim world and the Arab world. People were also discussing that we have to keep in our mind that Islam has solution to all affairs of the people for all the time. So we should be able and be careful about to adhere to our Islamic principles as far as the future of the Muslim Ummah is concerned politically, socially and economically and so on.”

The conference also discussed, said Dr. Naseef, the economic situation today internationally; the fall of the western system of capitalism and what Muslims can offer, the Islamic economic system of banking, finance and all the related subjects in this situation. He also added we encourage people to introduce whatever knowledge they have about Islamic economics to offer to solve the problems of the west and the east.

Referring to the problems of both the societies of the east and that of the west, Dr. Naseef said, “We should be modest to show that we have very important and valuable system to overcome the interest problem. Because Riba (interest) is the source of all which are happening today. We can introduce the Islamic finance system which has no interest (Riba) involved. This kind of interest-free financing system should be introduced and encouraged and should find its way towards media and to the people in action in the west.”

Palestine issue
The conference discussed about the general issues such as Arab spring, Palestine issue and others. Speaking about the Palestine issue, Dr. Naseef said, the conference urged people “to aid the people in Palestine to cope with whatever and to bring real unity to overcome the differences happening between Hamas and Fatah.” Dr. Naseef said, “It is the time they should be united towards their cause, because Israelism is eager to spread their settlements there and continue to divide people particularly the Palestinians and we urge them to be united and complete the process of peace between the factions there and to struggle for their cause in a proper manner.”

In this connection, Dr. Naseef mentioned about the Palestinian camps in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan and other places. He said, “We urge people to give attention to the Palestinian camps in Lebanon, in Syria, in Iraq and Jordan and in other places. There the Palestinians are living under the level of inhuman treatment and there they need the support of Muslims, individuals and organisations to support their infrastructure and to support in so many ways so that they can live standard human lives.”

Somalia
Dr Naseef also mentioned that the World Muslim Congress (the Motamar) talked about Somalia. He said, the things in Somalia are little bit improving but it needs help from Muslims. In next eight month, there will be new election for the Parliament and the President of Somalia. Dr. Naseef said, the conference urged the government of Somalia to make the process changes and hoped the new election for the Parliament and the President should be normal and the conference wishes them good luck.”

South Sudan
Referring to the southern Sudan which was discussed in the conference, Dr. Naseef mentioned, “The Conference talked about the creation of the southern state of Sudan. The Muslims in the southern Sudan needs support, help and guidance because they are not educated and they have no place in the society. May be, they have very few people in the Parliament; there was not a single Muslim Minister and we have to encourage Muslims to involve themselves in the political, economical and educational life of their country. The conference asked Muslims to support projects there: they have schools, centres for the Muslims. We should encourage Muslim countries, Muslim individuals and organisations to donate aid to help and support Muslims in southern Sudan.”

“This is generally all about the conference,” said Dr. Naseef.

In reply to my query what the conference discussed about Arab spring, Dr. Naseef said, “The conference expressed concern and asked people to keep their Islamic system of life and we urged Syria and Yemen to stop bloodshed and transfer power smoothly.”

Condolences to King Abdullah
Dr. Naseef also mentioned that the Conference passed and sent the condolence messages to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, condolences, first to King Abdullah and later on to the Crown Prince, Prince Naif bin Abdul Aziz and wishes them good luck.

Dr. Naseef also mentioned that there was another item which was that the Motamar appreciated the establishment of a Centre for Dialogue and anti-terrorism in Vienna.

Statement of Policy
The conference declared the statement of policy: “We as Muslims believe in the equality of all human beings as the off springs of Adam and Eve. This principle of universal fraternity ensures equality of all nations and states. Mutual recognition, coexistence and cooperation for the welfare of all mankind regardless of race, religion, colour or creed is an article of faith, based on the eternal teachings of the Holy Quran.”

Declaration
At the conclusion of the Two-day meeting, the Conference passed the following resolutions:

“World Muslim Congress deeply appreciates and eulogise the establishment of a centre for dialogue and anti terrorism in Vienna by King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz besides International Conferences on this topic in the United Nations Headquarters and in Spain for promoting the cause of International Peace and Understanding. World Muslim Congress will fully cooperate with these noble efforts and would continue with renewed vigour, the efforts for Interfaith Dialogue and understanding, as a basic creed of the organisation.

“Islam’s agenda for human life is founded on the establishment of justice amongst all human being, strengthening the values of mutual respect and generosity.

“The conference noted with concern the attitude of some of the establishments and societies against Muslims which displays prejudice and utter lack of understanding. The conference hoped that with the passage of time and efforts of Muslim individuals and organisations based on a positive and constructive attitude will improve the atmosphere.

“The conference reviewed the popular uprising termed as “Arab Spring” in some of the Muslim countries and hoped that the new leadership would bring peace and stability in their societies without further violence and come up to the expectations of their general public.

“The conference of the World Muslim Congress also reviewed the situation in and around Sudan and observed the necessity of good neighbourly relations and cooperation between the two new entities, in the interest of their peoples and calls upon the neighbouring countries to help both of them to overcome their economic and political difficulties. We also hope that the Muslim minority in South Sudan will have their legitimate rights protected including their representation in the democratic setup.

“The Conference observed that Somalia is slowly coming back to normalcy and the new general elections are to be held within the next eight months. This devastated country deserves humanitarian relief from International relief organisations. Motamar Al Alam Al Islami is already playing its role under the umbrella of the OIC. These efforts need acceleration.

“The Conference discussed in detail the issue of Palestine and took stock of negative and positive developments. The demand for the recognition of Palestine as the full member of the United Nations is a legitimate demand and we appreciate the support by a large number of members of the United Nations, to admit Palestine as a full member and also expect a positive response from the members of the UN Security Council.

“The Conference expressed its disappointment at the reaction of the United States in stopping its contribution towards UNESCO after the admission of Palestine in this organisation with the support of one hundred and seven members.

“The Conference reiterates its appeal to different factions of the Palestinian people for internal unity and mutual cooperation as a national imperative in their struggle for achieving their national rights and providing protection to life and property of their people. This would also enhance International support for their legitimate demands including the right of the Palestinians to return to their homeland.

“The Conference expressed its solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir who are struggling for their legitimate right to self determination, as the only peaceful and democratic method of resolving this issue.

“The conference appreciates the role of All Parties Hurriyat Conference. This conference demands the inclusion of the true representatives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the negotiations to resolve this issue.

“The conference appeals to the human rights institutions to take practical steps to protect life and honour of the Kashmiri men and women being violated under the protection of draconian emergency laws.

“The conference observed that the basic decision of the OIC Summit for setting apart a specific amount for the work of Islamic Dawah by each member state should be revisited with the purpose of fulfilling the responsibilities of the member states in the field of Dawah and also to improve the methods as well as coordination.

“The conference took note of the demonstrations in several capitals of the world, especially in the US and Europe, against the negative effects of the capitalistic and exploitative economic system. There is a general rejection of the present economic order. It is the time that Muslim scholars and economic experts put forth a blue print for the third option based on the principles of Islamic economic system. Many economists have already made substantial contribution under this title. Boards have been established to advance usury free banking modes but there has to be a comprehensive Islamic economic order. World Muslim Congress would encourage efforts in this direction.

“The conference also expressed its concern over the pitiable condition of the stranded people in Bangladesh, who need generous international relief and support.”

Qur'an Qani in memory of late Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha on 7th January at 2.00pm at ICC

2012-01-04T06:17:00.000-08:00

Qur’an Qani in memory of Late Dr. Pasha at Islamic
Cultural Centre, London on Saturday,7th January 2012

Dr. Mozammel Haque

This is to inform you that Qur’an Qani (Recitation of the Holy Qur’an) in the memory of late Dr Syed Aziz Pasha, the Secretary General of Union of Muslim Organisations UK & Eire (UMO) who passed away on 23rd November 2011, will take place on Saturday 7th January 2012 at London Central Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre 146, Park Road London NW8 7RG at 2.00 p.m. Insha-Allah.

In this connection, it may be reminded that Dr. Pasha devoted his entire life and time for the community service, for the well-being of the British Muslims through his organisation, UMO and dedicated his life to the service of Islam and Muslim.

Dr. Pasha was awarded an OBE in January, 2005 by the Queen of the United Kingdom for his contribution to the Muslim Community and multicultural harmony. The British Muslim Community also acknowledged his devotion, dedication and perseverance and he was honoured in 2006 by the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) and the Islamic Cultural Centre, London, for his lifetime services to the Muslim Community in Britain. In 2007, the Global Peace and Unity (GPU) also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Pasha.

I am requesting each and everyone to attend the Qur’an Qani (Recitation of the Holy Qur’an) in memory of late Dr. Pasha at the Islamic Cultural Centre and Regent Park Central London Mosque, 146 Park Road, London at 2.00 p.m. and please make du’a (supplication) for the soul of Dr. Pasha.

I have been praying for the soul of Dr. Pasha and I will, Insha Allah, make a special prayer for him at the Masjid al-Haram, Makkah al-Mukarramah.

What the Pilgrims say about Hajj 2011

2011-12-21T04:55:00.000-08:00

What the Pilgrims say about Hajj 2011

Dr. Mozammel Haque

There is no question or doubt that Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and every able body who can afford financially must perform Hajj. Now the world population, particularly the Muslim population is increasing; consequently the number of pilgrims will increase. It is a fact that the area of Holy sites, such as Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah and Makkah is fixed. I think it is another wonder of the world that millions of people moved in a constrained place in a constrained timeframe. Similarly, it is another wonder to manage a gathering of four and a half million pilgrims moving at the same time from one place to another place within that small area and to arrange for them adequate transportation, accommodation and feeding.

No doubt, the pilgrims are the guests of Allah the Almighty. Allah supports the cause and that’s why, it is going smoothly. Of course, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the people of Saudi Arabia have left no stone unturned to bring ease and comfort to the pilgrims through building roads, infrastructure and expansion of the Haramain. Let us see how the pilgrims who went to perform Hajj this year feel and what are their opinions, views and experience about Hajj in 2011. Irrespective of position, status, geographical affiliation, I interviewed pilgrims from the president of a country to the common man, belonging to Bangladesh, Malaysia, Mali, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Uganda and the United Kingdom.

General (Retired) H.M. Ershad
Former President of Bangladesh
Former President of Bangladesh, General (Retired) H.M. Ershad, present chairperson of Jatiya Party said, “I have not heard any complain from anybody. All the Hajjis are so happy; they are so well look after and the medical facilities, water arrangement and the evacuation of casualties in case of accident was wonderful. I feel that the Saudi authorities tried heart and soul to look after every individual who has come and joined this Hajj.”

Former President Ershad said, “I actually on my behalf and on behalf of Bangladeshi congratulate the King Abdullah and the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this achievement, wonderful achievement.

Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali
Prime Minister of Somalia
I met the Prime Minister of Somalia, Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, who came for the first time in Saudi Arabia. This is his first Hajj. He said, “It’s a life chance experience and I enjoyed it. The facilities are great; absolutely fabulous. I think the Saudi government has learnt and they perfected how to manage chaos. I think even for the US, to manage three million people at one time in small area is tough.”

Somali Prime Minister also said, “I think we are very thankful to the Saudi government for providing all this facilities to us, really they are real Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. Really they are and I think Allah meant to put this religion in this place for good reasons and I think they did a good job.”

Mr. Uthman Serengi
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Uganda
I met Mr. Uthman Serengi, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Uganda. This is his first Hajj. But his father made Hajj some time back. Speaking about his father’s experience of Hajj, Mr. Uthman said, “At Jamarat my father found such a nightmare for him. Of course, I know sometime back there was dead there. So this time I was also expecting problems but Alhamdo Lillah, it was such a small exercise I went through the Jamarat quite easily and then the staying at Mina was good. Alhamdo Lillah, the facilities at Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat are quite good.”

Mr. Uthman observed, “.I have seen thousands and thousands of people using the rail. It was really wonderful. The rail was quite spectacular. I was seeing every two minutes train was passing by and it was quite good particularly during Arafat and I am sure the pilgrims have found it very useful. My wife was also doing for the first time and she also said she is extremely happy and elated about the experience. Insha Allah we will do this again.”

Mr. Uthman also said, “The transportation was great; was very yuppie, very befitting, in fact we are flattered and humbled by the treatment we have been given, we just prayed to Allah to reward them abundantly for everything they have accorded to us.”

“We have an excellent Hajj. We just are praying to Allah to reward King Abdullah and the people of Saudia with good health and long life so that they can look after more and more pilgrims, Jazakamullah jazah,” said Mr. Uthman

Lord Sheikh
Peer, House of Lords, British Parliament
I met Lord Mohammed Altaf Sheikh, Peer of the House of Lords, who performed Hajj three times and two Umrahs before. Lord Sheikh believes that Hajj is just like going for Jihad; it’s a test; it is test of ones ability to respond to issues which are not very comfortable.”

Speaking about Hajj 60/70 years before, Lord Sheikh mentioned, “My mother used to tell me that my grandmother came on Hajj. I don’t know 60/70 years ago and at that time she was living in Kenya; so she travelled from Kenya, went to Sudan and came by boat from Sudan to Jeddah and it was very very difficult.”
,
Speaking about his own experience when he came for the first time, Lord Sheikh said, “I personally enjoy the first Hajj because when you come here for the first time you see the Ka’aba Sharif in front of you that is a rare real experience. At that time if you look at the Haram Sharif, the area around Haram Sharif was not doubled; there was very few quality hotels; for example, the floor of Safa Marwah was not cool; but now if you go you will see it is very cool at the moment but at the Bibi Hazera’s time it was quite different, it was open, it was quite two hills and of course it was very open.”

Speaking about the differences, Lord Sheikh said, “certainly there are differences now. There are more hotels now. Life is a little bit easy; even for people who can afford it. But people who cannot afford it undoubtedly, they would not be staying at international hotel, they would stay five six people seven or eight people in one room, where inadequate washing facilities.”

Baroness Uddin
Baroness of House Lords, British Parliament
I also met Baroness Uddin who came with her husband to perform her first Hajj this year but she performed her first Ummah 12 years ago. Speaking about her Hajj experience, Baroness Uddin said, “I had seen so many pictures of Hajj and I had also seen Hajj transmitted live on Television. But nothing comparing witnessing with your own eyes and feeling of being in this place nothing is comparable.”

“The kingdom has made the journey as easy as possible. We have seen hundreds and hundreds of men and women and many with families incredibly brave walking on the streets but I have seen no hardship in their face. This is due to the facilities provided by the Kingdom,” said Baroness Uddin and added, “Facilities are immensely immeasurable. I could not have imagined until I have seen it.”

She also said, “I believe no other country on earth manages this level of flow of people from different countries, from different continents and different backgrounds.”

Mr. Shahid Malik

Former British Minister

I met the former British Justice Minister, Mr. Shahid Malik, who is performing Hajj this year. This is his second Hajj. He said, “The progresses are incredible. If you look at the Monorail transport system, it is amazing. When I came it was steel concrete on the ground and now it is functioning and the people are using it.”

Former British Minister also said, “I think each year there is massive progress. I think the credit must go to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah and his leadership on this issue. King Abdullah said, don’t call me Majesty, call me the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. I think that’s say a lot about his commitment on this issue. It said a lot to the outside world, to the Muslim world about this issue and you can see it in the investment taking place.”

Mr. Malik observed, “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 10/15 years time, Insha Allah, will be incredibly different from what you know the biggest investment in mainline railway structure which will connect Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah etc. You are also seeing massive massive home building programme that is taking place and massive expansion of the Haram.”

Mr. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko
Governor of the State of Sokoto, Nigeria
I met the Governor of the state of Sokoto, Nigeria, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, during the last ten days of last Ramadan. He is a regular visitor to the Haram during Ramadan. So when I met him this time during Hajj, I enquired about his Hajj. Governor Aliyu said, “Alhamdo Lillah, I am so happy that the arrangement is so unique and so comprehensive that I must commend the Kingdom for such organisation because it goes to show that the Kingdom is doing a lot for the Muslims the world over.”

This year about 7,000 people came from the state of Sokoto alone and 100,000 from Nigeria this year. Governor Aliyu said, “Alhamdo Lillah people are so comfortable and lots of improvements from the previous Hajj as mentioned by many pilgrims came this year. Previously, the tent ruined, the Jamarat was a hell, but this year it is so simple, it is made easier, simpler and more comfortable. Even at Jamarat, people moved pillar to pillar easily. Allah accepts our Hajj.”

Governor Aliyu also observed, “Let me tell you the Kingdom is doing a lot to show that we are all God’s guests to the Holy Land. We were well received, well-treated and well-served, best of their ability. The problem of hosting millions of people at a particular time and moment I must commend the Kingdom, not many countries in this world, can do this, over three/four million guests at one time. Giving an adequate transportation, accommodation, feeding is a really wonderful job. Alhamdo Lillah, God supports the cause; that’s why we have a heat-free pilgrimage this year and equally I must repeat my recommendation to the Kingdom to its resources and to all people in this year’s Hajj. The jobs are well-done.”

General Tan Sri Dato Sri Zulkifeli bin Mohd Zin
Chief of the Defence Force, Malaysia
I met the chief of the Defence Force of Malaysia, General Tan Sri Dato Sri Zulkifeli bin Mohd Zin, who performed Umrah a couple of times before, in 2007 and 2009 but this is his first Hajj. He recollected what his parents used to say: “My late parents had performed Hajj six or seven times. The process they have gone through was tedious as opposed to the present day. The story my late parents told me about their experience performing the Hajj and from my own personal experience, I could say that there is a vast difference now; because the infrastructure was very well developed. It is now more convenient and more efficient.”

General Sri Zulkifeli said, “Now the infrastructure at Jamarat was very well developed by the Kingdom. That is positive development. You look at the monorail system. In times to come, the monorail from Mina to Arafat and to Muzdalifah is another positive development,” Mr, Jufi said.

General Sri Zulkifeli also observed, “I think everybody is successfully able to perform their pilgrimage and at the end, everybody like me is very happy with the system, with the food, accommodation and the process I went through. This is something very great. I would like to reckon my observation to the King of Saudi Arabia for taking the trouble to ensure the development of the Holy Land and to ensure Muslims all over the world to be able to perform their Hajj efficiently and confidently.”

Lt. Gen. (retired) Salauddin Satti
Ambassador of Pakistan to Brunei Darus Salam
I met Lt. Gen. (retired) Salauddin Satti who was posted after retirement in 2008 to Brunei Darussalam High Commission as an ambassador for two years and now returning back to Pakistan. Mr. Satti performed Hajj in 2006 but this time he performed Hajj along with his wife who did not perform Hajj before.

Mr. Satti said, “Lots of improvements have taken place so far as the infrastructure is concerned. In Mina itself the train system, the community system at rami (Jamarat) is phenomenon, technologically.”

The number of Muslims throughout the world is increasing; naturally the number of pilgrims will increase. So the management of the pilgrims have to be considered. Mr. Satti said, “I am sure the Saudi authorities are already trying to keep pace with it and I am very much sure that the Kingdom is very much aware of it and the expansion plan of both Haram Sharif in Makkah and in the Masjid-e-Nabawi in Madinah, a lot have been done already. So it is a race and it will continue but I must acknowledge that a lot of improvement in the infrastructure and management has been taken place, I have observed personally.”

Judge Abdul Malek
Shariah Court Judge, Malaysia
While I was going along with Dr. Suhaib Hasan to perform Maghreb prayer in the Masjid at the top floor of the Safa Palace Makkah, I met Judge Abdul Malek of the Shari’ah Court of Malaysia, who performed Hajj before in 2008. This is his second Hajj. He told me while discussing, “There are lot of differences; infrastructure, transportation, organisation and management of crowd at Jamarat. It is very very easy.”

Diplomat, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mali
I met a diplomat from the Foreign Ministry of Mali who is very much pleased and happy to see the arrangement in the Hajj this year and who said, “It is a good opportunity for the Muslims to build bridges among the Muslim brothers.”

Dr. Ehsan al-Ameen
Advisor to the President of Iraq
I met Dr. Ehsan al-Ameen, Advisor in the Office of President of Iraq who performed Hajj three times before. The last time he performed pilgrimage is about 15 years ago. Speaking about his experience of Hajj this year, Dr. al-Ameen said, “There are many differences. Every year, it is better from the last year. There is too different at Jamarat. 15 years before, only in Jamarat, 115 persons were died, you know. There were many difficulties. Now this year, I think this is the easier Hajj in the history.”

Dr. Al-Ameen also said, “It is better than before, but I think it needs to complete the project the monorail programme. The walking on the road is better than the past. I remember in the past while walking many people used to sit and sleep on the street. Now I follow this point specially and I find the street is all walking. I think the police are doing good work. They guide the people to the different directions.”

British Civil Servant
A young British civil servant who did his first Hajj in 2000 and wanted to remain anonymous performed Hajj this year. Comparing his experience of Hajj this year with that of previous one and the facilities, he said, “I think the facilities are phenomenal and I choose my word carefully; the first Hajj I did in 2000 and since then the facilities have been continually improved.”

“The Jamarat is now the manifestation of money they have spent on safety and this is phenomenal and there is another improvement for the ease of the Hujjaj,” said the young British civil servant who is in his early thirties and mentioned, “The Monorail is one classic example. I remember the conversation dated back to 2000 when I did my first Hajj: should we have a monorail? It is interesting because the cost-benefit of the Monorail is actually the cost-benefit of five days and for five days I don’t know how much monorail cost but I can imagine it’s nothing sort of over 700 million and 700 million for an infrastructure to be used only five days in a year, separate from testing, is a phenomenal testament how the government approaches what they wanted to do.”

He also mentioned another wonderful experience and made observation. He said, “I think the part of the infrastructure must be all the people in their individual areas doing their parts. The responsibility that everyone has to bear is phenomenal and I only pray that our Ummah should have patience generally. When the people on duty tell you ‘Ya Allah Haji, move from here.’ You may not like it; you may think he can talk to me nicely or I don’t speak this language, but what you don’t understand the part of the mechanism is to make it better for the ten thousands Hajis down the road, you can’t see and you don’t know but they know and they are following.”

What the Pilgrims say about Hajj 2011

2011-12-18T15:04:00.000-08:00

What the Pilgrims say about Hajj 2011

Dr. Mozammel Haque

There is no question or doubt that Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and every able body who can afford financially must perform Hajj. Now the world population, particularly the Muslim population is increasing; consequently the number of pilgrims will increase. It is a fact that the area of Holy sites, such as Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah and Makkah is fixed. I think it is another wonder of the world that millions of people moved in a constrained place in a constrained timeframe. Similarly, it is another wonder to manage a gathering of four and a half million pilgrims moving at the same time from one place to another place within that small area and to arrange for them adequate transportation, accommodation and feeding.

No doubt, the pilgrims are the guests of Allah the Almighty. Allah supports the cause and that’s why, it is going smoothly. Of course, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the people of Saudi Arabia have left no stone unturned to bring ease and comfort to the pilgrims through building roads, infrastructure and expansion of the Haramain. Let us see how the pilgrims who went to perform Hajj this year feel and what are their opinions, views and experience about Hajj in 2011. Irrespective of position, status, geographical affiliation, I interviewed pilgrims from the president of a country to the common man, belonging to Bangladesh, Malaysia, Mali, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Uganda and the United Kingdom.

Former President of Bangladesh
Former President of Bangladesh, General (Retired) H.M. Ershad, present chairperson of Jatiya Party said, “I have not heard any complain from anybody. All the Hajjis are so happy; they are so well look after and the medical facilities, water arrangement and the evacuation of casualties in case of accident was wonderful. I feel that the Saudi authorities tried heart and soul to look after every individual who has come and joined this Hajj.”

Former President Ershad said, “I actually on my behalf and on behalf of Bangladeshi congratulate the King Abdullah and the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this achievement, wonderful achievement.

Prime Minister of Somalia
I met the Prime Minister of Somalia, Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, who came for the first time in Saudi Arabia. This is his first Hajj. He said, “It’s a life chance experience and I enjoyed it. The facilities are great; absolutely fabulous. I think the Saudi government has learnt and they perfected how to manage chaos. I think even for the US, to manage three million people at one time in small area is tough.”

Somali Prime Minister also said, “I think we are very thankful to the Saudi government for providing all this facilities to us, really they are real Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. Really they are and I think Allah meant to put this religion in this place for good reasons and I think they did a good job.”

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Uganda
I met Mr. Uthman Serengi, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Uganda. This is his first Hajj. But his father made Hajj some time back. Speaking about his father’s experience of Hajj, Mr. Uthman said, “At Jamarat my father found such a nightmare for him. Of course, I know sometime back there was dead there. So this time I was also expecting problems but Alhamdo Lillah, it was such a small exercise I went through the Jamarat quite easily and then the staying at Mina was good. Alhamdo Lillah, the facilities at Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat are quite good.”

Mr. Uthman observed, “.I have seen thousands and thousands of people using the rail. It was really wonderful. The rail was quite spectacular. I was seeing every two minutes train was passing by and it was quite good particularly during Arafat and I am sure the pilgrims have found it very useful. My wife was also doing for the first time and she also said she is extremely happy and elated about the experience. Insha Allah we will do this again.”

Mr. Uthman also said, “The transportation was great; was very yuppie, very befitting, in fact we are flattered and humbled by the treatment we have been given, we just prayed to Allah to reward them abundantly for everything they have accorded to us.”

“We have an excellent Hajj. We just are praying to Allah to reward King Abdullah and the people of Saudia with good health and long life so that they can look after more and more pilgrims, Jazakamullah jazah,” said Mr. Uthman

Member, House of Lords, British Parliament
I met Lord Mohammed Altaf Sheikh, Peer of the House of Lords, who performed Hajj three times and two Umrahs before. Lord Sheikh believes that Hajj is just like going for Jihad; it’s a test; it is test of ones ability to respond to issues which are not very comfortable.”

Speaking about Hajj 60/70 years before, Lord Sheikh mentioned, “My mother used to tell me that my grandmother came on Hajj. I don’t know 60/70 years ago and at that time she was living in Kenya; so she travelled from Kenya, went to Sudan and came by boat from Sudan to Jeddah and it was very very difficult.”
,
Speaking about his own experience when he came for the first time, Lord Sheikh said, “I personally enjoy the first Hajj because when you come here for the first time you see the Ka’aba Sharif in front of you that is a rare real experience. At that time if you look at the Haram Sharif, the area around Haram Sharif was not doubled; there was very few quality hotels; for example, the floor of Safa Marwah was not cool; but now if you go you will see it is very cool at the moment but at the Bibi Hazera’s time it was quite different, it was open, it was quite two hills and of course it was very open.”

Speaking about the differences, Lord Sheikh said, “certainly there are differences now. There are more hotels now. Life is a little bit easy; even for people who can afford it. But people who cannot afford it undoubtedly, they would not be staying at international hotel, they would stay five six people seven or eight people in one room, where inadequate washing facilities.”

Baroness of British Parliament
I also met Baroness Uddin who came with her husband to perform her first Hajj this year but she performed her first Ummah 12 years ago. Speaking about her Hajj experience, Baroness Uddin said, “I had seen so many pictures of Hajj and I had also seen Hajj transmitted live on Television. But nothing comparing witnessing with your own eyes and feeling of being in this place nothing is comparable.”

“The kingdom has made the journey as easy as possible. We have seen hundreds and hundreds of men and women and many with families incredibly brave walking on the streets but I have seen no hardship in their face. This is due to the facilities provided by the Kingdom,” said Baroness Uddin and added, “Facilities are immensely immeasurable. I could not have imagined until I have seen it.”

She also said, “I believe no other country on earth manages this level of flow of people from different countries, from different continents and different backgrounds.”

Former British Minister

I met the former British Justice Minister, Mr. Shahid Malik, who is performing Hajj this year. This is his second Hajj. He said, “The progresses are incredible. If you look at the Monorail transport system, it is amazing. When I came it was steel concrete on the ground and now it is functioning and the people are using it.”

Former British Minister also said, “I think each year there is massive progress. I think the credit must go to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah and his leadership on this issue. King Abdullah said, don’t call me Majesty, call me the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. I think that’s say a lot about his commitment on this issue. It said a lot to the outside world, to the Muslim world about this issue and you can see it in the investment taking place.”

Mr. Malik observed, “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 10/15 years time, Insha Allah, will be incredibly different from what you know the biggest investment in mainline railway structure which will connect Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah etc. You are also seeing massive massive home building programme that is taking place and massive expansion of the Haram.”

Governor of the State of Sokoto, Nigeria
I met the Governor of the state of Sokoto, Nigeria, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, during the last ten days of last Ramadan. He is a regular visitor to the Haram during Ramadan. So when I met him this time during Hajj, I enquired about his Hajj. Governor Aliyu said, “Alhamdo Lillah, I am so happy that the arrangement is so unique and so comprehensive that I must commend the Kingdom for such organisation because it goes to show that the Kingdom is doing a lot for the Muslims the world over.”

This year about 7,000 people came from the state of Sokoto alone and 100,000 from Nigeria this year. Governor Aliyu said, “Alhamdo Lillah people are so comfortable and lots of improvements from the previous Hajj as mentioned by many pilgrims came this year. Previously, the tent ruined, the Jamarat was a hell, but this year it is so simple, it is made easier, simpler and more comfortable. Even at Jamarat, people moved pillar to pillar easily. Allah accepts our Hajj.”

Governor Aliyu also observed, “Let me tell you the Kingdom is doing a lot to show that we are all God’s guests to the Holy Land. We were well received, well-treated and well-served, best of their ability. The problem of hosting millions of people at a particular time and moment I must commend the Kingdom, not many countries in this world, can do this, over three/four million guests at one time. Giving an adequate transportation, accommodation, feeding is a really wonderful job. Alhamdo Lillah, God supports the cause; that’s why we have a heat-free pilgrimage this year and equally I must repeat my recommendation to the Kingdom to its resources and to all people in this year’s Hajj. The jobs are well-done.”

Chief of the Defence Forces, Malaysia
I met the chief of the Defence Forces of Malaysia who performed Umrah a couple of times before, in 2007 and 2009 but this is his first Hajj. He recollected what his parents used to say: “My late parents had performed Hajj six or seven times. The process they have gone through was tedious as opposed to the present day. The story my late parents told me about their experience performing the Hajj and from my own personal experience, I could say that there is a vast difference now; because the infrastructure was very well developed. It is now more convenient and more efficient.”

“Now the infrastructure at Jamarat was very well developed by the Kingdom. That is positive development. You look at the monorail system. In times to come, the monorail from Mina to Arafat and to Muzdalifah is another positive development,” Mr, Jufi said.

Jufi also observed, “I think everybody is successfully able to perform their pilgrimage and at the end, everybody like me is very happy with the system, with the food, accommodation and the process I went through. This is something very great. I would like to reckon my observation to the King of Saudi Arabia for taking the trouble to ensure the development of the Holy Land and to ensure Muslims all over the world to be able to perform their Hajj efficiently and confidently.”

Ambassador of Pakistan to Brunei Darus Salam
I met Lt. Gen. (retired) Salauddin Satti who was posted after retirement in 2008 to Brunei Darussalam High Commission as an ambassador for two years and now returning back to Pakistan. Mr. Satti performed Hajj in 2006 but this time he performed Hajj along with his wife who did not perform Hajj before.

Mr. Satti said, “Lots of improvements have taken place so far as the infrastructure is concerned. In Mina itself the train system, the community system at rami (Jamarat) is phenomenon, technologically.”

The number of Muslims throughout the world is increasing; naturally the number of pilgrims will increase. So the management of the pilgrims have to be considered. Mr. Satti said, “I am sure the Saudi authorities are already trying to keep pace with it and I am very much sure that the Kingdom is very much aware of it and the expansion plan of both Haram Sharif in Makkah and in the Masjid-e-Nabawi in Madinah, a lot have been done already. So it is a race and it will continue but I must acknowledge that a lot of improvement in the infrastructure and management has been taken place, I have observed personally.”

Shariah Court Judge, Malaysia
While I was going along with Dr. Suhaib Hasan to perform Maghreb prayer in the Masjid at the top floor of the Safa Palace Makkah, I met Judge Abdul Malek of the Shari’ah Court of Malaysia, who performed Hajj before in 2008. This is his second Hajj. He told me while discussing, “There are lot of differences; infrastructure, transportation, organisation and management of crowd at Jamarat. It is very very easy.”

Diplomat, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mali
I met a diplomat from the Foreign Ministry of Mali who is very much pleased and happy to see the arrangement in the Hajj this year and who said, “It is a good opportunity for the Muslims to build bridges among the Muslim brothers.”

Advisor to the President of Iraq
I met Dr. Ehsan al-Ameen, Advisor in the Office of President of Iraq who performed Hajj three times before. The last time he performed pilgrimage is about 15 years ago. Speaking about his experience of Hajj this year, Dr. al-Ameen said, “There are many differences. Every year, it is better from the last year. There is too different at Jamarat. 15 years before, only in Jamarat, 115 persons were died, you know. There were many difficulties. Now this year, I think this is the easier Hajj in the history.”

Dr. Al-Ameen also said, “It is better than before, but I think it needs to complete the project the monorail programme. The walking on the road is better than the past. I remember in the past while walking many people used to sit and sleep on the street. Now I follow this point specially and I find the street is all walking. I think the police are doing good work. They guide the people to the different directions.”

British Civil Servant
A young British civil servant who did his first Hajj in 2000 and wanted to remain anonymous performed Hajj this year. Comparing his experience of Hajj this year with that of previous one and the facilities, he said, “I think the facilities are phenomenal and I choose my word carefully; the first Hajj I did in 2000 and since then the facilities have been continually improved.”

“The Jamarat is now the manifestation of money they have spent on safety and this is phenomenal and there is another improvement for the ease of the Hujjaj,” said the young British civil servant who is in his early thirties and mentioned, “The Monorail is one classic example. I remember the conversation dated back to 2000 when I did my first Hajj: should we have a monorail? It is interesting because the cost-benefit of the Monorail is actually the cost-benefit of five days and for five days I don’t know how much monorail cost but I can imagine it’s nothing sort of over 700 million and 700 million for an infrastructure to be used only five days in a year, separate from testing, is a phenomenal testament how the government approaches what they wanted to do.”

He also mentioned another wonderful experience and made observation. He said, “I think the part of the infrastructure must be all the people in their individual areas doing their parts. The responsibility that everyone has to bear is phenomenal and I only pray that our Ummah should have patience generally. When the people on duty tell you ‘Ya Allah Haji, move from here.’ You may not like it; you may think he can talk to me nicely or I don’t speak this language, but what you don’t understand the part of the mechanism is to make it better for the ten thousands Hajis down the road, you can’t see and you don’t know but they know and they are following.”

My Hajj 2011 Experience

2011-12-15T03:26:00.000-08:00

My Hajj 2011 Experience

Dr. Mozammel Haque

I am fortunate enough this year to be invited by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. I must thank the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, who invited me as his guest along with others from the United Kingdom. It is a rare honour shown to us, to my person and to the Muslims throughout the country.

We came to the King Abdul Aziz International Airport, Jeddah, where we were well received by the Royal Protocol and then we were taken to the Jeddah Conference Palace where we stayed for one night and then we were taken next day morning to Makkah at Safa Palace where we fresh up ourselves and had fresh ablution and then went to Haram Sharif to perform Tawaf and Sa’i. Then we came to Mina, we stayed there and then went to Arafat to perform other religious functions as instructed by Islam. We did the rituals of Hajj according to the arrangements provided by the Royal Protocol.

I have done a lot of Hajj before. This is my 14th Hajj. The last Hajj I did 15 years ago and I have seen a lot of hardships during the Hajj. So now at an advanced age I so much appreciate all these facilities that have been given to us which has made our Hajj very easy that I thank Allah the Almighty first of all He has given me once again this life opportunity and secondly I thank the Saudi Monarch because of whom we are able to come for Hajj this year because there were no planning whatsoever to come for Hajj but suddenly out of blue the invitation came and within days all the things were prepared and we come here and we have been received by Royal Protocol at the King Abdul Aziz International Airport Jeddah and straight away we were taken to Jeddah Guest Palace and after performing our Umrah at Masjid al-Haram Makkah which was done also in a very easy way.

What I can say that the facilities which are provided to us they are because we are guest but the facilities that are provided to pilgrims they are in general are enormous, so big that no person could imagine what is the state of affairs now in comparison with what it was in thirty years ago. We also remember that many time some of the tents caught fire and then many many people had been burnt alive. That was because those tents did not have all these precautionary measures which can stop the fire.

I performed Hajj this time as Royal guest after nearly 15 years and I found situation everywhere, whether that is in Mina, Muzdalifah, Arafat and Jamarat completely different. There is no way to compare what I have noticed this time with those I had experienced and seen 20 years before. At that time, if you look at the Masjid al-Haram, the area around the Haram was not doubled; there were very few quality hotels nearby or far enough; the floor of Safa Marwah was not cool and now if you go you will see it is very cool at the moment.

Incredible progress has been made; each year there is massive progress. Massive construction and infrastructure is built up in Jamarat for stoning the Satan. Even the five floors and each floor is connected to one route. After stoning the Satan the pilgrims this time never turn back but they went straight to exit and then follow the direction to their tents.

Another wonder is the Monorail which is built up upon a very massive structure. The pilgrim can feel the care the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques is taking for the welfare of the pilgrims every year by concentrating how to improve the Holy Sites.

The kingdom is doing a lot to show that we are all God’s guests to the Holy Land. We were well received, well-treated and well-served, best of their ability. The problem of hosting millions of people at a particular time and moment is enormous. I must commend the Kingdom not many countries in this world can do this. Over three/four million guests at one time and giving them an adequate transportation, accommodation, feeding is a really wonderful job. I think the credit must go to the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and his leadership. Above all, the pilgrims are the Guests of Allah Almighty. Alhamdo Lillah, God supports the cause and that’s why we have a heat free pilgrimage this year. Equally I must repeat my recommendation to the Kingdom, to their resources, to all people in this year’s Hajj. The job is well-done.

Global Centre for Renewal and Guidance Workshop at Watford Hertfordshire

2011-12-07T11:37:00.000-08:00

International Conference on mechanism
how to deal with Muslim Minority

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Watford, Hertfordshire: Two-day conference titled “Juristic Reasoning in Regard to the Verification of Case Rationale as applied to Minority Jurisprudence” organised by the Global Centre for Renewal and Guidance (GCRG), London in cooperation with the Islamic Moderation Centre, Kuwait, held at the historic Hunton Park Hotel Conference Centre, Watford, Hertfordshire, from Saturday to Sunday, 26-27 November, 2011.

The conference was convened in the United Kingdom to create an understanding of Islamic rules and orders as far as the Muslim minorities are concerned. About twenty-six high-profile Islamic scholars from various countries including the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Mauritania, United States of America, Germany, South Africa, Tunisia, France and Somalia attended the conference, which was held at the historic Hunton Park Hotel Conference Centre, Watford, Hertfordshire between 26 and 27 November, 2011.

Influential names such as renowned Sheikh Abdallah Bin Bayah, Chairman of the Global Centre for Renewal and Guidance (GCRG), London; Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef, President, World Muslim Congress, Saudi Arabia; Mr. Shahid Malik former Justice Minister of the UK, Dr. Adel Abdullah Al-Falah, Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs of Kuwait and Hamza Yusuf, Vice-Chairman of the Global Centre were among the speakers. The conference ended with the issuing of a New Resolution approved by all the delegates.

The Conference discussed three important issues, first of all, about the objectives of the conference; secondly, about the Fatwa by Ibn Taymiyya on Dar-ul-Harb and Dar-ul-Islam and thirdly, the Islamic rulings about Muslim minorities living in the east or in the west. I have the opportunity to interview some of the scholars about those three issues. Among them were Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef, President, World Muslim Congress, Mr, Shahid Malik, former Justice Minister of the UK and Mr. Aftab Ahmad Malik, who is currently pursuing Ph.D. looking into the theological origin of Al-Qaeda and a global expert on Muslim Affairs of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and Mr. Jihad Hashim-Brown, Director of Research at the Tabah Foundation in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Objectives of the Conference
The workshop was discussing how to create an understanding of Islamic rules and orders so far as the minorities are concerned. Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef told me, “It is not required from the minorities to follow what has been done in the Muslim countries. Because they lived outside and the fatwa which was given to them makes them very upset; because they were asking to follow the Islamic rules like it was in Makkah and Madinah which is not possible. Of course, such thing as praying, fasting and other pillars of Islam, like this, nobody can change them. But as far as the daily life affairs, family matters and also co-existence with the non-Muslims; these are the things which has to be considered without any prejudice or without any narrow mindness. This is what the Global Centre is trying to introduce in this conference.”

Dr. Naseef said, “So this workshop is to create better understandings and puts the Islamic order, to make the Islamic community workable; you cannot force things. Islamic jurisprudence is very rich; you can make volumes out of them; and what about this minority. There is nothing about the present situation of minority. We have to create about this to make it easy; what is called is the verification of the situation. We have to verify the situation before you pass the judgement or give them the Fatwa. This is the process; we are at the beginning of the process. It needs cooperation, finance from different Muslim countries, institutions and universities and so on. If you want to create awareness in our Muslim countries; these institutions, organisations and universities of the Muslim countries should take part in this urgent, practical study of the cases, deep research into the situation and so on.”

Dr. Naseef also mentioned, “This conference is a part of different workshops continuing. It is not an easy job. It will take years to reach something recoverable to the communities but meanwhile we give them our Muslim communities assurances that we have the capabilities and abilities and the will to create the kind of situation which makes the Muslims happy living as minority in the east or in the west, still something can be useful.”

In this connection he mentioned about the European Council of Jurisprudence. He said, “I think the European Council of Jurisprudence have already started this process; they had a meeting last year and every time they meet they produce a fatwa, carefully studied to give the Muslims confidence that their Islam is rich with the solution which solves their problems.”

The Fatwa by Ibn Taymiyya
Confusion was created by an error in the manuscript of Fatwa by Ibn Taymiyya. It is one of many Fatwas written by renowned medieval scholar theologician called Sheikh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah. He was asked by the inhabitants of Mardin in Turkey about the status of Mardin whether it retained Islam status or is it become Dar-ul-Harb. Mr. Aftab Malik said to me, “That was an unusual question. If we read the context, we will find Mongols had adopted the Muslim faith only a few decades prior to the Muslim lands. The people were not sure whether they were really Muslims or not. So they asked this question. Even Ibn Taymiyya responded by saying look Muslims have their law, Christians have their law. It is neither Dar-ul-Islam nor Dar-ul-Harb; it’s a composite.”

Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef also told me in an interview, “Ibn Taymiyya said it is neither Dar-ul-Harb nor Dar-ul-Islam. We have to co-exist; we have to recognise each other and we have to give rights to everybody. So it is a long history. It happened because of distortion unintentionally.”

Speaking about the mistake, Mr. Aftab Malik said, “When the Fatwa was written, typed and produced a manuscript some 700 years ago, a mistake in one word committed.”

A discrepancy has come up in some printed editions of the fatwa with regard to the final passage “The Muslims living therein should be treated according to their rights as Muslims, while the non-Muslims living there outside of the authority of Islamic Law should be treated according to their rights.” In some printed editions, the text is corrupted to read: “…while the non-Muslims living there outside of the authority of Islamic Law should be fought as is their due.”

This change in meaning is the consequence of the substitution of two letters in a single word. Instead of the correct word yu`a¯mal (should be treated), the word is rendered yuqa¯tal (should be fought). This typographic error changes the meaning of the phrase drastically.

Dr. Naseef said, “The Fatwa of Ibn Taymiyyah was printed in Egypt with an error of one word that was a typing mistake. It is an Indian scholar who found the error and Sheikh Abdallah bin Bayah also looked for the manuscript and in one of the manuscripts in Egypt Sheikh bin Bayah found the true statement of Ibn Taymiyya which is everybody should be treated accordingly and so Muslims should be staying with others.”

That typographic error in typing “forms the basis of many of the radical Islamists today. So people wanted to justify their project or their idea that they have legality, they have a legal precedent, they will cite the Ibn Taymiyya’s Fatwa to prove a legal precedent,” said Aftab Malik and observed, “A number of implications arise from the Fatwa; the first and foremost is basing their understanding of the type of misprint and the second aspect is a lot of individuals does not qualify they don’t understand what Dar-ul-Harb or Dar-ul-Islam means. They have no background, no authority. As I have said in my speech that these people have secular profession, not religious profession. Unfortunately, we have inherited this madness. Those people who are inviting us to take these matters have no qualifications to make the pronouncement in public. We are so illiterate religiously that some of us listen unfortunately to what they say.”

Dr. Naseef said, “This is misunderstanding; this is misinterpretation and misuse of what they are talking about Ibn Taymiyya’s Fatwa. This has harmed the Muslims everywhere.”

Mr. Aftab Malik also said, “Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayah offers us a hope; he offers a synthesis between the text of our religious forefathers the great scholars but also the context. He understands some of the Fiqh-an-Nas and the Fiqh-al-waqih. So he is a person who understands the jurisprudence of the people but he also understands the context as well but unfortunately in the 20th century Muslims are playing by the scholars who know the text but do not know context; and those who know the context do not know the text.”

Mr. Jihad Hashim-Brown said about this Fatwa and Dar-ul-Harb and Dar-ul-Islam controversy was the topic of the previous conference that took place in Mardin, Turkey two years ago. He said, “One of the outcomes of that conference is that the pre-modern or medieval classification of states or regions as being Houses of Harb (war) or Houses of Islam is no longer applies, there is no reason of continuing applying that because international relations have become much more sophisticated; so we need to take deep into that tradition and see that what instrument or methodology enable us to come to success to get into it and viewing it going.”

Mr. Shahid Malik
Referring to Sheikh Abdallah bin Bayah’s speech on integration, Mr. Shahid Malik said, “Integration was the way forward. One of the great challenges we have in this country still is the reluctance or lack of integration. It is on both sides, if you will, not just the Muslim problem, it’s a problem for our society and so I think whatever comes out on 12/12/12 conference integration is such an important theme I hope it is addressed there and I am always give a strong message to Muslims in the UK that although we are 3% of the population we can’t afford to think 3% we got to think 100% if we want our society to work, even if we believe that 97% are just thinking 97%. “

Former Justice Minister also referred to another point of Sheikh Abdallah Bin Bayah’s speech, “One is text and context. It is so important, and it sounds quite poetic as well; that’s why we fly hopefully. It is really not just about the letter of the law but spirit of the law and there again it is really important theme Insha Allah, for next December 2012.”

Mr. Malik also said, “I am sure Insha Allah with the leadership that is here and the leadership that will be there at the 12/12/12 would get the kind of conclusion that Muslims all around the world are looking for and Insha Allah that would lead to a better age for Islam and for Muslims.”

Some comments and observations
about the Workshop
Dr. Naseef observed, “Our sources are limited; it needs big budget; every time we look for finance for our workshop, it needs attention of big Muslim organisations and Muslim countries to contribute or to take part in this research and do it themselves. I think, in my opinion, we should distribute the works, among people, individuals and organisations to adopt some of the research and they do; otherwise it would not be done.

Mr. Aftab Malik said, “I hope that Sheikh Abdallah bin Bayah and his Centre, the Global Centre for Renewal and Guidance (GCRG) start producing more policy directives; but you know it must be coming down to the masses. Because we don’t want to restrict to policy makers but I think the average person like myself like average Muslims we need to hear this because this gives hope.”

Mr. Hashim-Brown said, “The Global Centre for Renewal and Guidance was trying to reach deeply into the instrumental methodology inherent sacred law, sacred knowledge and find and draw on those dynamic methodologies to look at how we can find solutions to facilitate modern life in the contemporary societies for Muslims whether they still adhere to their religion, Islam or often times there are many obstacles challenges that are faced by Muslims the world over quite often in minority situations in the west.”

He also mentioned, “It would seem that as though there is no solution but in fact there are solutions and the mechanism to bring about new solutions are present in the traditions. So the ingredients of renewal are there; we just have to draw on them. Sheikh Abdallah bin Bayah’s efforts is to present some of these ingredients so said the methodology of renewal and draw people’s attention to them. They might very well enable more enlightened Islamic discourse for Muslims living in the west. “

Mr. Hashim-Brown also said, “The effort that has put on this Conference is very important and every little bit counts. It will have an impact in spreading an idea of grounded renewal of Islamic teachings and possibilities for cooperative and productive relationships of Muslims with the societies, of which they are members. So look like each event is extremely important because it pushes that understanding forward and it brings in advises in new people and take those things out and promote them to others. So it returns back to the very point you made that the people are hearing about that. Each little bit counts.”

Former British Justice Minister Mr. Shahid Malik commented, “I think this kind of workshop would lead to the conference in December next year or to give very strong guidance. But I also think there is a need to empower Muslims to be better citizens in the countries where they live. That might mean improving the quality of life and the participants better.”

Mr. Shahid Malik also said, “I also welcome this idea that Islam and Islamic principles are timeless in the sense that you can apply them to modern times as well. They are not static.”

Former Justice Minister of the UK said, “My advice is that after the 12/12/12 whatever the conclusion you come to, you should then do a road-show of this conclusion like in the UK, Road show in London, Birmingham, to Leeds, to Manchester, to Sheffield, to Nottingham, to Coventry, to Bradford. We got Muslim communities and talk about all these great scholars thought when they came together to conclusions they came to and I think in that way you start make sure that it goes to the grassroots and to the ordinary Muslims who can benefit from all these wonderful works taking place..”

Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha - An Ambassador of Islam

2011-12-01T15:15:00.000-08:00

Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha: Truly an Ambassador
of Islam in letter and spirit

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha was a great dawee. He always thought it is our duty and responsibility first to remember our Creator and worship Him. He never failed to remember his Creator and submit to Allah the Almighty five times a day whether in sound health or in illness, either at home or abroad. Dr. Pasha followed Islam in letters and spirit and remembered his duty to Allah the Almighty as much as he could in his own life by performing his daily prayers wherever he was even in the Vatican city or in Moscow when it was under the communist rule of the then Soviet Union

Dr. Pasha practised every tenet of Islam
“Dr. Pasha was one of the most honest and genuinely always held fear of Allah's reckoning on the Day of Judgement. May Allah swt accept his unparalleled services to Islam. He was true to his responsibilities and faith,” said Mr. Yousuf Bhailok, former-Secretary General and now Board of counsellor of MCB, member of the UMO and close colleague of late Dr. Pasha and also Chair of Al Jamiah al Islamiyah Darul Uloom Lancashire (Training Imams).

Mr. Bhailok also said, “Dr. Pasha practised every tenet of Islam to the letter and even his message in his will was words of wisdom for us to follow. As a young man he inspired me, he taught me that Taqwa means to face all challenges with fortitude and never to compromise on Islamic principles.”

Dr. Pasha involved in conveying the true message of Islam
And secondly, Dr. Pasha thought and used to say to me, it is also our duty and responsibility to convey the message of Islam to our fellow workers, colleagues and neighbours and that’s why he never missed whether he is in good health or in sickness to organise Prophet’s (peace be upon him) birthday celebration where he invited everybody irrespective of religion, caste and colour including Ministers, high government officials and members of other faith communities. Lord Sheikh, the Peer of the House of Lords, told me “Dr. Pasha had been involved in conveying the true message of Islam and he had devoted many years not only to give this message but also being involved in promoting peace and harmony between various racial and religious groups.”

Dr. Pasha never compromise on matters
relating to the teachings of Islam
Dr. Pasha was a man of principle, ideology and commitment and he never compromised on this principle, on any matters relating to the teachings of Islam and ready to struggle and suffer like any other ideological committed person. Sir Iqbal Sacranie, the former Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) and presently Chairman of the Muslim Aid Trust, told me, “Dr. Pasha was a man of principle and he never compromised on matters relating to the teaching of Islam. I admired his uncompromising stand which he conveyed with great humility and integrity to Ministers and civil servants when demanding the due rights of the Muslim community.”

Sir Iqbal also recollected and said, “His role during the years of the UK Action Committee on Islamic Affairs was instrumental in bringing the Muslim community together to defend the honour of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). No doubt, he has earned a rightful place in the Jannatul Ferdous. And May Almighty Allah give all of us strength to follow his last message which he conveyed in his will.”

His Actions and pronouncement never weakened
Not only Dr. Pasha remained firm, unchangeable and unyielding in his conviction and mission, but his action, deeds and assertion never weakened. Senator Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haque, the Secretary General of the Pakistan-based World Muslim Congress, told me, “Late Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha was one of those Muslims who had dedicated all his life to the service of Islam and Muslim. Even in the most difficult times he continued with his mission and even after 9/11 his activities and his pronouncement never weakened. He was a man who respected all other religions and his positive approach was a key to his success. He was a man of continued struggle and made a very successful life.”

Dr. Pasha’s single motto was unity of Muslim community
As a dedicated servant to the motto of the Union of Muslim Organisations (UMO) to achieve unity of the Muslim communities he spent his entire life for his mission and did not find time to enter into wedlock. Sometimes I used to say humorously to Dr. Pasha that it seems that you married to UMO. Haji Ahmad Thomson said, “Dr Pasha also sought to educate in the best way those who knew little about Islam or Muslims and who therefore were the unintentional victims of their own ignorance, misconceptions and blind prejudices. Blessed as he was with a keen intellect, a sound knowledge of the Qur’an and the Hadith and above all a sense of humour, even before it became fashionable to label all the Irish and all the Muslims as terrorists, Dr Pasha made it abundantly clear that Islam is a middle way, which has nothing to do with terrorism or extremism.”

“As well as striving to unite the various Muslim communities in the British Isles, Dr Pasha extended the hand of friendship to everyone and showed genuine respect for those who had different beliefs and different ways of understanding life. In the words of Imam Junayd, may Allah be pleased with him, he was like the earth which supports everyone and like the sky which shades everything. I have never heard anyone speak ill of Dr Pasha – and shame on anyone who has or does,” mentioned Hajji Ahmad.

The motto of the UMO, which is clearly enshrined in its Constitution, ‘Hold fast to the rope of Allah and be not divided.’ According to Dr. Pasha, this is a great opportunity for Muslims coming from various parts of the world to demonstrate the potentiality of Islam as a uniting force, as a cohesive force. It will eliminate discrimination on whatever grounds; race, colour or ethnicity – all this is taken care of in the Islamic faith, because the Holy Qur’an is very clear: All humanity comes from Adam and Eve and Adam came from dust. Exactly what our Prophet (peace be upon him) said in his Farewell Message on the Mount of Arafah. So the motto of UMO is to achieve unity of the Muslim community and to promote Daw’ah.”

To achieve the above goal, Dr. Pasha pursued single-handedly all through his dedicated objective of uniting Muslim communities and uplift their situation. Even before his death, Dr. Pasha still remembered his duty towards his co-religionists and left a last message for the Muslim community which was read out by Haji Ahmad Thomson after the Janaza prayer, “It is my wish and desire that the British Muslim community plays an important role in communicating the message of Islam to the British people and rejuvenate their moral and spiritual standards in accordance with the Divine Shari’a. I have spent 40 years of my life in this country to promote unity between Muslims of various nationalities settled here and Da’wah Islamiya. This is exactly the motto of UMO (Union of Muslim Organisations) for whom I happened to be one of the founders and Secretary General of.”

Death of Dr. Pasha a great loss of Muslim community
Dr. Pasha left the Muslim Community in the sea of sadness. Dr Ahmad al-Dubayan, Director General of the Islamic Cultural Centre and the Regents Park Central London Mosque, said, “The death of Dr. Pasha is a great loss of the Muslim Community.” Because some of the works that Dr. Pasha started remain incomplete. Lord Nazir Ahmed of Rotherham said, “I am very saddened because his work has not been completed because he was constantly trying, first of all, to introduce the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) birthday and many other events and then he was campaigning at the labour party conferences, as well as the political party conferences.”

Dr. Pasha was a great dawee and truly an ambassador of Islam in letters and spirit. Haji Ahmad said, Dr. Pasha “was both a pioneer and an ambassador in the way of Allah.”

The Muslim community needs someone to carry on the works that Dr. Pasha left incomplete. Dr. Al-Dubayan said, “What we hope now is that the Muslim leaders in our community will learn from Dr. Pasha and will have the same feeling and love for Islam and Muslims and for everybody as Dr. Pasha had.”

Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha - A leader dedicated to Islam and Muslim

2011-11-29T15:54:00.000-08:00

Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha: A leader
dedicated to Islam and Muslim

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha, born in Madras in South India, graduated from Madras University in 1950 and went on to study Law. He was enrolled as an advocate at Madras High Court; however, he decided to leave and go to study further in America, where he obtained his LL.M. from Wisconsin University in 1960 and SJD (Doctorate in Juridical Science), equivalent to PhD in the United Kingdom from New York University in 1963.

He came to the UK in 1965 and was persuaded to stay by a religious scholar as there was a need there to organize the British Muslim community. In 1970 he founded the famous Union of Muslim Organisations of the United Kingdom and Ireland, an organization that has been actively engaged to enhance the position of Muslims in UK and Europe.

Two years ago, in January 2005, Dr. Pasha was awarded an OBE by the Queen for his contribution to the Muslim community and multicultural harmony. Dr. Pasha was also honoured in 2006 by the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) and the London Islamic Cultural Centre (ICC) for his lifetime services to the Muslim community in Britain. Last November, 2007 the Global Peace and Unity (GPU) 2007 also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Pasha.

Dr. Pasha is such a great personality and a dedicated Muslim leader to the service of Islam and British community that I was enthralled to write a profile on him after interviewing his personal opinion and comments on several issues of the Muslim community in this country.

Interview with Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha
To pray and practise Islam in a non-Muslim country and to help other Muslims to do right is the passion of Dr. Pasha’s life. Speaking about the passion of his life, Dr. Pasha said, “My life is conditioned upon following the principles of Islam daily in my daily life. The most important thing which I found was prayers five times a day and Friday congregational prayer in a mosque. So when I went to America I was able to pray five times in my room but I was worried about Friday congregational prayers.”

President of the Muslim Students Association (MSA)
of the Wisconsin University
In order to have a place for Friday congregational prayer, Dr. Pasha began to gather the Muslim students coming from different parts of the world. “In the University of Wisconsin, there were about 200 Muslim students. I made contact with some of them and found positive response from them for the proposal for a congregational prayer. There was no Mosque no facilities. I approached a brother from Indonesia, a scholarship holder. He had a very big hall in his apartment just like a Mosque. In America, the apartments are luxurious, very big. So I suggested him to let his hall for Friday prayer. He was delighted to accept.”

Dr. Pasha was elected as the President of the Muslim Students Association (MSA) of the University of Wisconsin in 1958. He negotiated with the University to get a hall in the students union where the Muslim students can make their Friday prayers. “We got the permission, Alhamdu Lillah.”

Founder-member of Muslim Students
Association of USA and Canada (MSA)
Dr. Pasha is one of the founders of Muslim Students Association of the United States and Canada (MSA) which developed as the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA). Speaking about the founding of the Islamic Council of North America,

Dr. Pasha came to London in 1965. He found Dr. Muhammad Hoballah, Director of the Islamic Cultural Centre and Regents Park Mosque. Dr. Pasha met him in Washington. The Director introduced Dr. Pasha to Dr. Al-Gayoushi, the Assistant Director of the Islamic Centre, who gave him the facilities to organize Muslims. Dr. Pasha formed an Ad hoc Committee to convene a conference of Muslim organizations in the United Kingdom.

UNION of Muslim Organisations (UMO)
Speaking about the formation of the Union of the Muslim Organisations of United Kingdom and Ireland, (UMO), Dr. Pasha said, “First national conference of Muslim organizations was convened at the Islamic Cultural Centre in 1970. Nobody knew me, nobody knew anybody. But they know Islamic Cultural Centre. Muslim organizations responded to our call, read the constitution and we formed the Union of Muslim Organisations of the United Kingdom and Ireland. It was July 19, 1970. Alhamdu Lillah, we carried out with 38 founding members of the Union. Since then we never looked back. Each year the number increased and is increasing. There were only 200 Muslim organizations recognized in the United Kingdom. Now there are nearly a thousand. The UMO’s Membership is 216 Muslim organizations at present.”

After the formation of the UMO, the first priority was to find a suitable place which will be the Headquarters of the UMO. The Director of the Islamic Cultural Centre suggested we move to our own premises as the trustees of the Islamic Cultural Centre are the Muslim ambassadors of all the Muslim countries. Ibrahim Bawani suggested, ‘Dr. Pasha in this country nobody will give you money for Headquarters; the only man who will give you is King Faisal.’”

Dr. Pasha travelled to Saudi Arabia to ask King Faisal for help. “King Faisal was so happy to know that we formed a Union of Muslim Organizations in the United Kingdom and Ireland. He said, ‘This was my dream. I can give you anything you want. King was in such a happy mood that he promised 250,000 pounds to build a UMO Centre.’ 250,000 pounds at that time in 1970, was today equivalent to about 5 million pounds,” said Dr. Pasha.

After coming back to London, Dr. Pasha met the then Saudi Ambassador at the Saudi Embassy in London. In 1980, Saudi Arabia and Iraq helped to buy a property which became the Headquarter of the UMO.

Motto of UMO
Speaking about the motto of the UMO, Dr. Pasha said, “If you see our Constitution, it says, ‘Hold fast to the rope of Allah and be not divided.’ This is a great opportunity for Muslims coming from various parts of the world to demonstrate the potentiality of Islam as a uniting force, as a cohesive force. It will eliminate discrimination on whatever grounds; race, colour or ethnicity – all this is taken care of in the Islamic faith, because the Holy Qur’an is very clear: All humanity comes from Adam and Eve and Adam came from dust. Exactly what our Prophet (peace be upon him) said in his farewell message on the Mount of Arafah. So the motto of UMO is to achieve unity of the Muslim community and to promote Daw’ah.”

Achievements and Demands of UMO
Speaking about the aims, activities and achievements of the UMO, Dr. Pasha mentioned about getting the permission to build Mosques, to have time-off for prayers, funding for Muslim schools, representation of Muslims in the British Parliament, outlawing religious discrimination and incitement to religious hatred, official holidays for Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha and application of Muslim Family Law.

Permission to build Mosques
Dr. Pasha said, “The first thing I did was to write to Mr. Roy Jenkins, MP, the then Home Secretary, asking him to advise Local Councils to grant planning permission to build mosque in each area of this country. So, Alhamdu Lillah, we succeeded: the Home Secretary wrote to all local authorities to give positive response to the Muslim community’s demands for a Mosque.”

European Convention of Human Rights
Lord Irwin, the then Lord Chancellor, succeeded in getting Parliament’s approval to have this incorporated into the British Law. Article 9 of this Convention guarantees freedom of religion to all citizens of Europe under which we are claiming our religious rights, said Dr. Pasha.

Funding for Muslim schools
Speaking about the third achievements of the UMO, Dr. Pasha said, “Thirdly, we wanted funding for Muslim Schools. Catholic and Church of England Schools receive state funding; Jewish Schools also get state funding. So we succeeded in getting state funding for Muslim Schools. The first one was the Islamia Primary School of Brother Yusuf Islam; and then al-Furqan School in Birmingham. Now, Alhamdu Lillah, there are now 7 State-funded Muslim Schools out of a total of about 120 schools.”

Representation of Muslims in British Parliament
Speaking about the fourth achievement of the UMO, Dr. Pasha said, “UMO organized and held so many meetings in Parliament and so many fringe meetings in the party conferences – in the Conservative Party and the Labour Party conferences. We put forward UMO’s demands for representation of Muslims in the House of Commons and in the House of Lords. We succeeded, Alhamdu Lillah. There are four Muslims in the House of Commons and five in the House of Lords. This number is not sufficient. This number is not commensurate with our numbers. We have got more than two and a half million Muslims. Accordingly, we should have more than 35 Muslims in the House of Commons and more than 25 in the House of Lords. We are demanding and we will continue.”

Religious Discrimination and Incitement to Religious Hatred
Speaking about the next demand of the UMO, Dr. Pasha said, “Our next demand was for a bill which will outlaw religious discrimination and incitement to religious hatred. This Labour government promised and fulfilled the promise but, unfortunately, this bill was watered down, not to our expectations. I hope the next Parliament will continue our demand that this should be strengthened on the same lines as the Race Relations Act of 1976 to make it a criminal offence to discriminate against Muslims in employment and incitement to religious hatred.”

Blasphemy Law
“Law of Blasphemy applies to Christian religion only. Lord Scarman of the then Law Commission said this is not right. This is a multi-cultural multi-religious society. All religions should be treated equally,” said Dr. Pasha.

Holidays for two Eids and
Application of Family Law
Dr. Pasha said, “So far our demand is to have official holidays for Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha for the Muslim Employees and the application of Muslim Family Law. This is our very very important demand. Britain, being a multi-religious society, the Muslim community must have the right to practise the tenets of Islam. In our religion, the Muslim Family Law is obligatory and it deals with personal matters only. It is not affecting other people’s rights.”

Dr. Pasha also mentioned his personal views and opinions on some of the major issues of the Muslim community in this country, such as integration and cohesion, Hijab and Muslim education.

Integration and cohesion
“People are speaking about integration, cohesion and all this kind of things. We say, we are all for integration, but not for assimilation. Because Islam is a religion, is an ideology, and a way of life. We cannot abandon our cultural and religious values in order to achieve integration. We are integrated but we have got our own religious cultural identity. That means there will be no assimilation, not to subscribe to it,” said Dr. Pasha and added, “But integration, we are fully to it because we believe Islam is a religion for the whole of mankind and Allah has categorized us as the best Ummah.”

Hijab
Dr. Pasha said, “I will suggest Suratul Ahzab, which says, ‘O Prophet, Tell your wives, your daughters and the believing women to cover their bodies with Hijab; because this will be a source of identity that they are Muslims and this will also be a source of protection against evil doers. This is Order from Allah the Almighty. There is no choice for the Muslims here. The women are following the Order of Allah the Almighty, not my order or the order of the husband or order of anybody else. Allah the Almighty has made modesty of a woman a requirement for their entering into the Paradise. It is for their benefit and for wide morality in society. Therefore, wearing a Hijab is compulsory for the protection of woman and for the protection of man as well to protect their modesty. Allah has created man and woman and He knows which is good for the human society.”

Education
Dr. Pasha mentioned, “State funding to Muslim Schools will only increase the capacity of Muslims to communicate with non-Muslims. Muslim Schools will not be a ghetto schools; Muslim schools will open its doors to non-Muslims because Muslim schools will create their places for the Muslim children to inculcate the Islamic ethos and to build up their community in accordance with Islamic values while following the national curriculum. They will follow the National Curriculum.”

Interfaith
Dr. Pasha said, “Interfaith, I think, is very useful institution. I have been myself member of the World Council for Religion and Peace. I have been a member of the Executive Committee of the United Nations Association of Religious communities and I think this is a useful Forum to eradicate misunderstanding about different religions and other peoples religions,” said Dr. Pasha and added, “At the same time, it is my humble request to those people, Muslims, who are participating in this interfaith, not to be politically correct in their approach but to state clearly what Islam stands for. We are not offending anybody but we are only trying to put the case of Islam in its total perspective.”

Alcohol
Dr. Pasha said, “They are saying, Jesus took the last supper with wine. There is no proof of this. Whichever is intoxicating, which removes your senses of discriminating right and wrong is forbidden. But if they are drinking it is their problem. We are not trying to criticize anybody. But we will not drink alcohol ourselves. But we will be part of multi-faith dialogue. We will explain the true benefits of interfaith. We will say, Moosa (peace be upon him) and Issa (peace be upon him) - both of them foretold the coming of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) very clearly in their Books – Torah and Injeel. In the Bible, it is said clearly that after me a prophet will come whose name is ‘Pericletos’ (meaning the Praised ones) but clearly mention in the Bible of Barnabus as ‘Mohamana’ in Aramaic language."

Published in The Muslim Weekly, London

24 March 2008

King Abdul Aziz Centre for Dialogue - A Big Achievement

2011-11-25T13:18:00.000-08:00

King Abdul Aziz Centre for Dialogue:
A big Achievement

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Jeddah: Saudi Arabia: King Abdul Aziz Centre for National Dialogue was established on 3rd August 2003 towards fostering a national dialogue between people who hold different views. The Centre came into existence after the First National Meeting, which was held in Riyadh. This was followed by other national meetings whose subjects were chosen with care and concern so as to be of importance to the needs of society.

The Centre aims to provide an appropriate and permanent environment for national dialogue among individuals within Saudi society, in order to realize the general welfare and preserve national unity on the basis of the Islamic creed.

I enquired Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef about this King Abdul Aziz Centre for national Dialogue. Dr. Naseef said, “Last Ramadan, there was a meeting with King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques on dialogue. First of all, on 24th of Ramadan which was 21st of August, the meeting took place in the office of the Sheikh Abdullah al-Saleh al-Husseini, the Chairman of the al-Haramain al-Sharafian. The meeting took place in his office. We discussed about all the issues and then in the evening the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah, on the same day, on the 25th of Ramadan he greeted the committee, encouraged by saying the Centre is doing very well.”

Centre – a big achievement
Dr. Naseef also mentioned, “The culture of dialogue is spreading among the people, in the organisations and even within the families, King Abdullah said. You can be proud of that you have introduced as a committee and as a centre - King Abdul Aziz Centre for Dialogue as we introduced the culture of dialogue within the families. Now the people are speaking within their children, people with their wives and man with the woman and with other members of the family in a decent language and accepting the other ideas and so on. So he said this is a big achievement and congratulated the centre for this great achievement.”

The King Abdul Aziz Centre for National Dialogue strives to promote the culture of dialogue among the groups comprising the society of the nation. Looking towards the nation’s hopes and aspirations, the centre aims to contribute by participating in offering the prerequisites needed for prosperity and civilization.

Death of Dr Pasha a Great Loss of the Muslim Community

2011-11-25T00:53:00.000-08:00

Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha Passes Away:
A Great loss of the Muslim Community

Dr. Mozammel Haque
The death of Dr. Pasha is a great loss of the Muslim Community. I am sure that the younger next generation will remember always the remarkable efforts and achievements of Dr. Pasha for long time,” said Dr Ahmed al-Dubayan, Director General of the Islamic Cultural Centre to me and added, “What we hope now is that the Muslim leaders in our community will learn from Dr. Pasha and will have the same feeling and love for Islam and Muslims and for everybody as Dr. Pasha had.”

Muslim Community of Britain is in the sea of sadness with the passing of Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha, pioneer community leader, on Wednesday, 23rd of November 2011 (Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raajioon –To God we belong and to Him we return)).

For more than forty years from 1970 to 2011 Dr. Pasha relentlessly tried to improve the situation of Muslims and after 2001 he tried to convince the whole world, particularly the people of the United Kingdom that the British Muslims are the peace-loving and law-abiding citizens of this country through his speeches, statements and press releases of the Union of Muslim Organisations of the United Kingdom & Ireland (UMO) of which he was the founder and Secretary General.

Dr. Pasha, 81, devoted his whole life and time for the community service, for the well-being of the British Muslims through his organisation, UMO.

Dr. Pasha was awarded an OBE in January, 2005 by the Queen of the United Kingdom for his contribution to the Muslim Community and multicultural harmony. The British Muslim Community also acknowledged his devotion, dedication and perseverance and he was honoured in 2006 by the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) and the Islamic Cultural Centre, London, for his lifetime services to the Muslim Community in Britain.

In 2007, the Global Peace and Unity (GPU) also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Pasha.

The Janaza prayer of Dr. Pasha was held at the Islamic Cultural Centre and the Regent Park Central London Mosque after the Jumah prayer on Friday, 25 November 2011.

Dr. Pasha started his community service by establishing UMO in the Islamic Cultural Centre, London and the British Muslim Community gave him the warmest farewell from this world for his blissful and heavenly life Hereafter by praying farewell Janaza at the same place, Islamic Cultural Centre and Regent Park Central London Mosque on Friday, 25th of November 2011 after the Jumah prayer, where he never consciously missed any Friday Jumah prayer, while he was in sound health in London.

Dr. Pasha was placed on rest at Garden of Peace graveyard, Ilford, England, before Maghreb, on Friday, 25 November 2011. It was attended by Sir Iqbal Sacranie, Barrister Haji Ahmed Thompson and community leaders, Religious leaders, Ulema and other members of the Muslim community. Dr. Suhaib Hasan led another Janaza Prayer at the graveyard and made a special dua (supplication) after placing the body of Dr. Pasha at rest

Hajj-e-Mabrouk to you all from Holy Sites of Mina Arafat and Muzdalifah

2011-11-13T00:49:00.000-08:00

Hajj-e-Mabrouk to you all from the
Holy Sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah

Dr. Mozammel Haque

MINA: MAKKAH: I wish all of you who have performed Hajj this year a Hajj-e-Mabrouk and others a happy Eid Mubarak from the Holy Sites of Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah and Masjid-al-Haram in the Balad al-Ameen. The Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah congratulated all Muslims in the world in an address to the pilgrims on Monday, the 7th of November 2011. “From the land of the sacred message and revelation, I congratulate you and Muslims everywhere on the occasion of the Eid-ul-Adha,” the King said in his speech.

King Abdullah congratulates all Muslims the world over
The King prayed for the Muslim Ummah’s security and stability. “When security and stability prevails, societies grow, the economy prospers and the Ummah moves forward. Muslim societies should use Hajj as an occasion to learn. Among the great aims of Haj are unity, solidarity and getting rid of dissent and hatred,” the King said.

The huge number of pilgrims coming from different corners of the world to fulfil their fifth obligatory rite convinces anyone of the importance of ideas such as diversity, tolerance and dialogue, the king said. “The true image of the unified Ummah emerges during the Haj. They all have assembled with only one objective and in response to the call of Allah and in sincere devotion to the Almighty. Wherever we go we hear nothing but the sound of Talbiya (the declaration of ‘We are here in response to the call of Allah, the One’),” the king said.

King Abdullah added that an important lesson to be learned from Hajj is that pilgrims are ready to suffer anything when they go out in response to the call of Tawhid (belief in the oneness of God). The king said he learned a lot from watching the pilgrims every year. “I look at them during their walking and wandering around. I gain a lot from looking at them and I draw a unique energy from those huge crowds. I admiringly watch the look of satisfaction and tranquility in their faces. They also enjoy the blessings of security and serenity prevailing in this country. They are calm and quiet, the older ones are sympathetic to the young, the rich helps the poor,” he said, adding that such a scene could be observed only in the holy land.

“This good land on which pilgrims and visitors converge, with Allah’s blessing, enjoys security and stability as a result of the prayer of our father Ibrahim (peace be upon him). His prayer was ‘My Lord, make this a city of peace and security, and protect me and my sons from worshipping idols’ (Holy Qur’an Surah: Ibrahim, Verse: 35).”

The king also said serving the pilgrims is a great honor for the Kingdom. “We only seek the reward and help from Allah Almighty for undertaking the responsibility of serving the pilgrims,” he said.

This year Hajj - an unprecedented success –
Crown Prince Naif of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Crown Prince Naif, Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior, said international situations have changed and there were expectations that some others would exploit the occasion of Hajj to carry out chaotic deeds, but thanks to Almighty Allah, it did not happen. The Crown Prince made this statement while declaring the Hajj an unprecedented success, while stressing that this year’s pilgrimage was a greater success than in the past years.

He was speaking at a reception accorded to the officers of the Hajj security forces at the Interior Ministry headquarters in Makkah. “The fact is that we should thank all pilgrims because they have proved that they are Muslims respecting their obligatory rituals and they were all cooperative,” the crown prince added.

Prince Naif said the authorities were only concerned in making the Hajj easier and hassle-free for all Muslims.” We do not look at the country of the pilgrim or to any political issues. We view him as a pilgrim and Muslim, and so we should offer him whatever that makes his Hajj comfortable, safe, healthy and peaceful,” the prince said.

The Crown Prince also said every citizen should strive to guard the security of the country because there are some who are driven by others to positions that do not suit them and are made to deal in matters that are unlawful and harmful.

Hajj Free of Contagious diseases
Speaking at a press conference at MINA Emergency Hospital, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeh, the Health Minister of Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday declared this year’s Hajj totally free from infectious diseases or any cases that required quarantining. “The precautionary and preventive measures taken by the ministry led to pilgrims being safeguarded from all kinds of infections,” Al-Rabeeah said.

Another key step was the Ministry’s rigorous watch at all entry points into the Kingdom to detect if any incoming pilgrim was carrying symptoms of infections and to take immediate action if any suspicious case was found, the Minister said. “Preventive doses against meningitis were given to 365,777 pilgrims, oral polio vaccines to 532,400 pilgrims and yellow fever vaccines to 200,000 pilgrims at various entry points to the Kingdom,” the Minister said

The field health teams of the ministry handled 3,500 cases of sick pilgrims without sending them to hospital, the Minister said, while enumerating the accomplishments of his ministry during the Hajj. “The Ministry’s hospitals conducted 470 specialized heart catheterizations, 20 open heart surgeries to pilgrims in addition to a number of patients waiting to undergo the surgery in the next two days. The hospitals also conducted 886 kidney dialyses and 179 endoscopies,” the Minister said.

The Minister put the number of pilgrims who visited health centers in Makkah and Madinah at 421,760 and those who visited outpatient clinics in Makkah and the holy sites at 88,635. “These achievements attest to the Ministry of Health’s capability to offer high quality services to pilgrims,” the Minister said.

I am grateful to King Abdullah, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosque, who has invited me along with others to perform Hajj 2011.

British Muslim VIP Guests Perform Hajj 2011

2011-11-13T00:41:00.000-08:00

British Muslim VIP Guests perform Hajj this year

Dr. Mozammel Haque

MINA, MAKKAH: I am fortunate enough this year to be invited by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. Now we have been doing the rituals of Hajj according to the arrangements provided by the Royal Protocol. I have done a lot of Hajj before and seen a lot of hardships during the Hajj. So now at an advanced age I very much appreciate all these facilities that have been given to us which has made our Hajj very easy. I thank Allah the Almighty first of all. He has given me once again this life opportunity and secondly I thank the Saudi Monarch because of whom we are able to come for Hajj this year because there was no planning whatsoever to come for Hajj but suddenly out of blue the invitation came and within days all the things were prepared and we come here and we have been received by Royal Protocol in the Airport and straight away all the guests were taken to Jeddah Conference Palace and we performed our Umrah at Masjid al-Haram which was done also in a very easy way.

What I can say that the facilities which are provided to us they are because we are guest but the facilities that are provided to pilgrims they are in general are enormous, so big that no person could imagine what is the state of affairs now in comparison with what it was in thirty years ago. We also remember that many time some of the tents caught fire and then many many people have been burnt alive. That was those tents did not have all these precautionary measures which can stop the fire.

Revolutionary Development in Transportation -Dr. Ahmed al-Dubayan

Revolutionary development in the transportation in the Holy sites took place, said the leader of the VIP Guests from the UK, Dr. Ahmad al-Dubayan, Director General of the Islamic Cultural Centre, London and mentioned about the services that are provided here. “The authorities here did the best for us, to welcome us, to facilitate our Hajj. As regards the hospitality I have to admire the hospitality we have seen in accommodation, in food, in transport and in everything and these are something that we have to thank.”

Every year King Abdullah, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, invites Muslims from different parts of the world to perform Hajj as Royal guest. So far 18,000 Muslims from around the globe have performed Hajj during the past years as guests of King Abdullah. This year Hajj 2011 “King Abdullah will host 1,400 pilgrims from around the globe,” said Sheikh Saleh bin Abdul Aziz Aal Al-Sheikh, Minister of Islamic Affairs. Out of 1,400 pilgrims invited by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, 30 are from the United Kingdom.

This year 2011 the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has invited 30 Muslims from the United Kingdom. At the same time, there are another 20 guests who are actually hosted by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs of Saudi Arabia. So this year there are 50 guest altogether from the United Kingdom – 30 VIP and 20 from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

This 30 invited Royal guests include Muslim leaders; those who are people of influence, those who also serve the Muslim community, Ulema and religious scholars of different religious schools of thought in the UK. Among these VIP people are some politicians, such as Lord Mohammad Sheikh and his wife, Lady Sheikh, from the Conservative Party. There is Baroness Uddin from the House of Lords and Shahid Malik, the former Communities Minister from the Labour Party.

Similarly, the Muslim scholars are from different major groups of the Muslim organizations in the UK, for example, some scholars from Ahle-Hadith, some scholars of Deobandis, there are some scholars from other organizations.

These 30 guests of the Royal Protocol are British nationals, they are Muslim leaders, Muslim scholars and media people and some politicians; but as regards their ethnicity and cultural heritage, they are Muslims of different cultural heritage, such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Muslims from Saudi Arabia itself, Muslims from Tunisia and many other countries.

Similarly, the other guests with the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs are those groups of people who are really playing an important role in the Muslim unity and giving service to the Muslim community. They are British nationals but of different ethnic origins.

The leader of this VIP Guests from the UK, Dr. al-Dubayan, said, “This year there is a message. And that message of Hajj is a message of Peace. Hajj is an occasion of more dialogue and better relationship. The Hajj in Makkah is really the biggest demonstration of peace in the world. The Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United Kingdom, His Royal Highness Mohammad bin Nawaf actually has the same concern and that’s why Muslims from different religious schools of thought, people of different ethnic origins come together to demonstrate the message of Hajj and also of good relations and better chance of dialogue among themselves and also with the scholars of Saudi Arabia.”

Holy Makkah is fully ready to receive Guests of Almighty Allah

2011-10-31T13:56:00.000-07:00

Holy Makkah is fully ready to

receive Guests of Almighty Allah

Dr. Mozammel Haque

For the last four weeks I have been writing in this column about Hajj and what the British intending pilgrims have to do before going for Hajj. I think, now the time has come to inform the intending pilgrims about the rules and regulations, the facilities and arrangement on the ground in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Arrival of Pilgrims
All the preparation has been made in Makkah al-Mukarramah to receive millions of pilgrims in this year’s Hajj. Hajj flights started reaching in Saudi Arabia on 29 September and will continue until the end of October. The departure flights are supposed to start from 10th of November and end on 10th of December 2011.

The first batch of pilgrims for this year’s Hajj reached at King Abdul Aziz International Airport, Jeddah, on Wednesday, 28th of September. The batch consisted of two groups of South African pilgrims. The first flight carrying Indian pilgrims for Hajj reached Madinah al-Munawwarah on Thursday, 29th of September. A total of 170,491 pilgrims from India will perform Hajj this year. On the same day, the first batch of pilgrims, 284 in number, from the southern provinces of Thailand reached Jeddah. Some 13,000 pilgrims from Thailand will be coming for Hajj this year.

On Friday, 30th of September, the first batch of pilgrims, 205 in number from Pakistan reached Jeddah. A total of 180,000 Pakistani pilgrims will be going for Hajj this year. On the same day, the first batch of Chinese pilgrims reached Jeddah. A total of 13,800 pilgrims will leave China this year and they are expected to reach Saudi Arabia by 23 October.

All Hajj Pilgrims need to have vaccinated
The Saudi Ministry of Health has asked pilgrims to make sure that they are vaccinated against meningitis, cholera, yellow fever and dengue fever. It is learnt that disease-detection equipment has been deployed at the health centres of King Abdul Aziz International Airport and Jeddah Islamic Port. Specialised team will review the health certificates of passengers to see what vaccinations they have had. All the 16 entry points of the pilgrims into the Kingdom will be strictly monitored against any contagious disease.

All Hajj Pilgrims to be fingerprinted
It is also reported that all Hajj Pilgrims will be fingerprinted on their arrival in Saudi Arabia. Hajj plans are being implemented at King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah, Prince Muhammad Bin Abdul Aziz Airport in Madinah, Jeddah Islamic Port and other Makkah entrances.

Smart Cards for Pilgrims this year
Every pilgrim, on arrival at any of the Kingdom’s airports, seaports or border posts, will receive a digital smart card with all information of the pilgrim saved on it, it is reported in the press.

Shabab Book Satellite Programme
A satellite programme, titled, “Shabab Book” that is aired every Tuesday on Iqra Channel will be used this season to educate the youth about Hajj and its rites. This programme will be transmitted on 30 satellite channels. The Ministry is publishing information in 22 languages to reach Muslims around the world.

No cooking gas in Holy Sites
The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Prince Naif bin Abdul Aziz, the former Second Deputy Premier and Interior Minister, has banned the use of liquefied gas for cooking at the Holy Sites during Hajj for the second consecutive season. The ban would not cause any inconvenience to pilgrims as a number of safe kitchens with access to all pilgrims are set up in the holy sites.

Hajj Campaign
Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Governor of Makkah region, launched a Hajj Campaign under the motto “Hajj is Worship and Civilized Behaviour” has pinpointed the problems which should be dealt with, in particular the phenomenon of sleeping in the open in Makkah and the Holy Sites and the cases of those performing Hajj without a permit. The campaign aimed at educating pilgrims about how to perform the rituals properly and how to avoid behaviour that is not allowed in Islam.

The major objective of the campaign, according to Prince al-Faisal, is to make certain that pilgrims follow rules and instructions during Hajj. The Makkah Governor said the Kingdom wants to ensure that there is no overcrowding at the Holy Sites, stop pilgrims from sleeping in the open, and reduce pressure on the Grand Mosque and Jamarat Bridge. He said people who perform Hajj without a permit, sleep on the roads and litter at the Holy Sites are transgressing the laws of Almighty Allah. All these malpractices make it more difficult for the government to serve pilgrims effectively.

The Governor of Makkah said the campaign is meant to make pilgrims aware of negative and incorrect behaviour. This includes travelling without permits, sleeping in places that hamper the movement of pedestrians, machinery and cars, and littering.

Breaking the law for Hajj is a sin
Sheikh Saleh Aal Al-Sheikh, Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, said the campaign is meant to inform pilgrims about the importance of sticking to the rules made by the government and it is aimed at providing the best services to the Guests of Allah.

The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia said the Hajj Campaign launched by Chairman of the Hajj Central Committee, Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, is part of the government’s plan to make sure all pilgrims can perform the rituals like the Prophet (peace be upon him) did.

Health Hotline service for Hajj Pilgrims
The Saudi Ministry of Health will start a phone-in-service for Hajj pilgrims to obtain Health advice instantly. This service, known as “Saha Ziyufur Ar-Rahman” (Health for the Guests of Allah) is running for the seventh consecutive year, has proven successful in the past. This service will be available on the toll-free number 8002494444 and will greet the caller with ‘Allah Humma Labaik’ before diverting him or her to a medical officer. The medical team comprises consultants, cardiologists, medical specialists, pharmacists and dentists. The programme is handled by a group of Saudi women who work in the ministry and its city hospitals.

Signal Alerts for Availability of Space
The Grand Mosque has 176 gates. Now if there is space in the Grand Mosque, then a green light by the door will be lit but if there is none a red light will show. This arrangement is put in place to let pilgrims know if there was space for them inside the Haram or not so that they can pray outside in the plazas. These gates, which will remain open around the clock, were being manned by 800 men and women guards.

20 gates have been designated for people with special needs including the King Abdul Aziz Gate. The Grand Mosque has been supplied with a number of escalators to ensure the easy movement of pilgrims coming in or going out of the mosque.

Transportation
This year it is learnt that the General Syndicate of Cars has a new transport plan to ensure pilgrims perform their Hajj rites with ease, comfort and peace of mind. The Syndicate plans to operate 120,000 trips for pilgrims between the Holy Sites and Makkah and Madinah during the pilgrimage season. The plan will be put into operation by nearly 30,000 supervisors, members of administrative and technical committees, drivers and maintenance workers. For this reason, the Syndicate has secured 20,000 buses to transport pilgrims between Makkah and Madinah’s Holy Sites. 17 transport companies will provide 20,000 buses during this Hajj season.

Saudi women volunteer to serve female pilgrims
Over 25 female volunteers at the Tawafa Establishment of South Asia will look after 250,000 women pilgrims from South Asia. The volunteers will carry out activities and visit residences to educate pilgrims on the performance of Hajj and will also guide them at the Holy Sites. The volunteer will also ‘distribute tens of thousands of awareness brochures to pilgrims printed in different languages along with CDs that focus on Hajj rituals, it is learnt.

Toilets and service centres at Jamarat
It is also reported that there are plans to set up toilets and service centres in the towers of the Jamarat Bridge for emergency cases. The emergency forces presented a working paper on plans for crowd management at the Jamarat Bridge and other emergencies.

Last minute reminder for the British Pilgrims
The Foreign Office is urging Hajj pilgrims to get comprehensive travel insurance and essential vaccinations before embarking on their journey: The Foreign Office said:
- it is compulsory for travellers to the Hajj to have a Meningococcal Meningitis vaccination certificate in order to obtain a Hajj visa
- we strongly recommend that you have a seasonal influenza vaccination prior to embarking on your trip
-you should take out fully comprehensive travel insurance in advance
-check the Foreign Office travel advice for the latest on the situation in Saudi Arabia.

The Foreign Office will provide the full range of consular services and will be sending a delegation of consular staff. Pilgrims should ensure they look after personal belongings and should take particular care with travel documents, tickets and other valuables.

The delegation will be located at the Elaf Al Khalil Hotel, Makkah. You can find contact details and information on what the delegation can and can’t do in our travel advice for Hajj pilgrims. Ms. Nagina Akhtar, an experienced Consular Officer from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) will be leading this year British Hajj Consular Delegation.

Please visit the following websites as a last minute :
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/your-trip/hajj-pilgrims

Put Your Trust On Allah

2011-10-29T04:12:00.000-07:00

Put Your Trust on Allah

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Human life is not only full of roses, there are also thorns. There are pain, sorrows and difficulties. Difficulty comes, calamity befalls and disaster happens in human life. These could be surmounted with patience, perseverance and complete submission to the Will of Allah. Believer will always put his trust on Allah.

The test of a Mu’min lies in his resolute steadfastness in trials and tribulations. That is why the Qur’an says, “Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: “We believe,” and will not be tested.” (29:2)

Putting one’s trust in Allah (tawakkul ala Allah) is the spiritual weapon that turns weakness into strength and few numbers into large numbers. It was also the weapon with which the Messengers of Allah faced up to the tyrants among their people, never being intimidated by their tyranny or weakened by their mischief, but said: “And why should we not put our trust in Allah while He indeed has guided us our ways. And we shall certainly bear with patience all the hurt you may cause us, and in Allah (Alone) let those who trust, put their trust.” (14:12)

Putting one’s trust in Allah means to take Allah as one’s Guide, following His commands and depending on Him, as He says: “(He Alone is) the Lord of the east and the west, La ilaha illa Huwa(none has the right to be worshipped but He. So take Him Alone as Wakil (Disposer of your affairs).” (73:9)

You should take Allah as your disposer of affairs, however, only after you prepare yourself and take every precaution, then go ahead in confidence that Allah will not abandon you. Putting one’s trust in Allah should by no means be taken to mean neglecting one’s work; abandoning the means that lead to the ends, ignoring the approved practices or waiting to reap unsown seeds or harvest unattended crops. It means what the Prophet and the Messengers before him did, i.e. doing one’s best and leaving the outcome to Allah, out of trust in Him, out of conviction in His promise and out of belief in His support.

No person by himself is capable of fighting against the current of misfortune, nor can he fend off the blows of disaster when they strike. This is because man was created weak and fragile. However, when in times of difficulty, the believer places his dependency and trust with his Lord; he knows that all difficulties can be overcome. “put your trust in Allah if you are believers indeed.” (5:23)

Human being has to be sincere to himself, to his belief in Allah and depend completely and fully upon Allah Almighty Alone. He can alone save from calamity and disaster. Live your lives according to this precept: Allah Alone is sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of our affairs.

If you have meagre means, if you are deep in debt, or if you are in any kind of worldly difficulty, call out: Allah Alone is sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of our affairs.

If you face your enemy and are alarmed, or if you fear the misdeeds of the oppressor, say Aloud: Allah Alone is sufficient for us, and He is Best Disposer of our affairs. “But Sufficient is your Lord as a Guide and Helper.” (25:31)

By leaving our affairs to Allah, by depending upon him, by trusting in His promise, by being pleased with His decree; by thinking favourably of Him, and by waiting patiently for His help, we reap some of the greater fruits of faith, display the more prominent characteristics of the believer.

When we incorporate these qualities into our character, we will be at peace concerning the future, because we will depend on our Lord for everything. As a result, we will find care, help, protection, and victory.

When Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) was thrown into the fire, he said, “Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and he is the Best Disposer of Affairs (for us).” Thereupon, Allah made the fire to be cool, safe, and peaceful for Ibrahim. When the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his Companions were threatened by the impending attack of the enemy, “they said: Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us). So they returned with Grace and Bounty from Allah. No harm touched them; and they followed the good Pleasure of Allah. And Allah is the Owner of Great Bounty.” (3:173-174)

On another occasion, our noble Prophet made the best arrangements for his Hijrah, but the unbelievers managed to reach the cave where he was hiding. “If you help him (Muhammad, peace be upon him) not (it does not matter), for Allah did indeed help him when the disbelievers drove him out, the second of two, when they (Muhammad, peace be upon him and Abu Bakr RadhiAllahu Anhu) were in the cave, and he, peace be upon him, said to his companion (Abu Bakr RadhiAllahu Anhu): “Be not sad (or afraid), surely Allah is with us.” (9:40)

This was also what Prophet Moses (pbuh) said to his people when Pharaoh and his soldiers were pursuing them and they were caught between the sea before them and their enemy behind them:

“And when the two hosts saw each other, the people of Moses said: “We are sure to be overtaken.” (Moses) said: “Nay, verily! With me is my Lord, He will guide me.”(26:61-62)

We are in need of this sort of conviction in facing the hardships and difficulties and we should trust that Allah is with us; and those who have Allah with them will never fail: “And if Allah helps you, none can overcome you; and if He forsakes you, who is there after Him that can help you? And in Allah (Alone), let believers put their trust.” (3:160).

Hajj and the British Muslims - A Historical Perspective

2011-10-24T17:08:00.000-07:00

Hajj and the British Muslim Community

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Hajj is an obligatory duty in a lifetime for every capable, both physically and financially to perform Hajj in a lifetime. It is one of the five pillars of Islam. As it is an obligatory duty, it is essential that every Muslim who is planning to go for Hajj is to make himself abreast about different aspects of Hajj. It is necessary to know about the social, economical, moral, educational and religious aspects of Hajj.

British Muslim Community
25,000 British Muslims go for Hajj every year and many thousands do Umrah and there was a need for British Muslims facilities not only consular advice but more important health advice and other kind of advice. These intending pilgrims have to understand the challenges and the rules and requirements during the Hajj. There are health and safety issues; booking traveling and accommodation issues and more importantly to make them aware about the tour operators and travel agencies.

Hajj Awareness
Feeling the pain of some losses of British Muslim lives during the tragedy which occurred during Hajj in 1989 and realising the importance of proper preparation for Hajj, the Union of Muslim Organisations (UMO) passed a resolution as early as 1990 calling upon the British Foreign Office to consider the establishment of an official Hajj Mission in coordination with the UMO. Some organisations, later on, were also started thinking about the desperate need to make an appropriate arrangement to promote Health & Safety Awareness of the British Pilgrims.

Thus, two organisations came up, one Association of British Hujjaj (ABH), a charity organisation, and another initially Hajj Advisory Committee, composed of major Muslim organisations, later became British Hajj Delegation. Let us begin with the Association of British Hujjaj.

Association of British Hujjaj (ABH)
In order to prevent any future loss of human life amongst British Hajj pilgrims, the Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK (ABH) the only National Hajj specific voluntary organisation in the United Kingdom, National charity, was formed in 1998 by professionals, senior doctors, religious scholars, and people from all walks of life to research and develop a positive plan to address these issues.

The aim of the Association of British Hujjaj is to provide up to date training and practical advice to pilgrims to perform a safe Hajj by distinguishing health and safety risks and devising strategies to curtail them and to create and update information regarding health and safety matters amongst the community, especially amongst those from relatively lesser educational background.

Hajj Awareness Week
The Association of British Hujjaj (pilgrims) U.K. has taken another initiative to launch first ever National Hajj Umrah (Health and Safety) Awareness Week in December 2004. It was launched by Lord Ahmed of Rotherham (Patron of ABH) at the House of Lords, London. Every year the ABH launches Hajj Awareness Week throughout the United Kingdom to make aware those persons who want to perform Hajj well ahead of the Hajj season immediately after the month of Ramadan.

The purpose of this national event was to raise awareness of the Health & Safety issues amongst the 25,000 prospective British Hajj & Umrah pilgrims who will start travelling from UK to join over 2 million other pilgrims in Makkah to perform Hajj. Every year after the month of Ramadan, the Association of British Hujjaj held a National Hajj (Health & Safety) Awareness Week at the House of Lords.

THE Association of British Hujjaj also carried out Meningitis Awareness Campaign every year. To make Meningitis Awareness Campaign a success, several events were organised, including the extremely successful re-launch of the meningitis campaign at the occasion of its annual conference in Birmingham, before the Hajj in January 2002.

Friends of the Association of British Hujjaj Award
This year, 2011, as usual, the National Hajj and Umrah (Health & Safety) Awareness Week was launched on 14 September, at the House of Lords by the Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK (ABH). For the first time in 12 years the Association of British Hujjaj has decided to present its special Award for the community services and for the noble cause of Hajj. While announcing the Award, Dr. Syed Raza Hussain, senior doctor from the Association of British Hujjaj, UK, said, “ABH is totally dedicated and committed to provide up to date knowledge and information to British Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.”

Dr. Hussain said, “Today’s selected “Friends of the Association of British Hujjaj, UK” are both well-respected in the community for their integrity, sincerity, loyalty, reliability and upright dedication to their community voluntary services and the noble cause of the ABH.” Today’s chosen two Friends of ABH are Mr. Sarbuland and Dr. Mozammel Haque,” declared Dr. Hussain.

Lord Ahmed, the Patron of the ABH (UK), presented the Award to Dr. Mozammel Haque, Media Advisor of the Islamic Cultural Centre, London, on behalf the Association of British Hujjaj (ABH), UK, at the House of Lords, in recognition of his community services and the noble cause of Hujjaj.

British Hajj Delegation: Background
Another organisation which is devoted to the service of British Hujjaj is the British Hajj Delegation. Let us go back to the background history of the formation of British Hajj Delegation. It may be mentioned that as early as September, 1990, the Twentieth Annual Conference of the Union of Muslim Organizations, UK & Eire (UMO), under the leadership of Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha, held in London, called upon the UMO to “continue its negotiations with the British Government to establish an official Hajj Mission to assist the increasing number of British Muslims who are performing Hajj every year.” Next year, again in September, 1991, at its Twenty-First Annual Conference held at the Cavendish Conference Centre, London under the chairmanship of Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha, UMO General Secretary, passed resolution to the effect that this conference “called upon the British Foreign Office to reconsider its position with regard to the establishment of an official Hajj Mission in coordination with the UMO.”

The Association of British Hujjaj (ABH) approached the Foreign Office, and the first meeting between the ABH and Foreign Office Minister Baroness Symons was held on 15th July 1999, in the House of Lords. The Minister agreed to facilitate Hajj arrangements to provide healthcare, welfare and support services, such as bereavement, lost pilgrims, loss of luggage, passport, flight tickets and money etc. for British Hujjaj at Makkah in Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Pasha had been continuing calling upon the government till Lord Nazir Ahmed of Rotherham was appointed a Peer in the House of Lords when Lord Ahmed, as he has been in the House of Lords, asked the British government to form a delegation that can lead the Muslim members of the British community to Hajj. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office at that time under the leadership of Baroness Symons first established this service for the British Hujjaj. As a result, the British government was the first European or rather first Western government that actually appointed the British Hajj Delegation in 1999.

After a series of meetings at the Foreign Office, the first ever British Hajj Delegation, headed by Lord Ahmed of Rotherham, went to Saudi Arabia to help British Pilgrims at Makkah during the Hajj period in 2000. This delegation set up a camp in Makkah during Hajj 2000 to provide full range of free medical, safety and consular facilities to the British Hajj pilgrims. This delegation has dedicated services to the British Hajj pilgrims on annual basis each year since 2000.

Hajj Advisory Committee
After returning back from Hajj, Lord Ahmed resigned. And just one and a half month before the Hajj of 2001, Baroness Scotland sent the British Hajj Delegation led by Lord Adam Patel of Blackburn in 2001. There was no official launching of the Delegation as there was not enough time to do that.

In 2002, a Hajj Advisory Committee was formed. This Committee consisted of representatives of different shades of the Muslim community and representatives of the major Muslim organisations, such as Union of Muslim Organisations (UMO), Islamic Cultural Centre (ICC), Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), Al-Khoei Foundation and others. At that time, the office of the British Hajj Delegation was at the Islamic Cultural Centre, London. Even the British Hajj Delegation used to launch from the Islamic Cultural Centre, London. Foreign Secretary Jack Straw launched the British Hajj Delegation from the Islamic Cultural Centre, London, and addressed by Dr. Ahmed al-Dubayan, Director General of the Centre and Lord Patel the leader of the delegation.

British Hajj Delegation
From the very beginning, the British Hajj Delegation was sent to Saudi Arabia by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in partnership with the British Muslim Community. From 2002 to 2006, every year, the British Hajj Delegation was launched by the British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw from the Islamic Cultural Centre, Regents Park Mosque, London and it was attended by Lord Patel and Dr. Ahmed al-Dubayan, Director General of the Centre. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office in partnership with the British Muslim community was sending British Hajj Delegation to Makkah to provide help and support to the thousands of British pilgrims.

In 2006, Margaret Beckett, the then Foreign Secretary, launched the British Hajj Delegation from the Islamic Cultural Centre and Dr. al-Dubayan and Lord Patel addressed the launching event. The British Hajj Delegation represented an exemplary cooperation between the British Government, the Saudi Government, and the British Muslim Community. When David Miliband, MP, became Foreign Secretary he moved the office of the delegation and launched the British Hajj Delegation from the House of Parliament in 2007 and it was addressed by Lord Patel only. In 2008, the British Hajj Delegation was launched again by Foreign Secretary David Miliband from the Lancaster House and addressed by Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United Kingdom and Lord Patel. And in 2009, it was again launched by David Miliband and addressed by Ambassador Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf and Lord Patel; but this time from the Blue Room of the Foreign Secretary’s Residence.

Thus British Hajj Delegation was started in 1999 and Lord Ahmed led the first British Hajj Delegation to Saudi Arabia in 2000 and from 2001 to 2009, Lord Adam Patel of Blackburn led the British Hajj Delegation. The British Hajj Delegation, since it has started, has directly supported over 23,000 British Pilgrims over the last 13 years.

The British Hajj Delegation, like the Association of British Hujjaj, used to launch every year its delegation before the Hajj. .The British Hajj Delegation used to go to Saudi Arabia every year; hold medical clinics, free medical treatment and offer consular advice in Makkah. There was a partnership among the British Government, the Saudi Government and the British Muslim Community. The Delegation used to comprise of 9 doctors, 3 consular officials and Lord Adam Patel of Blackburn, the leader of the Delegation.

Recollecting those days, Baroness Lady Symons of Vernham said at the House of Lords on 9 April, 2003, “Since 2000, we have supported and funded Hajj delegations. I remember well the valuable help that the noble Lord, Lord Ahmed, gave me in trying to set up that initiative. It involves a partnership between government and the Muslim community and has also been led by the noble Lord, Lord Patel of Blackburn. This year's delegation, which included eight medical staff, helped about 10 per cent of 15,000 British pilgrims. The noble Lord can take much credit for having been part of the trigger that got that going. We have also been running successful Islamic awareness training courses for our staff.”

British Hajj Consular Delegation 2011
In 2010, the British Hajj Delegation was launched from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) by the Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, Minister without Portfolio. “Lord Patel has done tremendous amount of work and Lord Ahmed who set up the delegation also did tremendous amount of work,” said Baroness Warsi, at the launching of the British Hajj Delegation on 27th of October 2010 from the Durbar Court, Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) London.

This year, 2011, the British Hajj Consular Delegation was launched from the Durbar Court of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) in the presence of Baroness Warsi, Jeremy Browne, Foreign Office Minister and Ambassador Prince Mohammad bin Nawaf on Monday, the 10th of October, 2011. The launching event was attended by Ambassadors, diplomatic representatives of different Muslim Embassies in London, Community leaders and media personnel. This year Ms. Nagina Akhtar, an experienced Consular Officer from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) will be leading the British Hajj Consular Delegation.

While launching this year British Hajj Consular Delegation, Minister Browne, thanked the Saudi Government for their “excellent services to all pilgrims”. Mr. Browne said, “The government of Saudi Arabia provides excellent services to all pilgrims. We are very grateful for their close cooperation with the British Embassy and the Consulate Directorate here in London.”

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has distributed a leaflet entitled “HAJJIS” which instructs and informs British Muslims what they have to do. The aim of the FCO Hajjis leaflet is to assist British Hajjis in preparing for the Hajj and to explain what services the British Hajj Delegation can offer British pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

Mosque seminars and training programme
Generally, Mosques play an important role everywhere irrespective of Muslim majority and Muslim minority countries to inform pilgrims, train them, giving them a brief introduction and training how to perform Hajj and what are its different rites.

With special reference to United Kingdom, besides the above two organisations, many Mosques hold seminars and training programme throughout the different regions of the United Kingdom, particularly in Midland, in Yorkshire and Scotland to make people become more aware and mentally prepared.

British Hajj Consular Delegation 2011 Launch

2011-10-14T13:40:00.000-07:00

Launch of British Hajj Consular Delegation 2011
At the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)

Dr. Mozammel Haque

The British Hajj Consular Delegation 2011 was launched at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) in the presence of Baroness Warsi, Cabinet Minister without Portfolio, Jeremy Browne, M.P. Foreign Office Minister and His Excellency Prince Mohammad bin Nawaf bin Abdul Aziz, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia in the United Kingdom and Ireland on Monday, the 10th of October, 2011. The launching event was attended by Ambassadors, diplomatic representatives of different Muslim Embassies in London, Community leaders and journalists.

Saudi Arabia provides excellent services
Jeremy Browne, Foreign Office Minister
While launching this year British Hajj Consular Delegation, Foreign Office Minister, Jeremy Browne, M.P. thanked the Saudi Government for their “excellent services to all pilgrims”. Mr. Browne said, “The government of Saudi Arabia provides excellent services to all pilgrims. We are very grateful for their close cooperation with the British Embassy and the Consulate Directorate here in London.”

He also assured to make the pilgrimage “enjoyable and trouble-free experience as much as possible”. Foreign Office Minister also introduced Ms Nagina Akhtar who is going to be the delegation leader this year and she is a very experienced consular officer, said Browne and added, “I am told she will be the first woman to perform this duty on our behalf.”

Referring to last year activities of the Delegation, Mr. Browne said, “Last year Consular delegation provided a wide range of support; provide emergency travel documents; to replace stolen or lost passports; support the hospitalised pilgrims, provide consular assistance in the event of death and advice to the British pilgrims who were victims of tour operators.”

As a Minister responsible for the UK Consular, Mr. Browne mentioned, “I have taken a special interest in the preparation of this year Hajj Delegation along with Baroness Warsi.”

Hajj was a huge amount of investment
Baroness Sayeeda Warsi
In her Opening Remarks, Baroness Warsi, Cabinet Minister without Portfolio, mentioned, “I have the privilege of doing Hajj last year as the guest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It provided me with the first hand experience how challenging, how rewarding, how amazing, how moving, how completely life-changing experience of Hajj is. Some 20,000 pilgrims from Britain have the privilege of performing Hajj every year.”

Baroness Warsi also mentioned about people that she was travelling who had performed Hajj and her own experience of performing Umrah in the last. She said, “Hajj was a huge amount of investment that is going on to make the experience of Hajj and Umrah easier on so many different levels, whether that is infrastructure, healthcare in which you are moving around in a very small place in a very limited time which is Hajj becomes.”

“Of course, by nature Hajj is a demanding and our consular services are there hopefully to provide a support,” Baroness Warsi said and she also added, “Nagina Akhina will be leading the Delegation along with consular offices in Riyadh and Jeddah. Our Consular General in Jeddah, Mr. Shaukat, may be many of you will be familiar with, will be there.”

Saudi Ambassador Prince Mohammad bin Nawaf
While thanking Baroness Warsi and Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne for their kind words, Saudi Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Prince Mohammad bin Nawaf bin Abdul Aziz, also thanked the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. “I would also like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the Gulf Team and the Hajj Desk at Her Majesty’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office for the invaluable support they extend, annually, to British Hajj Delegation. Such support has proven to be instrumental in the success of the many delegations throughout the years. Needless to say, the support offered by the British Government to the Hajj Delegation is an embodiment of the care and attention it gives to British Muslims as an integral part of this country’s demographic combination – a care and attention that unquestionably strengthens all British Muslims’ sense of belonging to their national homeland and reinforces their commitment and dedication to the well-being and development of their communities and the country as a whole,” said Prince Mohammed.

Hajj as the most beautiful and moving
Prince Mohammed mentioned, “In a world full of religious rituals, one must certainly list the Hajj as the most beautiful and moving, and it can be regarded so not only because it is the largest on earth, but for three further reasons; which I shall summarize as the purpose, the people, and the passion.”

Purpose of Hajj: to fulfil the obligation of the fifth pillar
Explaining and elaborating the three reasons, Prince Mohammed said, “First, the purpose: What is the purpose of the Hajj? It is, first and foremost, to fulfil the obligation of the fifth pillar which is that every Muslim of able body and means must do the Hajj. But, of course, in performing such an obligation the pilgrim carries out other profound and important tasks. He demonstrates his solidarity with the Muslim people. He exhibits his devotion to the birthplace and the life of the Prophet, peace be upon him. And, most of all, he actively proves what he verbally expresses during the first Tawaf: Bism Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lil Lahi Alhamd – In the name of God, God is Great, God is Great, God is Great and praise be to God.”

The People: They travel from Diaspora to divinity
Mentioning about the second reason, Prince Mohammed said, “The second reason that the Hajj is so unique and spiritually stirring is the people that perform it. For we must not forget that the individuals who call themselves Muslims, and who perform the Hajj, live within diverse cultures and cross numerous borders to carry out their Islamic duty. They are Malaysians, Canadians, Chinese, Kenyans, Azerbaijanis, Germans, and more. Yet for each, the reality remains the same - they travel from different lands to one land – from places where their religion can make them feel foreign at times to a place that has always been the home of their religion - in short, they travel from Diaspora to divinity.”

The Passion: passions of devotion, of commitment,
“Finally, the Hajj is an incredible experience due to the passions that are exhibited by the pilgrims – the passions of devotion, of commitment, of service; of community, of humility, and of the desire to live by the purest and most peaceful principles. For with its simple, unified and soul-touching rituals, the Hajj stands as a true reflection that is at the heart of Islam. For all are equal in the Hajj, all are motivated by the same force, and all go to serve the same God, blessed be Allah, humbly and obediently. It is rare in today’s world to find such deep and tireless devotion, especially to the performing of an act that is at its heart done to serve nothing more than the passionate cause of peace, love and unity,” said Prince Mohammed.

The Saudi Ambassador mentioned, the Hajj is an amazing journey, a profound religious ritual, and a testament to the power of Islam. I have no doubt that many of our British Muslim brothers and sisters have experienced the truth of this claim first hand, and I further trust that the members of this year’s Hajj Delegation will discover it as well as they undertake their blessed journey, he said.

Prince Mohammed said, “Of course, as a Muslim and as a Saudi, I feel exceedingly proud to be representing the nation that - as always - will have the honour and privilege of hosting this dedicated Delegation of Muslims – and millions more like them – who will be coming from all over the world this year to perform Hajj. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we believe that God Almighty has blessed our nation with the honour and responsibility of being the Custodians and servitors of Islam’s most sacred mosques in Makkah and Madinah. This is a blessing that we thank God for, and a responsibility that we take very seriously.”

Speaking about those who are in the Saudi Embassy in London, the Saudi Ambassador said, “We are honoured to be a part of the efforts exerted by our country to live up to its esteemed responsibility. It is no small task, as many of you know, to play host to millions of pilgrims, for it poses huge on-going administrative, organisational, logistical and safety challenges.”

“Fortunately, our leader, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, his Crown Prince and the Second Vice Premier, personally lead all sectors of the Saudi government in putting forth sizeable efforts to face these challenges effectively and efficiently. This requires the allocation and proficient management of huge human, financial and cultural resources, but it is an effort that the Kingdom is only too honoured to be allowed to make in the name of Islam,” said Prince Mohammed.

Improving the services and expansion of Haramain
Referring to the improving the services and the expansion of the Haramain, the Saudi Ambassador said, “Throughout the past years, the British Hajj Delegation and the many other visitors to the Holy Places in Makkah and Madinah have seen a large-scale projects that have been launched and completed to continue improving the services provided to them. This year, however, the visitors to the Holy Places will notice an exceptionally impressive addition to these efforts. Under the direction of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz - who has already carried out the expansion of Al-Masaa and the construction of the massive Al-Jamaraat Bridge Complex – the foundation was laid just in the last few weeks for even more large scale projects in Makkah and Madinah, including the biggest expansion in history of the Holy Mosque in Makkah. This expansion will increase the capacity of the Holy Mosque in Makkah.”

Prince Mohammed also said, “This expansion will increase the capacity of the Holy Mosque by more than 150%; from six hundred thousand to over one and a half million worshippers will now be able to be contained within its walls. All of these massive construction projects are aimed at making Hajj and Umrah easier, safer and more comfortable for our honoured guests.”

Out of approximately 2 million Muslims in the United Kingdom about 25,000 British citizens are expected to perform Hajj this year. The Saudi Ambassador assured them “the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will spare no effort to ensure that their pilgrimage to the Holy Places begins and concludes safely and peacefully and that it is as fulfilling as befits such an important experience. Further, we in the Saudi Embassy hold it as our highest obligation to be at the service of these pilgrims should they require our assistance in any way”, said the Saudi Ambassador. .

Saudi Ambassador wishes blissful visit to the
Holy Places, an ideal Hajj and a safe return to their homes
The Saudi Ambassador concluded his speech by wishing the British Hajj Delegation, and all British Muslims who are performing Hajj this year, “a blissful visit to the Holy Places, an ideal Hajj and a safe return to their homes and loved ones.”

Foreign Office advises British nationals to prepare
Before travelling to the Hajj
Britons travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj should prepare carefully and follow travel safety advice. Around 20,000 are expected to make the journey from 4-9 November.

The Foreign Office is urging Hajj pilgrims to get comprehensive travel insurance and essential vaccinations before embarking on their journey: The Foreign Office said:
- it is compulsory for travellers to the Hajj to have a Meningococcal Meningitis vaccination certificate in order to obtain a Hajj visa
- we strongly recommend that you have a seasonal influenza vaccination prior to embarking on your trip
-you should take out fully comprehensive travel insurance in advance
-check the Foreign Office travel advice for the latest on the situation in Saudi Arabia.

The Foreign Office will provide the full range of consular services and will be sending a delegation of consular staff. The majority of cases that the delegation handled last year were replacing travel documents. Pilgrims should ensure they look after personal belongings and should take particular care with travel documents, tickets and other valuables.

The delegation will be located at the Elaf Al Khalil Hotel, Makkah. You can find contact details and information on what the delegation can and can’t do in our travel advice for Hajj pilgrims.

Nagina Akhtar leading the British Hajj Delegation
Nagina Akhtar, an experienced Consular Officer from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) will be leading this year British Hajj Consular Delegation.

British Hajj Delegation: Background
Looking back at the formation of British Hajj Delegation, it may be mentioned that as early as September, 1990, the Twentieth Annual Conference of the Union of Muslim Organizations, UK & Eire (UMO), under the leadership of Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha, held in London, called upon the UMO to “continue its negotiations with the British Government to establish an official Hajj Mission to assist the increasing number of British Muslims who are performing Hajj every year.” Next year, again in September, 1991, at its Twenty-First Annual Conference held at the Cavendish Conference Centre, London under the chairmanship of Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha, UMO General Secretary, passed resolution to the effect that this conference “called upon the British Foreign Office to reconsider its position with regard to the establishment of an official Hajj Mission in coordination with the UMO.”

Dr. Pasha has been continuing calling upon the government till Lord Nazir Ahmed was appointed a Peer in the House of Lords when Lord Ahmed, as he has been in the House of Lords, asked the British government to form a delegation that can lead the Muslim members of the British community to Hajj. As a result, the British government was the first European or rather first western government that actually appointed Lord Ahmed as head of the British Hajj Delegation in 1999. British Hajj Delegation was started in 1999 and Lord Nazir Ahmed of Rotherham led the first British Hajj Delegation to Saudi Arabia. From next year, 2000 to last year, 2009, Lord Adam Patel of Blackburn led the British Hajj Delegation. The British Hajj Delegation, since it has started, has directly supported over 23,000 British Pilgrims over the last 13 years.

“Lord Patel has done tremendous amount of work and Lord Ahmed who set up the delegation also did tremendous amount of work,” said Baroness Warsi, Minister without Portfolio, at the launching of the British Hajj Delegation on 27th of October 2010 from the Durbar Court, Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), London.

Hajj - A Lifetime Journey to Grand Muslim Congress

2011-10-05T06:08:00.000-07:00

Hajj: A Lifetime Journey to
Grand Muslim Congress

Dr. Mozammel Haque

ISLAM IS A PRACTICAL RELIGION which lays down a complete code of life. It makes various provisions for creating peace and harmony in the lives of mankind as well as in the universe. Peace and harmony can be achieved only when there is solidarity and universal brotherhood among human beings. Islam preaches this concept and puts it into practice through the unique annual assemblage of the pilgrims during Hajj.

The institution of Hajj in Islam is quite extraordinary and unparalleled. It is only Islam that has made the annual assemblage at one place, Makkah, an obligation for the capable Muslims from all corners of the world. In other words, it may be called the World Muslim Congress. This assembly has many distinctive features which no other gathering has and no other religion stipulates. The concept of unity and brotherhood is embedded in Islam in such a way that one is truly amazed to see millions of Muslims dressed in two white sheets of cloth gathered at one particular place, i.e. in Arafat during a fixed time on certain fixed days in the year. All human and man-made barriers and distinctions are demolished during that assembly.

We shall here deal with the aspects of unity and universal brotherhood which, besides others, are quintessential among the concepts of Hajj. First, let us take universal brotherhood. This universal brotherhood emanates from the following basic concepts and is demonstrated in a most authentic and brilliant manner here on this occasion:

Adam is the first man from whom all human beings have sprung up;
Abraham is the father of monotheistic religion;
Acceptance of all prophets as prophets of God;
Belief in all revealed books of Allah.

Thus, this acceptance of Abraham as the patriarch of the concept of Tawheed and recognition of the continuity of Prophethood from Prophet Adam to the Last Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and having faith in all revealed books keeps up a chain of faith known as Islam throughout the world. This binds the whole humankind into a bond of brotherhood whose genealogical father is Adam and the spiritual father Abraham. Thus Muslims believe in the continuation of the human race on earth. There are no conflicts and controversies in the monotheistic religion decreed by God. All Muslims (those who consciously and willingly surrender to the Will of the Creator) belong to this Ummah and therefore constitute a fraternity of faith. This is one way the Hajj conveys the message of universal brotherhood.

This aspect of universal brotherhood can also be noticed during Hajj when Muslims come from remote corners of the world and congregate in Makkah in the vicinity of the House of God, i.e. Baitullah. Though they might have come from the east or west, north or south, and all differences in colour, language, race and nationality notwithstanding, they find their oneness on the basis of their faith in One God, One Qiblah, One Book and One Prophet.

The practical training for this universal brotherhood starts from the local or neighbourhood level with the five times daily prayers in the mosque, which gets enlarged with the Friday prayers once a week. The circle is again made substantially larger during the Eid prayer, and it becomes internationalised transforming into a global gathering once in a lifetime. So the concept and training in universal brotherhood, which reaches its peak, starts from the very childhood at the local level.

As regards unity, Islam, first of all, removed all man-made bonds and barriers bringing all human beings into one global family tracing their genealogical origin to common parents and biological chemistry to one element, i.e. clay. Almighty God has laid down in the Holy Qur’an, “O Mankind, We have created you from a male and a female.” (49: 13) This establishment of absolute equality on the basis of their ancestral origin and biological composition removes all artificial differences between man and man.

The enforcement of the concept of Muslim brotherhood is the greatest social ideal of Islam. Islam places emphasis on unity and unifies mankind on the basis of one God, one Book - the Qur’an, one Qibla - the Ka’aba and one leader - the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Noble Prophet’s mission was to establish unity and peace throughout the world. The Islamic concept of unity transcends all other forms of unity based on territory, geographical boundary, linguistic and ethnic affinity. He united Muslims on the basis of faith, which is the Oneness of God, Islam.

On this vital concept was based the Prophet’s sermon in his last pilgrimage, which shows that Islam cannot be completely practiced until this ideal is achieved. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) unified and cemented the Muslim Ummah under the banner of La ilaha illallah Muhammadur-Rasoolullah by establishing the first-ever Islamic state in Madina, which later on took the shape of a grand Caliphate. Under the Caliphate the Muslim Ummah was unified and integrated. Thus the first concept of universal and worldwide unity was demonstrated by Prophet Muhammad more than fourteen hundred years ago having been guided and inspired by God for establishing unity and peace in the world.

Islam is essentially a community and group-oriented religion. So, the practical lesson in unity and equality first starts within the family, then in the neighbourhood, especially through the institution of five daily prayers in the mosque and still on a larger scale in the locality, during weekly Friday prayers, and then in much larger gatherings in the two Eid prayers and ultimately in the international or global gathering during Hajj. This very characteristic and feature of Islam demonstrates the universality of this religion and its heavenly origin which transcends all worldly barriers of race, colour, class and nationality.

Pilgrimage is the best occasion to bind again the loose threads, tighten them on the basis of belief and in the presence of God and frustrate the nefarious machinations of the enemies of the Ummah’s unity.

Another aspect of Hajj is making sacrifice in the way of God for the cause of Islam. As Islam itself is a religion of sacrifice, its different pillars also contain the same features and characteristics. It is a known fact that the Islamic or Hijra calendar starts with the month of Muharram and ends with the month of Hajj. The first month of the Islamic calendar, Muharram, is the month of sacrifice – a sacrifice made by the grandson of Muhammad, Hussain ibn Ali, who laid down his life at Kufa in the cause of Islam and its ideals. Similarly, the 12 months of the Hijra calendar, the month of Hajj, marks the remembrance of the sacrifice made by the Prophet Ibrahim for the sake of God and His Pleasure.

The Patriarch, the first Prophet of monotheistic religion, Islam, the Prophet Ibrahim was ready to sacrifice his most loved one for the sake of God. He loved his only son, Ismail, more than anything else. God asked him to sacrifice Ismail. Ibrahim was going to sacrifice Ismail, in the way of God by His Order. The Holy Qur’an explains the story of Ibrahim and his son Ismail thus:

Then when (the son) reached (the age of) (serious) work with him, he said: “O my son; I see in vision that I offer you in sacrifice. Now say what is your view.” (The son) said: “O my father; do as you are commanded; you will find me, if God so wills, one practising patience and constancy.” So when they had both submitted their wills (to God), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (for sacrifice), We called out to him, “O Ibrahim; you have already fulfilled the vision; thus indeed do We reward those who do right.” (37:102-105) The Qur’an says: “And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice.” (37:107)

The sacrifices made by Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail for the love of God left an indelible imprint on the history of mankind. This sacrifice is still remembered and re-enacted during Hajj. Ibrahim left a glorious record of sacrifice to please God.

In modern times, sacrifice is symbolised by an act of slaughtering a camel, cow or lamb for the sake of God during the days of Eid-al Adha, i.e. starting after the Eid prayer till the sunset on the third day of Eid. Sacrifice is a strongly recommended Sunnah of the Prophet and was introduced in the second year after Hijra. The purpose of sacrifice is to remind oneself of the great sacrifice of Ibrahim.

The sacrifice of life and wealth in the way of God is the zenith of a man’s belief. God says: “By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give (freely) of that which you love; and whatever you give, of a truth God knows it well.” (Al-Qur’an 3:92) This means that when something, which has been held so dear, is sacrificed in the way of God one may hope to secure God’s Pleasure. The verse tells us that to attain righteousness one has to sacrifice things, but to attain it in perfection one has to sacrifice things, dearer to one.

Every sacrifice and every effort is to be aimed at seeking God’s Pleasure. That God be pleased with us is the real capital of our lives and it is to win this pleasure that everything should be sacrificed. In the words of the Qur’an: “Surely my prayers and my sacrifice, my life and my death is for God alone, the Lord of the Universe.”

In the modern age, the pilgrims, when they start their journey to Makkah for performing Hajj with only two white sheets on their bodies leaving behind their wives, children, kith and kin and their wealth and properties, they practically exemplify their act of sacrifice for the love of God.

Hajj is the greatest training and practical demonstration of the spirit of sacrifice and the spirit of Jihad in the way of God. It shows that Islam does not end with giving some utopian ideals for the human life. It is not only a religion, it is the guidance for the whole mankind to shape their lives in this world and hereafter. That’s why God makes provision for the teaching and training of humankind in every quality through practical implementation.

Launch of Hajj Awareness Week 2011 at House of Lords

2011-10-02T05:18:00.000-07:00

Launch of Hajj Awareness Week 2011

at the House of Lords

Dr. Mozammel Haque

The National Hajj and Umrah (Health & Safety) Awareness Week was launched on Wednesday, 14th of September, 2011 at the House of Lords by the Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK (ABH). The purpose of this launch was to raise awareness of the health & safety issues amongst the 25,000 prospective British pilgrims who will start travelling soon to join over 2 million other pilgrims in Makkah to perform Hajj. Members of the House of Lords, Members of Parliament, Government officials, Diplomats and community dignitaries were present to support this prestigious launch event.

Haramain Expansion
During this Hajj session, people were not only discussing the health and safety issues but also debating about the spirituality of Hajj, raising concerns about the expansion of Haramain and the historic sites and also talking about the skyscrapers hotels and shopping malls.

With the ever increasing number of pilgrims there is no doubt about the need of expansion of the Haramain. This Haramain expansion programme has been going on for centuries. Whenever there is a necessity for the welfare and comfort of the pilgrims, expansion programme was undertaken. During the last ten days of the blessed month of Ramadan, especially on the last Friday of the Holy month of Ramadan and on the Lailatul Qadr (the Night of Power), the Grand Mosque in Makkah al-Mukarramah was filled to the brim with worshippers, as more than four million pilgrims came from all over the world to perform Umrah, attend Taraweeh and Qiyam-ul-Lail prayers, seeking the blessings of Lailat-al-Qadr (the Night of Power). I have already mentioned about this in my previous column.

King Abdullah ordered the new expansion to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims who come from different parts of the world. Such a measure was essential to meet the requirements of the tremendous increase in the number of worshippers who was expected to exceed more than four million in the last odd nights of Ramadan.

King Abdullah officially launched on 19th of August, 2011, the largest expansion of the Grand Mosque in history, which will increase the Mosque’s capacity to more than 2.5 million worshippers and cost 13 billion pound sterling.

King Abdullah, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, said it is his religious duty to spend “whatever wealth and effort” were necessary to improve facilities for Muslims going on the Islamic pilgrimage.

Writing in The Guardian, London, Ms. Riazat Butt mentioned “some organisations, such as the Islamic Heritage Research Foundation, have repeatedly expressed alarm over the destruction of historic sites to make way for skyscraper hotels and shopping malls.”

Ms. Butt pointed out, “Pilgrims, who fail to secure a spot in the Grand Mosque or in its immediate courtyard, worship in the streets and tunnels leading up to it, especially on a Friday when pilgrims will arrive in the early hours to ensure a place for the afternoon prayers. Currently, the maximum numbers performing the Hajj hover around the 4 million mark, with millions more visiting Makkah throughout the year.”

King Abdullah said, “We are proceeding on the kingdom’s religious responsibility; subsequently, we have laid down the foundation stone for expanding the Grand Mosque [and] inaugurated a number of improvement projects in the Two Holy Mosques. That also is only a duty we owe to Allah.”

As I mentioned in previous paragraphs, last Ramadan, King Abdullah inaugurated the historic 13 billion Pound Sterling Haramain expansion project which covers 400,000 square metres and will accommodate an additional 1.2 million worshippers at a time.

Without Haramain expansion, pilgrims will not only suffer uneasiness and discomfort but large number of intending worshippers will be deprived of performing their fifth pillar of Islam due to restricted capacity of Makkah. As Ms. Butt rightly observed in The Guardian, “The restricted capacity of Mecca means that the majority of the world’s Muslims will never be able to perform the Hajj.” (The Guardian, London, 28 September, 2011)

Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne, MP
Now, coming back to the launching of the Hajj Awareness Week, The Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne MP, in his message at this occasion said, “I wanted to extend my support and endorse the work that the Association of British Hujjaj UK does in helping prepare pilgrims for Hajj. This event provides an excellent opportunity to inform British pilgrims of the health and safety issues and precautionary measures to take, ensuring that what will be the journey of a lifetime is a safe and fulfilling one.” He also outlined his plans to provide necessary comfort to British pilgrims, he stated, “the delegation will be on hand to provide consular assistance to any British pilgrim who requires help. I wish all those undertaking Hajj this year a peaceful, successful and rewarding pilgrimage”.

Lord Ahmed
In his welcoming remarks, Lord Ahmed of Rotherham went on to highlight the importance of this event, saying, “by launching this awareness week will enhance Hajj related health & safety awareness amongst British pilgrims. It is important that pilgrims must be aware of all aspects of Hajj to enable them to perform Hajj in the safest and best possible manner”.

Lord Ahmed also mentioned about the tour operators, majority of them have been providing excellent services; but he cautioned, “be careful of bogus tour operators and travel agents.”

Lord Ahmed said during the tenure of Labour government a doctors’ delegation was sent at the government’s expenses but due to budget cuts the government has not yet announced to send such a delegation this year while the health and safety of Hajjis is the responsibility of the government. He said Hajj delegation would have saved hundreds of thousands of pounds of the NHS while it would have contributed towards communal harmony as well.

Lord Ahmed praised the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for providing admirable facilitates for pilgrims. He reminded that health advice issued by the Saudi government for vaccination and other necessary precautions should be strictly followed. This orientation week would ensure necessary information to those departing on this great sacred journey he said and suggested that such programmes should also be introduced in all mosques across the UK.

Lord Phil Hunt
Lord Phil Hunt, Leader of the Labour Group in the House of Lords, praised the hard work and continuous efforts made by the Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) U.K. to help and protect the British Hajj pilgrims from hardship, difficulties and he assured his full support towards this noble and humanitarian cause.

“It is amazing to see how much progress has been made over those intervening years as a result of the work of ABH. Thousands of thousands of fellow citizens have got safely and have got encouragement as a result of their experience,” said Lord Hunt and added, “The message for health and safety is as important today as it was in 1999 when we started.”

Lord Hunt also mentioned about tour operators. “I remember two years ago when you held a meeting I was struck by the experience given by the pilgrims about unscrupulousness of some tour operators. It is very unfair to charge all tour operators with harsh because many of them are very good people. But still that remains a major problem.”

Lord Hunt said that the Hajj delegation also sent a positive message to other communities too and it is deplorable that decision has not been taken about it as yet as the Hajjis would be facing problems in its absence.

Members of the House of Parliament, John Hemming, Anas Sarwar, Yasmin Qureshi, also assured their help and support towards the prospective Hajj pilgrims and stressed the importance of the awareness of health & safety and other issues related to performing hajj amongst pilgrims and urged the relevant government departments to provide help and assistance to them.

Announcement of First-ever ABH Special Award
For the first time in 12 years the Association of British Hujjaj has decided to present its special Award for the community services and for the noble cause of Hajj. While announcing the Award, Dr. Syed Raza Hussain, senior doctor from the Association of British Hujjaj, UK, said: ABH is totally dedicated and committed to provide up to date knowledge and information to British Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

“This cannot be fully achieved without dedicated voluntary help and support by our countrymen up and down the country. We at the ABH most gratefully acknowledge them as “Friend of the Association of British Hujjaj UK”. In recognition of their magnificent services the ABH has decided to present a special award to such friends each year on ongoing basis, Insha Allah.

Dr. Hussain said, “Today’s selected “Friends of the Association of British Hujjaj, UK are both well-respected in the community for their integrity, sincerity, loyalty, reliability and upright dedication to their community voluntary services and the noble cause of the ABH.” Today’s chosen two Friends of ABH are Mr. Sarbuland and Dr. Mozammel Haque, declared Dr. Hussain..

Lord Ahmed, the Patron of the ABH (UK), presented the Award to Dr. Mozammel Haque, Media Advisor of the Islamic Cultural Centre, London, on behalf the Association of British Hujjaj (ABH), UK, at the House of Lords, in recognition of his community services and the noble cause of Hujjaj. While accepting the Award from the ABH, Dr. Haque said, “All praise goes to Allah the Almighty. I am humbled and honoured by this Award. I am a very humble person. I am trying to do whatever is possible for me for the cause of Islam and Muslims. It is my duty to inform and educate Muslims who are going for Hajj. And that is what I am doing.”

MP Anas Sarwar
Anas Sarwar told me in an interview that he had the good fortune to perform Umrah for three times. “British Hajj delegation was a very positive development by the previous governments which gives consular support, moral support, health support and advice to the thousands of British Hajjis that went to Saudi Arabia.”

Referring to the British Hajj Delegation, MP Sarwar repeated his call for the service “the medical support, consular support and advice in difficult times to thousands of pilgrims during Hajj. I think the government should start the service.”

Yasmin Qureshi, MP
Yasmin Qureshi, MP, told me in an interview that she performed Hajj in 1994 when there was stampede and falling on the ground in throwing stones at Jamarat but such incidents have become very rare thanks to measures taken by the Saudi government. “I had not been for Hajj thereafter; but I did say whatever the Saudi government or the Saudi Embassy has been doing, it is not easy to look after three million people for few days, within a few spaces, it is a very challenging task for them to do this. Surprisingly no more incidents have happened. That is indeed a credit of Saudi Government and their hard work,” MP Qureshi told me.

Speaking about British Hajj Delegation, she mentioned when Labour came to power it supported the Hajj Delegation but that has been taken away by the Conservatives now. “I tried to ask them to continue to support Hajj Delegation. I have written about this, I have raised this issue, but what we need now is to campaign more,” said MP Qureshi.

Mr. Nazir Ali
Mr. Nazir Ali of the Trading Standard Service of Tower Hamlet Borough spoke on consumers and traders’ duties and responsibilities. He also mentioned how they advice the British Hajj pilgrims. He advised the British pilgrims especially to visit the following two websites in order to know about their rights and responsibilities:
www.berr.gov.uk ©Crown Copyright. URN 07/1166
http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/towerhamlets/haj%20travel%20organsiers%20advice.pdf

Ms. Batool Al-Toma from New Muslim Project spoke on women and Hajj. Ms. Shabana Subhan Begum presented her undergraduate Historical Research Dissertation 2011 on “The Modern Hajj: 1924-2010” conducted at Queen Mary, University of London, presented to Lord Ahmed. Ms. Qaisra M. Khan briefed about an exhibition on Hajj to be held under the auspices of British Museum in January 2012.

Dr. Mozammel Haque receives ABH Award at the House of Lords

2011-09-20T15:33:00.000-07:00

Dr. Mozammel Haque receives Award from the
Association of British Hujjaj at the House of Lords

Dr. Mozammel Haque, Media Advisor of the Islamic Cultural Centre, London and former Editor of the Makkah-based Muslim World League Journal, received an Award from the Association of British Hujjaj (ABH), UK, at the House of Lords, on Wednesday, the 14th of September, 2011 in recognition of his community services and the noble cause of Hujjaj.

While announcing the Award, Dr. Syed Raza Hussain, senior doctor from the Association of British Hujjaj, UK, said at the launching of Hajj Awareness Week at the House of Lords on Wednesday, 14th of September, 2011: “As you are now well aware that ABH is totally dedicated and committed to provide all necessary up to date knowledge and information to British Hajj and Umrah pilgrims in order to facilitate their welfare and well-being before during and after Hajj.”

“This cannot be fully achieved without dedicated voluntary help and support by our countrymen up and down the country. We at the ABH most gratefully acknowledge them as “Friend of the Association of British Hujjaj UK”. That is the title we have chosen for them, “Friend of the Association of British Hujjaj UK”. In recognition of their magnificent services the ABH has decided to present a special award to such friends each year on ongoing basis, Insha Allah.

Dr. Hussain declared, “Today’s selected “Friends of the Association of British Hujjaj, UK are both well-respected in the community for their integrity, sincerity, loyalty, reliability and upright dedication to their community voluntary services and the noble cause of the ABH.”

Today’s chosen two Friends of ABH are Mr. Sarbuland and Dr. Mozammel Haque, declared Dr. Hussain..

Lord Ahmed of Rotherham, the Patron of the Association of British Hujjaj, UK, presented the Award to Dr. Mozammel Haque. While accepting the Award from the ABH, Dr. Haque said, “All praise goes to Allah the Almighty. I am humbled and honoured by this Award. I am a very humble person. I am trying to do whatever is possible for me for the cause of Islam and Muslims. It is my duty to inform and educate Muslims who are going for Hajj. And that is what I am doing.”

The Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK (ABH), the only Hajj specific organisation and a National charity, formed in 1998 by professionals, senior doctors, religious scholars, and people from all walks of life to conduct research and develop a positive plan to address the issues related to Hajj.

The first ever British Hajj delegation, started in 1999, and Lord Ahmed of Rotherham, led the first British Hajj Delegation to Saudi Arabia to help British pilgrims in Makkah during the Hajj period. From 2000 to 2009, Lord Adam Patel of Blackburn led the British Hajj Delegation. This delegation has dedicated services to the British Hajj pilgrims on annual basis each year since 1999.

In 2010, Dr. Haque received a “Distinguished Ambassador of Islam and Visionary of Peace” Award from the European Muslim Council for Peace, Justice and Dialogue, at the Intercultural Centre, Dublin, Ireland, for his efforts for dialogue, justice and peace in the world.

Last July, 2011, the Forum for Social Studies, London, announced an Award of Excellence for Dr. Mozammel Haque at its 25th anniversary event at the London Muslim Centre on 24th of July, 2011 for his service “for more than 20 years of involvement in dawah, in depth knowledge of the area of specialization; manifestation of evidence of research & analysis of Islamic information; commitment & dedication to Islam.” Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef, Chairman of the Forum for Social Studies presented this Award of Excellence to Dr. Haque.

King Abdullah's Haramain Expansion Project

2011-09-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

Expansion of the Two Holy Mosques for
the Comfort and well-being of Pilgrims

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Expansion of the Two Holy Mosques was given top priority by King Abdul Aziz and his successors for the service of Islam and Muslims. They were aware that Holy Mosque could not support the growing numbers of worshippers and also overseeing the well-being of the pilgrims undertaking the annual Hajj. The implementation of the expansion projects aimed at enabling pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors of the Holy Places to perform their rituals in comfort and ease. A long and glorious tradition of expansion surrounds the Haram Mosque, dating back to 638 AD, when the increasing number of conversions to Islam led the second Caliph, Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, to develop the site.

History of Haramain Expansion
When King Abdul Aziz established the modern Saudi State, one of his primary concerns, like that of the early Caliphs, was his role in overseeing the well-being of the pilgrims undertaking the annual Hajj. He initiated a refurbishment and expansion programme. The achievements of King Abdul Aziz were unparalleled since the last expansion of the Holy Haram 1,096 years ago in the era of the Abbasid Caliph, Al-Muqtadir Billah. Efforts of the Ottoman Sultan, Saleem and his son Sultan Murad (1576) were confined to refurbishing the Mosque, not expanding it.

The expansion begun by King Abdul Aziz and completed during the reign of King Saud, was aimed at building a path 394 meters long and 20 metres (65 ft) wide close to the Masaa, and a 9-metre (30 ft) high second floor over the Masaa, in addition to a 2-way barrier and a path for disabled people in wheelchairs in the Masaa. The Masaa has 16 gates on the eastern side in addition to two entrances for the second floor, one at Al Safa and the other at Al Marwa.

The expansion of the Two Holy Mosques was given priority by King Abdul Aziz, Saud, Faisal and Khalid and totaled 131,041 square metres (157,250 square yards), compared to the Mosque’s previous area of 29,127 square metres (34,800 sq. yards.). This raised the total area to 160,168 sqaure metres (192,000 sq.yds.)

The King Fahd’s expansion of the Haramein project had a number of aims primarily the improvement, redecoration and expansion of the Holy Mosque, its courtyards and facilities, so that it can accommodate the largest possible number of worshippers. The most advanced technical innovations were used to facilitate movement and prayer for pilgrims and visitors to the Haram and access to the cooled, pure water of "Zamzam".

Work on the new project began on September 13, 1988 when the King laid the foundation stone. The project included the addition of a new part to the Mosque from the Western side between the Umrah Gate and the King’s Gate. The area of the expansion floors totaled 76,000 square metres including the ground, first and basement floors, accommodating some 152,000 worshippers. The projects also include furnishing the mosque’s outer yards for prayer, an area totaling 85,000 sq. metres and accommodating 130,000 worshippers.

This raised the Sacred Mosque’s total area to about 365,000 square meters, accommodating 773,000 worshippers on normal days and more than one million during Hajj season and the holy month of Ramadan. The project also included the construction of a 750-metre long, 24 to 36 metre wide basement under the prayer area to the east of the Masaa.

A new air-conditioning system was devised. For this purpose, a station has been setup in Ajiad with a total capacity of 13,500 cooling tons. A new 2-storied toilet building covering an area of 14,000 sq. metres was built to the north of Masaa area. It contains 1440 toilets, 1091 ablution points and 162 drinking water taps. Separate toilets have been set aside for women complete with separate entrances.

The area of the basement totaled 20,000 squares, accommodating 33,000 worshippers. The area of the first floor totaled 47,000 square metres, accommodating 77,000 worshippers, the area of the roof after improvements totaled 42,000 square metres, accommodating 90,000 worshippers. There are 56 escalators.

The Tawaf area was tiled with heat-dissipating marble, doors were renewed and the Mosque’s library was established at a total cost of SR. 80 million. There are 55,000 lighting lamps connected by wires, whose combined length totaled 35,000 metres.

Haramain Expansion Projects by King Abdullah
To further improve both Hajj services and pilgrims’ facilities, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah ordered additional expansions to the Grand Mosque. Described as the largest in Muslim history, the project will create additional prayer space for more than a million worshippers.

King Abdullah’s Haram Expansion Project
King Abdullah officially launched on Friday, 19th of August, 2011, the largest expansion of the Grand Mosque in history, which will increase the Mosque’s capacity to more than 2.5 million worshippers and cost 80 billion Saudi Riyals. The new project covers 400,000 square meters in the northwest and northeast of the mosque.

The new project will comprise three parts: construction of a new building; expansion and development of courtyards around the mosque, including walkways, tunnels and toilets; and development of service facilities for air-conditioning, electricity and drinking water.

The new expansion project would cost SR80 billion, which would include the money required to pay compensation to owners of real estates appropriated for the project. Real estate properties appropriated for the project are valued at more than SR.40 billion

A 1,200-meter tunnel would be constructed from the end of the expansion passing through Jabal Hindi while another tunnel with a length of 1,100 meters will be built under Jabal Madafie. An emergency 700-meter tunnel crossing the other two tunnels will be constructed from Jabal Al-Ka’aba.

The project also include plans to expand the mataf (the circumambulation areas around the Holy Ka’aba) and provide air-conditioning for all parts of the Grand Mosque, adding that the two schemes would be carried out shortly along the new Haram Expansion project. The latest expansion would herald a new era in the history of the Grand Mosque.

Masaa, the area between Safa and Marwa, which is located inside the mosque has been expanded to help pilgrims perform the sa’ie ritual more easily and comfortably.

The new expansion will be linked with the existing mosque and Masaa (the running course between Safa and Marwa) with a series of bridges, increasing its capacity from 44,000 to 118,000 pilgrims per hour. It will also provide with air conditioning systems and electric stairs.

Once the new expansion is completed, the Grand Mosque would be able to accommodate more than 2 million worshippers at a time.

According to informed sources, the total area of the existing Haram Mosque is 356,000 square meters accommodating 770,000 worshippers while the new expansion covering an area of 456,000 square meters will accommodate 1.2 million faithful.

The official noted that there will be basic facilities including modern garbage disposal systems and security monitoring systems as part of the new expansion. Sun shades will also be established on the northern courtyards of the mosque.

King Abdullah also ordered another expansion at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah at a cost of more than SR4 billion. It includes the installation of 182 sunshades in courtyards around the mosque for the benefit of 200,000 worshippers. The mosque’s eastern courtyard has been expanded, creating additional prayer place for 70,000 worshippers.

With the completion of the new expansion project, all residential areas of old Madinah will become part the mosque complex. As part of the government’s efforts in the service of pilgrims, several projects have been carried out in Makkah and also at the holy sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifa.

The Grand Mosque underwent significant expansion in the mid-1980s, but the number of Muslim pilgrims has steadily grown, requiring another expansion.

King Abdullah also officially inaugurated the Makkah Tower Clock, considered the largest in the world; the Makkah Time, the newly expanded masaa (the running course between Safa and Marwa); the King Abdul Aziz Endowment Towers; the Jamarat Bridge complex in Mina; and the Mashair Railway linking the holy sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifa as well as the sunshades around the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah by pressing buttons.

In order to lower the temperature in the surrounding areas of the Masjid al-Haram, water sprinklers have been installed.

Expansion of Masa’a
King Abdullah took expansion projects of Masa’a. Masaa, the area between Safa and Marwa, which is located inside the mosque has been expanded to help pilgrims perform the Sa’ie ritual more easily and comfortably. Now the pilgrims can perform Sa’ie very easily and comfortably from all five levels, basement which is fully air-conditioned, ground, first floor, second, third floor and from the roof.

Jamarat Bridge Project
The fifth and final phase of the SR 4.2 billion Jamarat Bridge Project has five floors. The project is now complete and ready for pilgrims during this year’s Hajj. The completion of the Jamarat project allows for the throwing of pebbles from all five levels of the bridge. The ground floor and second floor are allocated for pilgrims coming from the east of Mina. The third is reserved for those coming from Makkah, Al-Adl and Al-Sheshah. The fourth is for pilgrims coming from the north and also from Al-Muaisem, the eastern and western “Shebs.” The top floor is for those coming from Al Aziziyah and camps located south of Mina.

The bridge is 950 meters long and 80 meters wide. Each floor is 12 meters high. The entire project is designed to hold 12 stories and as many as five million pilgrims in the future if the need arises.

The project also includes three tunnels and covers other construction work with the possibility of future development. The project provides 12 entrances and exits in all four directions. It has a helipad for airlifting pilgrims in case of emergency. The Jamarat project also includes an air-conditioning system backed by water sprinklers that can reduce the temperature to about 29 degrees Centigrade.

The Jamarat Bridge also includes subways for underground traffic, providing more space for pedestrians in the bridge areas, in addition to six exits for emergency evacuation through six towers leading to the ground floor and tunnels as well as the helipads.

All floors have been air-conditioned. An advanced cooling system will be installed on the fifth floor through which water will be sprinkled over the main and surrounding areas. This is expected to lower the temperature by about 29 degrees Centigrade,” it is reported.

The oval design of the pebbles basins and the three 40-meter-high pillars have improved the flow of pilgrims and increased the capacity of the bridge, which has helped to reduce congestion while Hajjis are performing the stoning ritual.

The Arafat expansion has also been finished, it is also reported that the project, which started last year, provides a capacity for a further 900,000 pilgrims. The additional area is equivalent to about 25 percent of Arafat’s total initial area. The project involved paving main and subsidiary streets, establishing drainage and trimming trees,

Makkah Metro Monorail Project
The 20 km Makkah Metro monorail project, costing USS1.8 billion, was launched last year, 2010, to link the Grand Mosque with Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifa, to ease pilgrim transport. It includes the construction of nine railway stations in Arafat, Mina and Muzdalifah, each 300 meters long. The metro railway is designed to operate 17 trains with 12 coaches in each train. A train will carry 30,000 pilgrims. It operated at a third of its capacity during the Hajj season of 2010. It will operate 20 trains this year, i.e. 2011, when fully commissioned. Each train will have 12 carriages.

One station will be located near the Jamarat Bridge in Mina where the stoning ritual takes place. Pilgrims will be able to board the train on the bridge’s fourth floor. The railway project would bring about remarkable improvements in the transportation of pilgrims between the holy sites, traditionally one of the main headaches for Hajj managers.

Haramain Railway Project
Another project, the high-speed Haramain Railway, costing SR37.5 billion will link the holy sites of Makkah and Madinah to the Red Sea port of Jeddah, an entry point for millions of pilgrims to relieve road congestion.

King Abdul Aziz Street Project
Another huge project to ease traffic flow in roads close to the Grand Mosque is the new SR12 billion King Abdul Aziz Street project in Makkah. The project, which covers 1.2 million square meters, is scheduled to complete in 2012. It represents a third of development projects and basic infrastructure schemes in Makkah. The road, which runs from Jeddah to Makkah’s entrance, will make entry and exit to and from the Grand Mosque very easy. The 60-meter-wide road would incorporate the Haramain rail tracks.

The Masjid al-Haram is the main attraction for over six million pilgrims who enter Makkah each year and is the focal point for a transformation. The Mosque is built around the Ka’aba shrine, which existed centuries before Islam emerged over 1400 years ago. Muslims around the world turn towards it for daily prayers.

Makkah Clock Tower opening
King Abdullah officially inaugurated the 601-meter the Makkah Royal Clock Tower that houses the world’s tallest golden minaret as well as the largest clock face and man-made crescent. The Tower is topped with a gigantic four-faced clock that rises from behind the hills and helps visitors at other holy sites locate the Grand Mosque. The Makkah clock project is another milestone in King Abdullah’s projects to modernize the holy city.

The loud speakers installed at the top of the Tower will carry the sound of adhan (call to prayer) for seven kilometres from the Haram Mosque. The powerful lights in white and green blinking at the time of adhan can be seen from a distance of 30km.The lights are also helpful for people with hearing difficulties to know prayer times.

The name of Allah has been inscribed on each of the four clock faces. The supreme name of Allah and the Shahada are visible above the clock. Two of the clock faces including the inscription will be 80 meters in height and 65 meters in width, and the dial diameter will be 39 meters. The other two clocks will be 65 meters in height and 43 meters in width while their dial diameter will be 25 meters.

The Makkah Clock Tower when completed will be the tallest in the world – taller than Warsaw Palace of Culture and Science in Poland, London’s Big Ben, Rajabai Clock Tower in Mumbai, India, and the Allen-Bradley Clock Tower in Milwaukee, US.

Eid Mubarak to you all from Masjid al-Haram

2011-09-05T14:47:00.000-07:00

Eid Mubarak to you all from the
Masjid al-Haram in the Balad al-Ameen

Dr. Mozammel Haque

I wish all of you a happy Eid Mubarak from the Masjid-al-Haram in the Balad al-Ameen.

The Saudi Royal Court announced that Tuesday has been declared as the first day of Eid-ul-Fitr, a celebration marking the end of fasting in Ramadan. The declaration was made by the Supreme Court after a number of people sighted the Shawwal crescent. Thus, the joyous Islamic festival Eid-ul-Fitr comes at the end of the month of Ramadan and it came this year 2011 on Tuesday, the 30th of August, throughout most of the countries. Muslim brothers and sisters are enjoying and celebrating their Eid on the same day in Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom and other places. The Supreme Court congratulated King Abdullah, Crown Prince Sultan, the royal family and all other Saudis and residents on the happy occasion.

It’s my pleasure to extend my Eid Mubarak and good wishes to all my Muslim brothers and sisters all over the world on the occasion of the celebration of the Eid after the conclusion of fasting in the blessed month of Ramadan. I pray to Almighty Allah for all the benefits and the rewards. I am in the Haram and I would like to pray to Allah the Almighty for myself and for you all, May Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala accept our fasting, our prayers, our worship and all our good deeds done in the blessed month of Ramadan.

Eid Al-Fitr prayers were held on Tuesday morning at big mosques and vast grounds in Saudi Arabia. King Abdullah, senior princes and ministers including Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Prince Naif joined Eid prayers.

On Monday, King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan sent cables of congratulations to heads of Muslim countries on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr. King Abdullah received calls from Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa. They exchanged Eid greetings.

Earlier on Monday, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah expressed his confidence that peace and stability would prevail all over the Islamic world. He also urged Muslims to uphold the values of tolerance, justice and compassion.

In a joint Eid-Al-Fitr message to the nation with Crown Prince Sultan, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defence and Aviation, King Abdullah underlined the significance of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims all over the world fast from dawn to dusk.

In a joint Eid Al-Fitr message to the nation, read out on Saudi Arabian Television and Saudi radio by Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja, King Abdullah and Prince Sultan urged the Saudi people to strengthen their unity and solidarity, by cooperating with each other and showing compassion to one another.

“The holy month of Ramadan was instrumental in strengthening our bond with God and improving relations between the rich and poor. It generated the values of tolerance and compassion and brought peace and happiness to our minds,” the king said.

King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan congratulated Muslims on the occasion of Eid-al-Fitr. “It strengthens our commitment to the Shari’ah and boosts cooperation and cohesion in our society,” their statement said.

The King and the Crown Prince prayed for the betterment of situation in the Arab and Islamic world. “God may help the Islamic nation to overcome the present tests and tribulations. May Allah make the Eid an opportunity for them to overcome pains and accomplish their hopes and aspirations,” the message said. They also prayed for the prevalence of peace and stability all over the world.

Worldwide celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr
More than 1.6 billion Muslims throughout the world, in every continent, are celebrating the successful completion of fasting of the month of Ramadan and Allah the Almighty has rewarded them with this happy Eid at the end of the blessed month of Ramadan. So not only the Muslim brothers and sisters but also leaders of different continents, from theAmerican continent, President Obama; from the European continent, Prime Minister David Cameron of Britain, from the Asian and African continent, are sending their Eid Messages to the Muslims living in their countries. Followings are some of the Eid Messages sent by leaders to their fellow countrymen and also to the Muslims worldwide; from the continent of America, President Obama, from the continent of Europe British Prime Minister, from the continent of Asia and the central point, where the Haramain is situated, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and from the African continent, the Nigerian leaders.

President Obama’s Eid Message On the occasion of Eid ul Fitr
President of the United States of America issued a statement from the White House on 30 August, 2011 on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. The Eid message of President Obama said, “Michelle and I would like to send Eid greetings to Muslim communities in the United States and around the world.”

President Obama said in his Eid Message, “Ramadan has been a time for families and communities to share the happiness of coming together in intense devotion, reflection, and service. Millions all over the world would have been inspired to honor their faith by reaching out to those less fortunate. This year, many have observed the month while courageously preserving in their efforts to secure basic necessities and fundamental freedoms. The United States will continue to stand with them and for the dignity and rights of all people, whether a hungry child in the Horn of Africa or a young person demanding freedom in the Middle East and North Africa.”

President Obama concluded in saying, “As Ramadan comes to an end, we send our best wishes for a blessed holiday to Muslim communities around the world. Eid Mubarak.”

Eid Messages from British leaders
On the occasion of Eid ul Fitr , British Prime Minister and British Foreign Minister issued Eid Messages to Muslim in Britain and across the world.

British Prime Minister
The British Prime Minister, Mr. David Cameron, M.P. send his best wishes to all Muslim families in the United Kingdom and around the world for this special time of Eid. “I wish you a very happy and peaceful Eid-ul- Fitr.”

The Prime Minister said in his message, “Peace, forgiveness and unity are the spirit of Eid. They are important messages now and will remain so long into the future.”

“The ending of the Holy month of Ramadan is a joyous time as families and friends join together in celebration,” the Prime Minister said. In his message, he said, “This year many of you will come together to contemplate the appalling scenes we have witnessed on our streets and how our communities have been affected. Community spirit however remains strong in this country.”

The Prime Minister said in his message, “I was particularly moved by the scenes of a united community coming together in Birmingham, not only to mourn the deaths of three young friends, but also to issue a strong message of unity and cohesion with people of other faiths.”

British Foreign Secretary
On the occasion of the Eid-ul-Fitr, the British Foreign Secretary, Mr. William Hague, M.P. issued Eid-ul-Fitr message, saying, “I’m delighted to send my very best wishes to Muslim in Britain and across as they mark the end of the month of Ramadan.”

Mr. Hague also said, “Eid ul Fitr celebrates the completion of a month of fasting, prayer, devotion and charitable giving. It is a fitting time to remember all those who are in need around the world, in particular those who are struggling to build a better future for their societies in the Middle East and North Africa.

He concluded his Eid message by saying: “So to Muslims around the world on this very important day of celebration, I send my very best and wish you Eid Mubarak.”

Eid Message from The Custodian of Two
Holy Mosques King Abdullah
Eid Al-Fitr prayers were held on Tuesday morning at big mosques and vast grounds. King Abdullah, senior princes and ministers including Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Prince Naif joined Eid prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

From Saudi Arabia, the King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, also issued Eid Message for the Muslims throughout the world on this auspicious occasion.

Uphold the values of tolerance, justice and compassion
On Monday, King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan sent cables of congratulations to heads of Muslim countries on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr. King Abdullah received calls from Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa. They exchanged Eid greetings.

Earlier on Monday, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah expressed his confidence that peace and stability would prevail all over the Islamic world. He also urged Muslims to uphold the values of tolerance, justice and compassion.

In a joint Eid-Al-Fitr message to the nation with Crown Prince Sultan, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defence and Aviation, King Abdullah underlined the significance of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims all over the world fast from dawn to dusk.

In a joint Eid Al-Fitr message to the nation, read out on Saudi Arabian Television and Saudi radio by Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja, King Abdullah and Prince Sultan urged the Saudi people to strengthen their unity and solidarity, by cooperating with each other and showing compassion to one another.

“The holy month of Ramadan was instrumental in strengthening our bond with God and improving relations between the rich and poor. It generated the values of tolerance and compassion and brought peace and happiness to our minds,” the king said.

King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan congratulated Muslims on the occasion of Eid-al-Fitr. “It strengthens our commitment to the Shari’ah and boosts cooperation and cohesion in our society,” their statement said.

The King and the Crown Prince prayed for the betterment of situation in the Arab and Islamic world. “God may help the Islamic nation to overcome the present tests and tribulations. May Allah make the Eid an opportunity for them to overcome pains and accomplish their hopes and aspirations,” the message said. They also prayed for the prevalence of peace and stability all over the world.

Eid Messages from African leaders
As soon as the authorities declared after the Maghreb prayer on Monday evening that the Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Tuesday, the 30th of August, I met some of the African dignitaries with whom I have been performing fasting, prayers, Iftars, Taraweeeh and Qiyam al-Lail behind the Imam at the Masjid al-Haram for the month of Ramadan, particularly the last ten days, I enquired about their Eid Messages for the Muslim brothers and sisters throughout the world.

Governor of Osun State of Nigeria
Governor of Osun State of Nigeria, Abdur Rauf Aregbesola, sent Eid messages to the Muslims throughout the world. He said: “It’s my pleasure to extend my Eid felicitations and good wishes to all our Muslim brothers and sisters all over the world on the conclusion of fasting of the month of Ramadan and as we are looking forward for the celebration of the Eid.”

The Governor also said, “For Muslims, this is a period of deep reflection, this is a period of deep relationship. Therefore I wish humanity reflections on relationship. It is quite sad of our relationship. People are not letting each other. Nature in some region was not quite favourable; we too us human beings not kindly to us. Have humaneness, better understanding; that is my message.”

“To the Muslims, I rejoice with all our brothers in faith and pray that difficulty will disappear, and I am pleading of other faiths, particularly Christians: don’t look at us with fear, and I demand understanding. It would be better to extend the closeness of an extreme section and greet your Muslims in humor, not totally immoral, come to an understanding with Islam and its faith,” said Mr. Abdur Rauf, the Governor of Osun state of Nigeria in his Eid message. .

Mr. Abdur Rauf Aregbesola, Mechanical Engineer by profession, was in the government of Nigeria as a functionary of state for the Lagos State of Nigeria for a period of eight years with the involvement of social development of people resources. Today he is leading Osun State, as a governor.

Former Governor of Sokoto State of Nigeria
I also interviewed former Governor of the Sokoto State of Nigeria, Attahiru Bafarawa, who said, “My message to the Muslim community throughout the world is: for us to continue believing in God, have our faith in God and also unite ourselves, love each other and then be cooperate with even non-Muslims so that we can be able to put the world in peace. In other words, talking and putting our heads together; even with non-believers that is my one message, because we are all brothers; therefore we cannot neglect them. That’s my message.”

Makkah al-Mukarramah
30th of August 2011

Seek the Greatest Night of the Year

2011-08-25T20:17:00.000-07:00

The Last 10 days and nights of Ramadan
Seek the Greatest Night of the Year

Dr. Mozammel Haque

I still remember my childhood when an old man of 70 years, Abdul Jabbar, used to come from the district of Faridpur (now in Bangladesh) took the silent alleys of our village in the night, chanting and calling, to wake up Muslims for the last meal before another day of Ramadan fasting begins. Abdul Jabbar reminds one of a character from the book The Thousands and One Nights. He is a strange person who comes out from the depth of the night to disturb the quietness by a shrill cry calling, Suhuoor…Suhoor.

Now that person is replaced in a big city like London by Muslim Community Radio (MCR) – Ramadan Radio – in East London, Kismat Radio and Islam TV Channel calling Muslims to wake up for their breakfast. In Ramadan, all Muslims who want to fast should eat before starting to fast.

The Month of Mercy, the blessed month came and is passing away very fast. Today is 17th of Ramadan. Half of the blessed month has passed; still there is time to get our sins cleared, still there is time to ask for forgiveness from Allah the Almighty who is ready to forgive our sins. The other half of the blessed month is approaching which is full of Allah’s mercy and blessing. In this part of the month, specially during the last 10 days and nights, a night which is the greatest night of the year, the Lailatul Qadr. During these ten days and nights, Muslims spend in the Mosque for I’tikaf.

I'tikaf
I’tikaf means seclusion and staying in the Mosque with the intention of becoming closer to Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) would perform I’tikaf for last 10 days every Ramadan. In the year that he died, he performed it for twenty days. (Related by Al-Bukhari, Abu Dawud, and Ibn-Majah). The next Friday on 26th of August (26 Ramadan) will be the Jumatul-Widah, the last Friday of the Blessed Month of Ramadan.

As the month of blessings and mercy is coming to the end, similarly the recitation of the complete Qur’an is also coming to the Khatam which might be on the 29th night of Ramadan. The last ten nights are very important nights. Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her) said that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to exert himself in night prayer especially during the last 10 days of Ramadan.

Lailatul Qadr (The Night of Decree)
Lailatul-Qadr is the greatest night of the year like the Day of Arafah is the greatest day of the year. It is a night about which Allah revealed a full Surah, Suratul-Qadr (97:1-5) and the 3rd to the 6th verses of the Surat ad-Dukhan (44:3-6). Allah the Almighty said in the Qur’an, “Indeed We have revealed it (Qur’an) in the Night of Decree. And what will explain to you what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. Therein descends the Angels and the Spirit (Jibreel) by Allah’s permission, on every errand: (they say) “Peace” (continuously) till the rise of morning!” (97:1-5). A person who misses Lailatul Qadr is really a deprived person!

Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The blessed month has come to you. Allah has made fasting during it obligatory upon you. During it the gates to Paradise are opened and the gates of Hellfire are locked, and the devils are chained. There is a night (during this month) which is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good is really deprived (of something great). (Ahmad, an-Nisai and al-Bayhaqi).

Aishah said, “Allah’s Messenger used to practice I’tikaf in the last ten nights and say: ‘Seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the (odd nights) of the last ten days of Ramadan.” (Bukhari and Muslim).

Zakah
The word Zakat in Arabic means purification. The giving of Zakat (obligatory charity) is the third pillar of Islam. There are two types of Zakat: Zakat-ul-Fitr (charity of Eid-ul-Fitr, given to the poor before Eid prayer) and Zakat Al-Maal (purifying charity, paid on one’s wealth).

It is to be noted that Zakat-ul-Fitr was declared by the Prophet (peace be upon him) as a prerequisite for the acceptance of fasting. But when and whom to pay Zakat-ul-Fitr? First of all, who has to pay? Each and every Muslim, regardless of his social status, is required to give a certain amount of charity usually in the form of food grains, barley, raisin etc. called Zakat-ul-Fitr at the end of Ramadan and before the Eid-ul-Fitr so that every member of the Muslim community, especially the poor, have something to eat on the day of Eid. It is meant to cement the relationship between the members of the Muslim society, to alleviate the pain of the poor, to cultivate the sense of brotherhood and solidarity in the hearts of the Muslims, etc., said Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi.

Dr. Qaradawi also said, “If a person dies before Maghrib on the last day of Ramadan, Zakat-ul-Fitr would not be obligatory upon him even if he fasted all the other days of the month. Conversely, if a child is born after Maghrib on the last day of Ramadan, i.e. the first night of Shawwal, it would be obligatory to pay Zakat: Zakat-ul-Fitr on his or her behalf. This view is unanimously agreed upon by Muslim scholars.” The head of the household must pay for every member of the family, even for the newborn. The Muslim is supposed to pay Zakat-ul-Fitr (i.e., Zakah of breaking the fast) in the country where he or she spends the first night of the month of Shawwal.

So far as the Zakat-ul-Maal is concerned, it is also obligatory for a Muslim, who possesses the minimum wealth on which Zakat is applicable, to give out Zakat. In his Friday sermon at the Grand Mosque in Makkah al-Mukarramah, Imam and Khateeb Sheikh Dr. Saleh Bin Mohammad Aal-Talib, urged Muslims to be God-Conscious and give charity to the poor and the needy. He said Zakat removes miserliness and cleans the heart from cruelty.

Allah has stressed on payment of Zakat, which appears in the Holy Qur’an more than 30 times. There are many verses of the Holy Qur’an and sayings of the Prophet (peace be upon him) that urge Muslim to give charity for the sake of Allah. Sheikh Aal-Talib said charity is an act that attracts Allah’s mercy. He said giving charity secretly extinguishes God’s anger and it is a blessing for the person’s wealth. A person who does not give in charity will be punished by removal of the blessing (barakah) from his wealth.

Zakat-ul-Fitr is associated with the Eid and is meant to create happiness in such a way that includes the poor and the needy. That is why the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Make them (i.e., the poor) rich on this day (i.e. the day of Eid)”.

Charity in Ramadan
Ramadan is also the month of charity. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “...Whoever draws nearer (to Allah) by performing any of the (optional) good deeds in (this month), shall receive the same reward as performing an obligatory deed at any other time; and whoever performs an obligatory deed in (this month), shall receive the reward of performing seventy obligations at any other time. It is the month of patience, and the reward of patience is Paradise. It is the month of charity, and a month in which a believer’s sustenance is increased. Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast shall have his sins forgiven, and he will be saved from the Hell-Fire, and he shall have the same reward as the fasting person, without his reward being diminished at all.” (Reported by Ibn Khuzaymah)

Spend more time with the Qur’an. Read the Qur’an every day. Try to finish at least one time the whole Qur’an during this month by your own personal reading. Pray on time and observe all the prayers. Do not ignore the Tarawih. Make more extra and voluntary prayers. Do as much worship as you can. Do more dhikr (remembering Allah) and du’a (supplication) for yourself and for others. Repent and seek forgiveness for yourself and for others as much as you can. This is the best time for devotion and seeking Allah’s forgiveness. Seek the Night of Qadr by special devotion during the last 10 nights of this month.

The month of blessing and forgiveness is passing away very quickly. Do not miss the remaining last ten days and nights. Let us clear our sins. Let us seek the Night of Qadr.

Makkah al-Mukarramah
17 August 2011

Ramadan Mubarak from Masjid al-Haram and Balad al-Ameen

2011-08-04T03:33:00.000-07:00

Ramadan Mubarak from Masjid
al-Haram and Balad al-Ameen

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Makkah al-Mukarramah: Ramadan Mubarak and Ramadan Greetings from the Masjid al-Haram and the Balad al-Ameen to all of you, especially to all the readers of the Islamic Monitor blog: May this holy month bring barakah, and Allah's boundless mercy upon the believers and harmony and tolerance for the world. The Supreme Judicial Council of Saudi Arabia called on all Muslims in the Kingdom to sight the crescent of the lunar month of Ramadan on July 30 (Saturday) evening. But the lunar moon was not sighted at sunset Saturday evening. So the holy month of Ramadan begun on Monday, 1st of August, 2011.

I welcome Ramadan, the month of Mercy and Repentance, the month of the Qur’an, of laylatul qadr (the night of power) and of repentance and forgiveness. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the Pillars of the Islamic faith. It was declared an obligatory duty (Fard) in the second year of the Hijrah upon each and every mukallaf (one capable of carrying out religious duties, i.e. a sane adult).

Allah the Almighty made Ramadan fasting compulsory for Muslims. Allah said, “O those who believe, the fasts have been enjoined upon you as were enjoined upon those before so that you be God-fearing.’ [Surah Baqarah, 183]. Literally, Sawm means ‘to abstain’. In the terminology of Islamic law, Sawm means ‘to abstain from eating, drinking and sexual intercourse: with the conditions that one abstains continuously from dawn to sunset, and that there is an intention to fast.’ Therefore, should one eat or drink anything even a minute before sunset, the fast will not be valid. Similarly, if one abstained from all these things throughout the day but made no intention to fast, there will be no fast here too.

Allah the Almighty said in the Qur’an “…And eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appears to you distinct from its black thread…” (Al-Qur’an, 2:187) Literally defined, fasting means to abstain “completely” from foods, drinks, intimate intercourse and smoking, before the break of the dawn till sunset, during the entire month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic year.

Fasting in Islam is based on the lunar calendar and is tied to the sightings of hilal, the crescent, or new moon. Allah the Almighty stated: “They ask you concerning the new moons. Say: They are but signs to mark fixed periods of time… (Al-Qur’an, 2:189). And the Traditions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Eat until you see the crescent and break not until you see the crescent. If it is cloudy calculate the period of the month.” (Muslim and others).

Fasting in Ramadan is compulsory upon every Muslim, male or female, who has these qualifications, e.g. mentally and physically fit, adult full of age which is normally fourteen and fairly certain that fasting is unlikely to cause any harm, physical or mental, other than the normal reactions to hunger, thirst etc.

The said qualifications exclude the following categories: children under the age of puberty and discretion; men and women who are too old and feeble to undertake the obligation of fast and bear its hardships; sick people whose health is likely to be severely affected by the observance of fast; travellers may break the fast temporarily during their travel; pregnant women and women breast-feeding their children may also break their fast and women in the period of menstruation (of a maximum of ten days or of confinement (of a maximum of forty days. They must postpone the fast till recovery and then make up for it.

The holy month of Ramadan is the month of mercy, forgiveness, and seeking release from the Hell-fire. It is the month of repentance and acceptance of prayers. It is the month when the devils are chained, the gates of Hell are looked and the gates of Paradise are opened. That’s why; Muslims welcome Ramadan each year with energy and happiness, and are saddened only when the month departs. Fasting is for the living, not for mourning.

Ramadan is a month of worship. Muslims should welcome the month with repentance and seeking Allah’s pardon. We should keep away from committing sins; worship Allah sincerely and spending the night and day in prayer, supplication and recitation of the Holy Qur’an.

Fasting is a shield which helps prevent many sins and with which Muslim protects himself from Hell-fire. Fasting is more than abstaining from food and drink. It also means to abstain from any falsehood in speech and action, from any ignorant and indecent speech, and from arguing and quarrelling. Therefore, fasting helps to develop good behaviour.

Fasting inculcates a sense of brotherhood and solidarity, as a Muslim feels and experiences what his needy and hungry brothers feel. This gives Muslim a new sense of togetherness and association.

Allah the Almighty said in the Qur’an: The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (between right and wrong). (Surah Al-Baqarah 2: 185) As Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an, every Muslim should prepare himself to welcome the blessed month of Ramadan by strengthening his relationship with the Qur’an. A Muslim is encouraged to complete one recitation of the Holy Qur’an during Ramadan.

We should engage more and more in the recitation of the Qur’an, in dhikr (remembrance of Allah), perform extra Salah (ritual prayers) at night and renew identity with one another in our obedience to Allah.

Ramadan is called the month of charity and sympathy; a month of giving in charity and sharing meals to break the fast together. Many Muslims also pay Zakah in the month of Ramadan.

Ramadan is an excellent opportunity to bring about permanent improvement into our lives. We can do this by making a goal to remove a harmful trait from our character or speech, whether it be argumentation, backbiting, making false promises, or resentment against a fellow Muslim, or a sinful matter from our lives. Insha’Allah by the baraka of this month, this effort will result in change that will benefit us in this world and the next.

I would again like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a blessed Ramadan. May this blessed month bring unadulterated peace to everyone in the world. May Allah make this Ramadan a month of increasing nearness to Him, and May He accept all of our fasts and worship. Ameen.

Thus Ramadan becomes a blessed month of physical, moral and spiritual renewal through fasting, charity and worship. This is the moral and spiritual gifts of Ramadan. “We can say that Ramadan gives us the great gift of Taqwa (Piety). Taqwa is the sum total of Islamic life. It is the highest of all virtues in the Islamic scheme of things. It means God-consciousness, piety, fear and awe of Allah and it signifies submission to Allah and total commitment to all that is good and rejection of all that is evil and bad,” said Dr. Muzzammil H. Siddiqi, former President of Islamic Society of North America (ISNA).

King Abdullah and Crown Prince
Greet Muslims on Ramadan
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and the Crown Prince Sultan, deputy Premier greeted Muslims in the Kingdom and the rest of the world on Sunday on the beginning of the blessed month of Ramadan. In a joint address read out by the Minister of Culture and Information Abdul Aziz Khoja, the King and the Crown prince said, “We pray to Almighty Allah to make the advent of this month an opportunity for the Muslim Ummah to learn more, to strive to reject disunity and to achieve the ideals of brotherhood. That is when the strong stands by the weak, the wealthy supports the needy and the oppressed forgives the oppressor. Thus, they will build a tolerant society where people coexist peacefully preserving the rights and respecting the rights of others.”

British Foreign Secretary sent
very best wishes to Muslims
The British Foreign Secretary, William Hague, M.P. sent his “very best wishes to Muslim communities in Britain and across the world”. In his Ramadan Message, Mr. Hague said, “Ramadan is a time of intense devotion and reflection. Its importance is emphasised in prayer and as a time when families and friends gather to remember those less fortunate. Its values remind us of the principles that we hold in common – tolerance, justice, progress and the dignity of all human beings. The key messages of selflessness, charity, and compassion are values that unite Muslims and non Muslims alike.”

Imams lead Taraweeh Prayer at Grand Mosque
Imam of Taraweeh prayers at the Grand Mosque of Makkah was announced. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Awwad Al-Juhani will lead the first 10 rak’as of Taraweeh and Witr prayers, while Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais will lead the last 10 rak’as at the Grand Mosque, it was announced Saturday.

Dr. Saud Al-Shuraim and Sheikh Maher Bin Hamad Al-Muaiqli will lead the prayers in even nights during the last ten days of the holy month. During this period Al-Juhani and Al-Muaiqli will lead the Taraweeh prayers and Al-Shuraim and Al-Sudais will lead the Tahajjud (voluntary night) prayers.

On the night of the Khatm (completion or conclusion) of the Qur’an, the congregation will be led by Sheikh Al-Sudais. Ramadan Friday sermons will be delivered by Sheikh Saleh Bin Muhammad Aal Taleb, Dr. Osama Bin Abdullah Khayyat, Dr. Saleh Bin Abdullah Bin Humaid, and Dr. Saud Bin Ibrahim Al-Shuraim, respectively.

King Abdullah: Double efforts in
serving Umrah pilgrims
King Abdullah has directed all agencies to spare no effort in providing quality services for Umrah pilgrims and visitors to the two Holy Mosques. The Grand Mosque is already full of worshippers and Umrah pilgrims. Over 4.5 million Umrah visas have been issued to this year’s Ramadan. Authorities have devised elaborate plans to provide all comfort to visitors to the holy city. The General Presidency of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has a special Ramadan plan in place to ensure millions of worshippers and Umrah pilgrims can perform their rituals in ease and comfort.

Hand out Ramadan meals
Close to 500 new officials including supervisors are appointed to ensure the hand out the free Ramadan meals at the courtyards of the Grand Mosque.

Makkah Health Plan for Ramadan Pilgrims
The General Health Directorate in Makkah has worked out an integrated plan to provide comprehensive health services to the Umrah pilgrims and visitors to the Grand Mosque. There will be 36 health and first aid centres at the Grand Mosque for Umrah pilgrims and visitors this Ramadan said Dr. Khaled Obaid Zafar, Director General of Health affairs in Makkah region. The centres are Ajyad Al-Sufli Gate, Ajyad Al-Alwi Gate, Gate 94, Gate 64 and Nadwa Gate. The directorate plans to operate three new first aid centres at the Grand Mosque plazas in addition to 29 permanent first aid centres, the official said.

There are 29 permanent primary healthcare centres in Makkah. All Makkah hospitals have been prepared to work at full capacity in Ramadan.

120 units of blood donated for pilgrims
Pilgrims who come for Hajj and Umrah sometimes face tough challenges. King Fahd Medical City (KFMC) organised Blood donation campaign in view of the forthcoming month of Ramadan to alleviate some of the problems by donating blood for pilgrims coming to Saudi Arabia on Umrah. About 150 people participated and donated 120 units (50 litres) of blood that would be delivered to blood banks in Makkah and Madinah.

Improved Zamzam water coolers
The Holy Mosques General Presidency has launched new improved Zamzam water coolers in the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque during Ramadan. The new coolers are easy to move and distribute, can maintain the water temperature, and are made of materials resistant to bacteria. It will guarantee a high-level of cleanliness and preserve the purity of water. They can be sealed so that only workers can open them for filling or washing, it is reported.

Prophet’s Mosque ready to welcome worshippers
The Presidency of the Affairs of the Prophet’s Mosque has initiated a new operational plan to enable worshippers and visitors to perform their prayers at ease and comfort during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

The plan includes an increase in the number of female inspectors, preachers conducting religious sessions and cleaning personnel, as well as an expansion of facilities and services provided to those who visit the Prophet’s Mosque, it is reported. The presidency has hired 1,000 seasonal female inspectors to help its staff deal with the growing number of female worshippers and visitors, which it is thought will reach more than three million, he said. More preachers have also been engaged to hold religious teaching sessions to meet the demand of worshippers who seek to increase their understanding of Islamic issues.

Professor Tariq Ramadan on Vision and Leadership

2011-07-09T02:29:00.000-07:00

Professor Tariq Ramadan on
Vision and Leadership

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Come with understanding, with confidence, independence, critical thinking; serve yourself on the spiritual dimension and your community in the collective dimension, and then try to come with the sense of what are our priorities, said Professor Tariq Ramadan in his keynote speech at the Muslim Council of Britain’s (MCB) LDP Alumni Dinner, held at the Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre, London, on Saturday, 25th June, 2011.

Tariq Ramadan is Professor of Contemporary Islamic Studies, at the Oxford University (St. Anthony College) and also teaches at the Oxford Faculty of Theology. He is visiting Professor at the Faculty of Islamic Studies, Qatar, Mundiapolis University (Morocco) and Senior Research Fellow at Doshisha University (Kyata, Japan). His latest books are The Quest for Meaning, Developing a Philosophy of Pluralism, Penguin, 2010; What I Believe, OUP, USA, 2009. .

To be rooted in our Islamic tradition
Professor Ramadan believed that there is no doubt that we have to be rooted in our Islamic tradition but we should be open. He said, “We should be open to all the other contributions that are coming from other traditions, religious traditions, Christian, Jewish traditions. But not only that, there are so many other philosophical traditions and even now people who are specialising and managing giving us something helping us better understanding of our scriptural sources or our traditions.”

“So it is to know where you come from and with whom you are living and what you are sharing. It does not mean that you are forgetting your principles but your principles are not closed principles,” emphasized Professor Ramadan.

Leadership: independence and autonomy
Speaking about leader and leadership from the Islamic point of view, Professor Ramadan said, “When it comes to being a leader and leadership it is the understanding of independence and autonomy which linked back to Islamic tradition is very important. You are teaching your kids to be educated; you are teaching yourselves because one day you are going to stand before God as an individual. I am educating my son, my daughter because at one point they will be alone before God. It means you have to face your responsibility. At some point leadership is all about this. It is to get the sense of what it means to be independent and autonomous. That one day we have to respond to the call; ‘O You who believe; It is a call to your conscience; it is a call to your intelligence; it is a call to your heart.”

Mature, independent, autonomous
“The whole philosophy before God you should be mature, independent autonomous; leadership is about that. Why the Prophet (peace be upon him) was the leader? He was leader; because if you look at all the companions; all the companions were leaders following the leader; that means who are following you I will know what kind of teacher you are. Without intellectual autonomy you are not the teacher. This is the meaning of Islam from the very beginning. That is why, we are respecting the companions; they are autonomous; deeply intellectual; intellectually autonomous. So they can think themselves. This is the first dimension.”

You are at home
“When the Prophet (peace be upon him) was rejected by his own people, and this happened with all the prophets, messengers sent before him, the point is whatever you say about me you are my people,” Professor Ramadan said and added, “The populist, the far- rightists, the Islamophobes, whatever they say about you, you are at home. You can’t come with positive contribution if you nurture in your hearts ‘us’ verses ‘them’. You can’t; because, psychologically speaking, there is a dichotomy between your contribution and the vision.”

Tension between our values and this society
This is possible from education and understanding. “There is three dimensions, at home is my autonomy, my contribution at home here with my people. But this is not easy,” said, Professor Ramadan and added, “It’s very difficult because everyday we are facing this tension between our values and this society. So this is the starting point of understanding. That’s the beginning of the journey but it is necessary to have it here to get your mind clear and your understanding clear on the dimension.”

Professor Ramadan asked, “If you are training leaders, my first question will be: tell me about your autonomy. What do you want to contribute? In which way do you want to gift? The leader is the gift. At the end, what is your connection with the society? Who is this you are talking about? Which way you are connected with the society? Not only your neighbour, everywhere.”

The more visible you are the
more problematic you are
“You cannot rely on TV on Radio; you are not going to make it. You have to rely on the community,” said Professor Ramadan and mentioned, “This is why many of the populist are very very worried about your presence. The more visible you are the more problematic you are. Because this new visibility is changing the mind, changing the hearts and this is the way forward but not the way narrow understanding of what Islam is in our tradition. I am coming from somewhere but I am sharing values what you are saying. We have shared values but we are coming from somewhere. We have a moral distinction. But it does not mean that our moral distinction is the only distinction within our community.”

“There are many distinctions. I have seen many Christians, many Rabbis, they are better than Muslims. We think, as Muslims, Islam is the best and the last revealed religion,” said Professor Ramadan and added, “It does not mean the Muslims are the best practiser or believer. This sense of humility is so important. You get that when you start to study, when you get to interact with people; you suspend your judgement. You can take the positive from everyone.”

Use quality at right place and at right time
Speaking about the character and quality of the leader, Professor Ramadan mentioned, “The leader is not only the one who gives but also the one who is able to listen, to get from the community. One of the dimensions of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) leadership is to take the qualities from everyone at the right place and at the right time. When he needed someone to be tough, Omar was important; someone to be open and sensitive to the people, Abu Bakr Siddiq was important. So you use the quality at the right place at the right time for the right people. The Prophet was choosing the people depending on the quality. So you knew the context and you knew the people.”

Vision for the future
Professor Ramadan continued, “Leader is someone who serves. If you lead, you serve. If you get the knowledge you have to use this knowledge to help the people who don’t have this knowledge.”

Intimate verses collective dimension
After the quality of service come the priorities. “When leader is asked to serve you have the intimate dimension and the collective dimension. In the intimate dimension the first that you have to serve is to yourself. This is why when you start with the dua what we got from the Prophet (peace be upon him) if you are asking God you ask for yourself first and then for others. You start from you, because you be careful. If you start from the community, it might be that to serve the people you lose yourself. You are so much involved into activities that you are forgetting your own heart. That is why we have to get it right from the very beginning,” he said. .

Professor Ramadan continued, “On the spiritual side you start from yourself and you ask Allah to have this sound heart; to help you to purify your heart; to help you; that Allah the Almighty is helping you; not because you are Islamically active that you are spiritually right; anyone of us knows that; it is not that you are active, you are spiritually right. You can forget yourself; you can be neglectful on many dimensions.”

Purification of hearts
Professor Ramadan kept on repeating one Hadith where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said; you pray during the night and change world during the day. “But you don’t change the world during the day if you forget sometimes during the night. You cannot get it all. Because if you want to change the world during the day and if you don’t have on your side Allah. It’s metaphor. During the night to isolate yourself, to think about yourself; about your own priorities. Because our leadership is not only of our efficiency; it is about ethics, about purification; purification of your nafs; starts with yourself.”

Active Muslim and agitator Muslim
Professor Ramadan made a distinction between active Muslim and agitator Muslim. “Active Muslims know where they are going. Agitator Muslims are not sure; they are doing so many things that they are forgetting the vision; agitated Muslims are people who lost the central and who are lost the way of direction. Active Muslims have a vision; .and this is independency and autonomy; that we get there; that you are confident; and it is on going struggle; no one reach that level; this is Jihad and Jihad started at that level,” Professor Ramadan said.

Autonomy, contribution and my people
After mentioning three dimensions, autonomy, contribution and my people, Professor Ramadan said, “My people are the people where I live. Even if you look at the way Zakat should be spent, the people around you.” Professor Ramadan argued, “The poor people one day before God will ask you what about us; we were close to you. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said your poor people; and you have poor people here. Muslims are very poor; and they need your support. The Rules are proximity first and then you think about other dimension.”

Muslim community in Britain
Talking about serving the Muslim community in Britain, Professor Ramadan enquired how we are going to serve this community here in Britain. He said, “The starting point of serving your people is to know them; and to know them is to know two things; two knowledge: the priority of Islamic knowledge we need this of course; because there is something which is specific from our religion and also this country and this country means that you need to get very deep understanding from within.”

Be specialist
Professor Ramadan argued, “We need people in different field comprehensive vision but with skills, specialist. Don’t be superficial in all the fields; choose your field and go ahead with your field. You want to work for education; yes, be specialist, the skills that are needed at the highest level.”

Multiculturalism
In the Q. & A. session, Professor Ramadan touched specially on multiculturalism and integration. About multiculturalism, Professor Ramadan said, “The populist is doing this. And they have four features: one, the simplicistic answers to complex questions; second, the creation of the others; and the others today are the Muslims and so we are the others. Islam is not the European religion; it cannot be an American religion; they are the others. So the sense of victimhood, we are the victims of their colonisation; they are colonising us. So nurturing the victim mentality,” said Professor Ramadan and added, “This is emotional politics.”

Integration
Professor Ramadan was saying again and again integration is over. Professor Ramadan argued, “This is the contribution; it is the European British religion that we are at home; this is positive position. This is to say I am repeating this everyday; integration words are over; and the success of integration is to stop talking about integration. Go ahead now with what we are saying, but don’t be on the reactive mode; on the defensive mode. Know something, what they are saying at the national level, they are not what they are saying at the local level.”

“At the local level they know it is working and are going much better than what they are seeing in London. Something is happening at the grass-root level. So let them talk and do the job. But don’t waste your time responding. Sometimes the answer to this is silence.” advised Professor Ramadan.

Be a good example and convey the Message

2011-07-02T04:02:00.000-07:00

Be a good example and convey the Message
Dr. al-Shiddy at London Central Mosque

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Be a good example, be active, and convey the message, invite others to this exhibition, said Dr. Adil al-Shiddy, President of the Global Commission for Introducing the Messenger, in his Friday Khutbah. (Sermon), at the London Central Mosque, Regents Park, on Friday, the 17th of June 2011.

The Prophet – best example for all Muslims
“Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the best example for all Muslims We cannot find better than the Prophet (peace be upon him). He is the person who was caring for Muslims. Allah the Almighty said, ‘We did not send you but a mercy for human beings.’ Therefore, he is caring, patient, loving for the people,” said Dr. al-Shiddy in his Friday sermon and added, “Therefore; we should listen to his advice, to his consultancy.”

Character and Akhlaq of the Prophet
Dr. al-Shiddy in his Friday sermon spoke about the character and Akhlaq of the Prophet (peace be upon him). He said, “The Akhlaq and character of the Prophet (peace be upon him) is mercy, justice and being humble.” The khateeb advised Muslims to “follow those characters, apply them and implement them in our lives. Because of those characters there was good relationship between him and all the people in general and non-Muslim in particular. The Prophet loves people, stays with people. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The best men are those who give good and care for others, especially the non-Muslim.”

Dealing with non-Muslim
How to deal with the non-Muslim? The khateeb mentioned about the way Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to deal with non-Muslim. He said, “Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a good example to deal with non-Muslims. He was doing dialogue, debating, inviting them to his message - Islam. There are four levels: The first level is: knowing others; the second level is: acquainting with them; the third level is: cooperation and the fourth level is: taking and making allies with them; as Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did in his life.”

While mentioning about the fourth level which is taking allies and making allies for the service of Islam, Dr. al-Shiddy said that even before Islam, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) attended and entered into covenant for the sake of the oppressed people. He was mentioning about the covenant Half-al-Fadul which Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) made with the disbelievers of Makkah for peace and security in Makkah before the advent of Islam. Dr. al-Shiddy said, “Before Islam, he attended and entered into covenant for the protection of the non-Muslim, the people of Quraish, to support the oppressed. This covenant was a just one and ‘I wish to witness some covenant or treaty like this after Islam,’ the Prophet (peace be upon him) said.”

The khateeb mentioned a verse from the Qur’an where Allah the Almighty said, ‘We created you from male and female to get to know each other.’ As an example or evidence for knowing each other. After quoting the above verse from the Qur’an, Dr. al-Shiddy said, “Cooperate and acquaintance with them; knowing others, not harming others, especially those who do not harm you,” said Dr. al-Shiddy.

Convey the message of the Prophet (pbuh)
The khateeb mentioned something about command from Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The first command is to take the command; to convey his message. This is the responsibility for us to convey his message. This is a command for us. And it is the responsibility that we should shoulder.”

Dr. al-Shiddy then mentioned the second thing is honour, the honourable command; it is from the Prophet (peace be upon him); as command, to honourable command. The third thing or the other thing is being patient, being humble, and giving it and making it easier for us. It is not the whole religion; even though just for one time; it is not the whole religion but it is just making easier for us.”

While mentioning about the command of conveying the message of the Prophet (peace be upon him), the khateeb reminded Muslims about their forefathers. Dr. al-Shiddy said, “Our role is to giving the message as our forefathers take the religion, Islam, to the different parts of the world and now it is our turn to take the message of Islam forward.”

Be optimist
In the second part of the Sermon, the khateeb talked about the importance of Deen (religion). Dr. al-Shiddy said in his Friday sermon, “Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) all through his life was very optimistic, especially at the time of hardship and adversity; and also at the time of some of the battles when the enemies surrounding him; he was very optimist.” The khateeb mentioned the battle of the Trench as an example and said, “the consequences are all only for the pious people.”

Be confident
The khateeb admitted that the conditions of Muslims sometimes make us pessimist but he advised, “Be confident; the future is for this deen, for this religion, Islam. The future is everywhere for this deen as Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said in one of his Traditions (Hadith), ‘people who are inhibited, disheartened, disappointed, and are pessimistic; they must not build any honour. Those despair, losing hope, are the character of pessimist, the disbelievers.”

Be proud of your deen, religion
Dr. al-Shiddy also mentioned, “Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was very optimistic. This is the message should be given to the youth to be confident; to be proud of their deen of their religion, Islam. We need to give confidence, pride of our deen, of our religion, Islam, to our youth.”

We should be a good example for others
Referring to those people who are engaged in preaching in the West, the khateeb said to them to be very active and follow the example of the companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Dr. al-Shiddy said, “All the Muslims you are here, particularly the preachers in the west, to convey the message of Islam to the others; to be very active. Take the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as an example and the followers and the companions when they conveyed the deen everywhere.”

“Look at the graves of the companions. They are not in Makkah and Madina, but everywhere, in Turkey, in Asia, and in Africa. To take example of those companions, for the Tabligh, convey the message everywhere;” said the khateeb and maintained, “We should be an example, a good example for others; One thing, if you cannot convey, at least you apply Islam on yourselves.”

The khateeb also said, “It is a chance for us to be a good dayee by applying the character and akhlaq of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in our behaviour.”

The khateeb also said, “Lots of Muslim organisations pay a lot of efforts, time and money for many projects. But the best thing is you. Do a good example; others will look at you as a Muslim and consequently they will follow the teachings of Islam.”

In this Islamic Cultural Centre, mentioned Dr. al-Shiddy in his Friday Sermon, there is an exhibition on the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and it is a chance, he said, “for you to invite friends, neighbours for this exhibition, as it is an example of the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).”

“Be a good example, be active, convey the message, invite others to this exhibition,” said Dr. al-Shiddy.

The khateeb concluded his Sermon by making supplication “praying for the Muslims everywhere, to protect them, Muslims here and some Arab troubled areas, and prayed to Allah the Almighty to protect them and stop the bloodshed in some places such as Syria, Libya, Yemen and other places.”

Exhibition Islam
Exhibition Islam was officially opened the doors to its permanent exhibition gallery in Central London. The opening ceremony for the exhibition gallery titled ‘Muhammad- A Mercy to Mankind’ was hosted on Thursday 16th June and was attended by over 150 prominent members of major faith and community groups from across the UK.

The Exhibition Islam team was congratulated at the launch of this three-year project to design and build a ground breaking permanent exhibition in the UK. Exhibition Islam was also praised for its continued efforts to provide the British Muslim community with a unique service that has been instrumental in changing perceptions of Islam and Muslims in the wider society and has benefited community relations nationwide, according to the press release of Exhibition Islam.

Lord Sheikh
About this Islam Exhibition, Lord Sheikh said, “The exhibition will convey the true message of Islam and will enable the visitors to have a better understanding of our glorious religion.”

“I am sure that you will agree that sometimes difficulties arise between communities as they do not have understanding of each other’s religion and the exhibition will certainly help in dispelling misconceptions and hence will assist in the promotion of a better understanding of Islam,” wrote Lord Sheikh and added, “A great deal of effort has been expended in preparation of the exhibits and these will certainly have impact in creation of good knowledge of Islam.”

The Islam Exhibition is a marvellous idea and a great opportunity for everyone to go to the Islamic Cultural Centre, London and visit the exhibition with friends, families and neighbours, both Muslims and non-Muslims, for having a better understanding and knowledge about the life of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) as well as the Message of this glorious religion, Islam.

Speaking at the opening, Shahid Munir, Director of Research at Exhibition Islam stated: “This permanent exhibition serves many of these purposes in allowing the wider community to come together at this wonderful location in the heart of London. We hope that this permanent exhibition itself becomes a beacon from which wider initiatives can be launched to aid society in understanding the true message of Islam. It is little known that Muslims had interaction with the United Kingdom and Ireland over 1,300 years ago. Muslims have lived, ruled and contributed to Europe for over 1,400 years, helping to advance sciences and aid wider society.”

In this connection, I would like to advise people to contact Islamic Cultural Centre, London, about the opening hours of the Islam Exhibition before they plan to visit the exhibition.

Islam and Muslims in Japan

2011-05-30T14:46:00.000-07:00

Islam and Muslims in Japan
Based on talk and interview with Imam Taqy

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Islam reached Japan towards the end of the 19th century, much later as compared to her neighbouring countries – Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines or even China.

Japan is an exonym while her official name is Nippon, also referred to as Nihon. Both Nippon and Nihon literally mean “the sun’s origin” and are often translated as the Land of rising Sun. This Island country is an archipelago of 6,852 islands. Administratively divided into 47 prefectures, Honshū, Hokkaidō, Kyūshū and Shikoku are four major Islands and taken together account for 97 percent of land area. The densely populated country has a population of12.74 million.

The basic information about the population of Japan is as follows: The total population of Japan is 127,000,000 out of that 13,000,000 live in Tokyo. The estimated Muslim population of Japan is 100,000, the majority of whom are non-Japanese people. The estimated number of Japanese Muslims is 10,000. The number of Japanese Imam in Japan is 5 and number of Japanese Imam in Tokyo is only one.

Abdullah Taqy Takazawa is perhaps the only native Japanese Imam in Tokyo. He is the Imam at a small mosque in the Kabukicho area of Tokyo. Imam Abdullah Taqy gave a series of talks in Japanese language on “Islam in Japan – Past, Present and the Future” translated into English by Ms. Kieko Obuse, in London, Birmingham and Oxford between 20 and 23rd of May, 2011. Imam Taqy accompanied by Ms. Kieko also met Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad, “Timothy Winter”, University Lecturer in Islamic Studies at the Faculty of Divinity, University of Cambridge on Tuesday, the 24th May in Cambridge.

During his lecture tour, Imam Taqy was accompanied by Ms. Kieko Obuse, the researcher and translator who made a bullet-point presentation on Islam in Japan: Past, Present and Future solely based on her doctoral research on the history of Islam in Japan prior to Imam Taqy’s talk.

I had the opportunity to meet Imam Abdullah Taqy and Ms. Kieko Obuse both in London and in Oxford and had a long discussion. I interviewed him about Islam in Japan. The following is based on his talk and Kieko’s slide presentation as well as my research and interview with him.

Basic overview of religions in Japan
Religiously speaking, Shintoism and Buddhism are the two major religions of Japan. Shintoism is the indigenous traditional religion of Japan; 90% of the Japanese people registered themselves through the local shrine to Shintoism. Many of them are followers of Buddhism found by Gautam Buddha of India, introduced in Japan during the 6th century. 70% of the Japanese people affiliated with the Buddhist religion. “Back in history, Shintoism and Buddhism were brought together as one tradition and they were forced to be separated after the opening up of the country. Followers of both these religions form between 81 to 96 percent of total population,” said Imam Abdullah Taqy.

Christianity reached Japan in 1543 A.D. in the 16th century. Christian missionary activities in Japan were started by a Roman Catholic priest, Francis Xavier and since then missionaries have been propagating Christianity vigorously, however, the total Christian population still remains less than one percent. Abdullah Taqy said, “1% population of Japan are Christians; they are normally accepted as Japanese religion and socially recognised option for the Japanese.”

Islam is considered as one of the new religions. As mentioned earlier, Muslims in Japan are estimated 0.1 % of the population. “Primarily Islam is a ‘foreign’ religion,” said Imam Abdullah Taqy.

History of Islam in Japan
The history of Islam in Japan can be classified into three categories: i) contact of Islam with Japan; ii) Presence of Islam in Japan and iii) Islam in Modern Japan. Renowned historical sociologist, late Professor Hajime Kobayashi, said there was no record of any contact between Islam and Japan in Pre-Meiji era (1868). It was only during Meiji Era in 1877 when the biography of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was translated into Japanese that Japanese people came to know about Islam. However this contact of Islam with Japan was limited to study of culture and history mostly by intellectuals.

i) Contact of Islam with Japan
According to Imam Abdullah Taqy and Ms. Kieko’s slide presentation, Japanese long relied on Chinese and European sources for the information on the Islamic world. First official involvement with the Islamic world began in the late 19th century, after the end of national seclusion. Delegations to Egypt, Turkey and Persia. Ertuğrul incident (1889) strengthened tie with Ottoman Turkey.

During Meiji era started in 1868, Japan and Ottoman Empire, two independent country in Asia, established friendly relations besides exchanging friendly delegations. On one such goodwill mission Sultan Abdul Hamid sent a Naval Vessel, Ertugal, to Japan in 1889. The ship with 609 persons on board reached Yokohama port of Japan on June 7, 1890. The ship was capsized in Oshima Isles on her return journey and sank with 609 people aboard drowning 540 of them, including the commander of the mission Admiral Osman Pasha, the brother of Sultan, dead.

According to Dr. Salih Mahdi S. Al-Samarrai, the present Director of Islamic Centre, Japan, who spent fifty years of his life in Japan, a young Japanese journalist, Shotaro Noda raised donations in Japan for the martyrs families, handed those donations to Turkish authorities and even met Sultan Abdul Hamid II who asked him to stay in Istanbul and teach Japanese to Ottoman officers. During his stay, he met Abdullah Guillaume, an English Muslim from Liverpool and embraced Islam and chose to be named Abdul Haleem Noda.

According to research by late Abu Bakar Morimoto, a Japanese Muslim writer, Japanese government sent with relief a 24-year old well read Torajiro Yamada to Turkey who stayed there for two years and later embraced Islam and adopted Muslim name Abdul Khalil. Abubakar Morimoto describes Torajiro Yamada as the first Japanese Muslim; whereas Dr. Samarrai said Abdul Haleem Noda the first Japanese Muslim and Abdul Khalil Yamada the second. That’s why; Imam Abdullah Taqy told me in reply to my question, “There are two theories about who was the first Muslim. I won’t say his name.” In any case it was only during the last decade of the 19th century that a few Japanese embraced Islam.

During this period (say the last decade of the 19th century) a small group of Indian Muslim merchants lived in Tokyo, Yokohama and Kobe. They are considered to be the first Muslim community in Japan.

ii) Presence of Islam in Japan
Japan’s victory in the Russo-Japanese war (1905) attracted the passionate attention of Muslims, especially those in the Middle East. Collaboration started with the Pan-Asianists and Pan-Islamists, eg. Abdur Rasheed Ibrahim (1857-1944), mentioned by Kieko in her presentation.

According to Dr. Samarrai, a number of Muslims went to Japan, published Islamic magazines and managed to convert a large number of Japanese people into Islam during 1900-1920. Abdur Rasheed Ibrahim, a Muslim traveller and a noted caller of Islam from Russia, came to Japan in 1909; Muhammad Barakatullah from Bhopal, India visited Japan and was the first to teach Urdu in the University of Foreign Languages in Tokyo and issued Islamic Fraternity, an Islamic Magazine for three years (1910-1912). Ahmad Fadli, an Egyptian officer, stayed in Japan, married a Japanese lady in 1908 and wrote The Secret behind the Japanese Progress in Arabic in 1911.

The real Muslim community life however did not start until the arrival of several hundred Turkoman, Uzbek, Tadjik, Kirghiz, Kazakh and other Turko-Tatar Muslim refugees from central Asia and Russia in the wake of the Bolshevik Revolution during World War I. These Muslims who were given asylum in Japan settled in several main cities, i.e. Tokyo, Nagoya and Kobe around Japan and formed small Muslim communities. A number of Japanese converted to Islam through the contact with these Muslims.

iii)Islam in Modern Japan
During World War II, an "Islamic Boom" was set in Japan by the military government through organisations and research centers on Islam and the Muslim World. It is said that during this period over 100 books and journals on Islam were published in Japan. The mere purpose was to let the military be better equipped with the necessary knowledge about Islam and Muslims since there were large Muslim communities in the areas occupied in China and Southeast Asia by the Japanese army. As a result, with the end of the war in 1945, these organisations and research centers disappeared rapidly.

Kieko’s slide presentation also mentioned, “Japanese collaboration with the Islamic world abandoned at the end of the WWII and their tradition of ‘Islamic Studies’ forgotten. Post-war Japanese interest in Islam has been opportunistic and general level of awareness low, despite immigration.”

Another "Islamic Boom" was set in motion this time in the shade of "Arab Boom" after the "oil shock" in 1973. The Japanese mass media have given big publicity to the Muslim World in general and the Arab World in particular after realizing the importance of these countries for the Japanese economy. However, with the end of the effect of oil shock, most of those who converted to Islam disappeared from the scene.

First Qur’an Translation in Japanese Language
As for Qur’an in Japanese language, Imam Abdullah Taqy said, “There have been a few translations and the major one back in the day of the one done by Islamic scholar and also the Japan Muslim association have accomplished the official translation of the Qur’an for the followers Muslims.” The first translation of the Qur’an in Japanese language was done by Umar Mita, a native Japanese Muslim rather than non-Japanese Islamic scholar. “Umar Mita was actually at this time in a makeshift Muslim but he later became a devout Muslim. Many books on Islam were written during this political collaboration between Japanese authorities and Islam. And the major topic wrote on Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Umar Mita, the well-known translator of the meaning of Holy Qur’an into Japanese, embraced Islam in China.

First Japanese Pilgrim
The first Japanese pilgrim is Kotaro Yamaoka (1818-1859); whose Muslim name is Omar. He was actually serving as a Russian translator; he embraced Islam in Bombay, India, I think, on his way to Makkah; he was travelling with Pan-Islamists in wartime., said Imam Taqy.

First Japanese Mosque
Lot of Pan-Islamists came to Japan to collaborate with the Japanese politicians and officers and then they together built the first Mosque and there is no specific date for the First mosque. Imam Taqy said, “There was one in Nagoya and we don’t know where it was but the one we know about there is two : one in Kobe built in 1935 and the other in Tokyo, the Tokyo Mosque built in 1938; but it was replaced by the beautiful Ottoman building we have now. The replacement was at the war-time. So that was quite earlier on, 1930s we have three big Mosque building in hand. So that was the second one.” Kieko’s slide presentation also agreed with this information.

According to Dr. Samarrai, the first Mosque was built in Osaka for Russian Muslim prisoners in 1905. Indian Muslims founded a Mosque in Kobe in 1935. Late Firoozuddin of Calcutta, also known as “Firooz Japan Wala” made a handsome financial contribution towards its building. Abdul Hay Qurban Ali, religious leader of Tatar Muslims, with the support and assistance of Japanese authorities built first Mosque in Tokyo, in 1938.

Mosques in Japan
There are about 50 Mosques across the country. “But those one which has full-fledged Islamic decoration, architecture; they are quite very few; they are 15; and others are converted into musalla from former houses,” said Imam Taqy. Mosque is the meeting point for people with the same linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Still Islam is a very much a ‘foreign’ religion. There are a handful of native Japanese Imams as I mentioned earlier.

Knowledge of Islam and Islamic literature
Imam Taqy said, “Knowledge about Islam is very low. Information about Islam is not unavailable; it is not very accessible. And many of the Japanese converts embraced Islam; they have not many studied Islam; what they are doing they are researching Islam studying Islam. As for literature on Islam, there are books. These books are not easily accessible or simply not enough to know about Islam.”

Japanese Muslim Association
There are two major Muslim associations to note. “One is Islamic Centre, Japan; funded by Saudi Arabia; it has seen some difficult time; but it has been the centre for missionary work and distribute literature and leaflets and the other one is almost little bit of tentative role for Japanese Muslims; it is called the Japan Muslim Association and they don’t represent the whole Japanese community; they do a little bit for the Japanese Muslims. Apart from these, there are lots of lots of activities popping up Muslim collaboration with native Muslims and foreign Muslims. That is quite promising and that we organised events called mosque meetings, to bring together leaders of the mosques and talked about the strategy, grassroots awareness Islam in Japan,” said Imam Taqy.

Halal Food in Japan
There are very very few Halal Restaurants in Japan. As for Halal shops there are more; if you want to have Halal food for your family consumption, it is really possible to get them and these are normally located close to the mosque. Imam Taqy mentioned, “There are two Halal slaughter houses in Japan and one is in Saitama, Tokyo but majority of Halal meat that is available in Japan, we imported from abroad.”

Muslim Cemetery in Japan
Imam Abdullah Taqy said, “I think there are two Muslim graveyards in Japan. But it takes a lot of space. It is really important matter for Muslims as they grow in size to secure more lands for the graveyards. But it is being done. I believe funerals are conducted by mosques.”

About Imam Abdullah Taqy
Imam Abdullah Taqy was born into a typical Japanese family. In reply to my question, Imam Taqy said, “As I said, as I born I was already a Muslim. I am now 39 years old. For 35 years I was sleeping Muslim and then four years ago I woke up. I would like to ask you when you woke up in the morning what makes you woke up. I officially converted to Islam four years ago. It is the gradual process; something happened, I became Muslim. Of course, four years ago, it is not somebody forces me to wake up; it is not that I did use my alarm clock. It was very nice waking.”

Abdullah Taqy met a foreign Muslim, Sheikh Niamatullah, 12 years ago in Tokyo’s Shibuya district. He spent his life studying various religions which ultimately led him to convert to Islam four years ago. He performed Hajj in Makkah al-Mukarramah at the invitation of the Saudi Arabian government around three years ago. 12 years ago the man who started him down his path to Islam, Sheikh Niamatullah appointed him to become the Imam at a small mosque in the Kabukicho area of Tokyo.

Islam in Europe and Euro-Islam

2011-05-26T04:39:00.000-07:00

Islam in Europe and
Euro-Islam Conference

Dr. Mozammel Haque

The one-day British-German Conference on ‘Beyond Multiculturalism: Islam in Europe and Euro-Islam’ organised jointly by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in London and the Democracy & Islam Programme at the University of Westminster, was held at the Westminster University recently, in the Boardroom of the University of Westminster, London.

These are challenging times for Europe’s Muslim communities. From one perspective, an increasing number of voices have been calling for the fashioning of a new Islamic consciousness in Europe, so-called ‘Euro-Islam’, which could both Muslims preserve their identity and fully integrate into Europe. It could even become an exportable commodity, inspiring Muslims elsewhere to adapt and embrace democracy and pluralism in more viable and adaptable forms.

Simultaneously, the multiculturalist environment which these voices want to embrace and celebrate has been under attack in Europe and the United States, precisely because some allege that it permits Islam and other ‘alien’ cultures a space for free self-expression, not always with welcome results.

In order to explore questions of ‘Islam in Europe’ and ‘Euro-Islam’, this conference brought together political decision-makers, academics and practitioners from Britain, Germany and elsewhere and, besides engaging with the negative experiences of European Muslims, plans to explore the more optimistic scenario: that of Muslims in Europe and the West contributing actively to the European pluralist experience, rather than being seen as a problem for multicultural pluralism, or at best, as (undeserving) beneficiaries.

This is the third German-British Conference on the subject of Islam organised in the last few years on the initiative of the German Embassy and in cooperation with political foundations and British universities. In May 2009, a conference took place at SOAS on ‘Integration of Muslim Communities in Germany and Britain – Success or Failure?’ In March, 2010 A Conference took place at King’s College on the theme ‘Political Islam and Public Policy.’ This year, 2011, the conference was titled: Beyond Multiculturalism: Islam in Europe and Euro-Islam’.

The welcome address was delivered by HE Georg Boomgaarden, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany. Another welcome address was delivered by Dr. Abdelwahab El-Affendi, Coordinator of the Democracy and Islam Programme, University of Westminster.

First Keynote address was delivered by Baroness Kishwer Falkner (Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Foreign and Commonwealth Office and for Home Office). Another Keynote address was delivered by Armin Laschet, Member of the State Parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia, former Minister for Integration of North-Rhine-Westphalia and member of the German National Islam Conference)

First Panel
There were four panels. The first Panel was on “Muslim communities in Europe: Multiculturalism vs. integration.” The multiculturalist environment has come under attack in Europe. An increasing number of voices have called on Muslim communities to better integrate and engage. The key questions addressed were: How much integration can be legitimately asked for, and where are the boundaries between integration and assimilation? Do Muslims have to choose between their own and a Western identity perceived as ‘other’ – or can the two blend into a Muslim Western identity?

Under the chair of Olivier McTenan, Director of Forward Thinking, Professor Tariq Modood, Director of the Research Centre for the Study of Ethnicity and Citizenship at the University of Bristol, spoke. The panel examined the debate on “Multiculturalism verses Integration”.

Second Panel
The Panel 2 was on “The image of Islam and how to objectify it?” The image of Islam has deteriorated since 9/11. Sometimes the understanding Europeans have about Islam is distorted or lacks adequate knowledge. In order to inject more objectivity into the debate, there has been, for example, a recent campaign promoting Islam as a faith which contributes positively to British society. The key questions addressed were: How can biased perceptions about Islam be countered? How can the media and the general public in Europe acquire a more balanced and comprehensive knowledge about Islam and the Muslim world?

Under the chair of Dr. Abdulwahab El-Affendi, coordinator of the Democracy and Islam Programme, University of Westminster, there were following speakers: Jorg Lau, Journalist for the German weekly newspaper Die Zeit; Farooq Murad, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain; Yousif Al-Khoei, Director, Al-Khoei Foundation. The panel was concerned with the Image of Islam and how to objectify it.

Third Panel
The Panel 3 was on “Aspects of radicalisation and how to counter it?” Violent and terrorist incidents in Europe with Islamist background have – albeit isolated – not been rooted out altogether. The key questions addressed were: Why do some apparently well-integrated European youth become attracted to extremist views? Why and when do some people cross from violent talk to violent action? How can European Muslims and non-Muslims as well as state and society cooperate in order to counter extremism? The panel was concerned with aspects of radicalisation and how to counter it?

Fourth Panel
The Panel 4 was on “‘Euro-Islam’: Contextualising Islam in secular societies.” ‘Euro-Islam’ has become a buzzword to describe a new Islamic consciousness in Europe, which could both help Muslims preserve their identity and fully integrate into Europe. It is directed against both ‘ghettoisation’ and assimilation. The key questions addressed were: Could ‘Euro-Islam’ be the way out of the stalemate between multiculturalism and assimilation? Could ‘Euro-Islam’ become an exportable commodity inspiring Muslims elsewhere to adapt and embrace democracy and pluralism in more viable and adaptable forms?

Under the chair of Kristiane Backer, author of the book From MTV to Mecca – How Islam Inspired My Life, the following were the speakers: Professor Tariq Ramadan, Professor of Contemporary Islamic Studies, University of Oxford; Lord Professor Bhikhu Parekh, and Fiaz Moghul, Director of Faith Matters. The panel was concerned with “Euro-Islam in Secular Societies”.

Welcome Address by the Ambassador of
Germany in the United Kingdom
The German Ambassador said, “Today, about 4 million Muslims form Germany’s third-largest faith community, making up about 5% of the total population. This is significantly more than Britain’s 2 million Muslims, who make up about 3% of the British population.”

The German Federal Government set up the “German Islam Conference” in 2006 to improve integration. “The key issues are these: How can the different Muslim traditions and customs be brought into harmony with German law? How can the economic conditions of Muslims in Germany be improved? And how can prejudices on both sides be broken down?” said German Ambassador.

The very existence of the Conference is also a positive sign, said German Ambassador and added, “A sign that Islam and Muslims have become part of Germany, a part of German society.”

The German Ambassador said, “A study commissioned by the German Islam Conference on the integration of German Muslims has shown that Muslims are better integrated into German society than is often supposed. This is also confirmed by a Gallup survey of 2009, which found that Muslims in Germany (as in Britain) identify much more strongly with the state than the average population. Moreover, half of German Muslims – significantly more than the average population – were satisfied with their circumstances.”

Speaking about the image of Islam and Religious tolerance in Germany, the German Ambassador said, “last year a German opinion research institute conducted a survey on religious tolerance in several European countries. This found that over 80% of Germans were in favour of respect for all religions. However, only a third of German participants had a positive attitude towards Muslims, compared with over 50 per cent in France, the Netherlands and Denmark.”

The Ambassador also mentioned, “80% of participants in Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark associated the word “Islam” with discrimination against women, about 70% with fanaticism and about 60% with violence. Only in France were these negative associations significantly lower.”

“This difference in public opinion is contradicted by a survey published in January, conducted by the French opinion research institute Ifop and commissioned by Le Monde newspaper,” said the German Ambassador and mentioned, “This found that 42% of French and 40% of Germans see the presence of Islam in their countries as a “threat to national identity”. This negative attitude has, according to the survey, increased strongly in the last ten years.”

German Ambassador said that what is needed is more contact, getting to know each other. He also mentioned, “In Britain, it was Baroness Warsi who – likewise in January – publicly lamented that Islamophobia has become acceptable in society and sections of the media. Thus in both our countries we face similar questions and problems, which will be looked at by the second Panel.”

Speaking about Islamic organisations in Germany, the Ambassador said, less than 1% of the 4 million Muslims living in Germany – that is, only about 30,000 people – are members of Islamist organisations. Most of these organisations are legal. “In Germany associations can be banned if their aims or activities violate criminal law, or if they are directed against the constitutional order or the idea of international understanding,” said the Ambassador and added, “Islamist associations currently banned in Germany are Hizb-ut-Tahrir (banned since 2003, when it had about 300 members) and the Turkish “Caliph State” (banned since 2001, when it had about 1,100 members).”

German Ambassador said Islam is “historically not new. Judaism, Christianity and Islam have shaped Europe and the Middle East for over 1000 years.”
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Euro-Islam or Islam in Europe
In the Panel 4 on “Euro-Islam” the chair Kristiane Backer kicked the discussion by saying there is no European Islam; there is no Indonesian Islam; there is no Arabic Islam; Islam is Islam; but perhaps there is different experience of Islam. Then she asked Professor Tariq Ramadan to clear up this confusion. .

Professor Tariq Ramadan:
Professor Ramadan started by saying, my starting point: for all the European governments and for all the Western governments and for all the Muslims is to say, “In fact, if we come to the essence of Islam, there is only one Islam. As for principles or set of principles, or references, we have the Qur’an, the Prophetic Traditions, and then you have principles which are all the same, same prayer in Germany as we prayer in Pakistan; or in Egypt. We fast in the same way.”

Principle only one Islam; accepted diversity
“So as for the principles, there is only one Islam and now no one can deny the fact that there is an accepted diversity in Islam and the accepted diversity we have to be quite clear.”

Universality of Islam
“European Islam is to me Islamic as to the principles, European as to the culture, we have British Muslims are Muslims as far as the principles and British as for their culture,” said Professor Ramadan and emphasized, “we have to be assertive: the universality of Islam is to accept the universality of the principles and diversity of the culture.”

Beyond multiculturalism
Professor Ramadan spoke about multiculturalism and integration. He said, “Over the last few years we have this discussion, the rhetoric; multicultural failed, integration has failed; we have rhetoric of failure; saying that it does not work. I think that once again, here, we have to be consistent and clear what we are here talking about? What multiculturalism we are talking about? What we are actually addressing?”

“Now what we are facing, believe it or not, is the reality of the pluralistic society in Europe. We have common citizenship and different religious cultural backgrounds,” mentioned Professor Ramadan and said, “The only thing that we have now, we have to deal with it is pluralistic society. People are coming with different cultural backgrounds; different religious backgrounds and they have the same status. Now how we are going to deal with this? Are we serious about equality? Are we serious about taking into account diversity? Because all our Constitutions and when there is not clear constitutions, are all saying that we have to respect freedom of conscience, freedom of worship and the diversity of culture.”

Mentioning the problem Professor Ramadan said, “What should we do to be accepted as complete citizen when we have a Muslim background and a religious background. So there is a discourse, a rhetoric beyond culturalise, to religionise, to Islamise all the questions that we have.”

ICC London and the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs sign a MOU to promote real Islam

2011-05-16T16:32:00.000-07:00

ICC London and the Saudi Ministry of Islamic
Affairs sign a MOU to promote real image of Islam

Dr. Mozammel Haque

The Islamic Cultural Centre (ICC), London, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for cooperation and coordination with the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Daw’ah and Endowment on Tuesday, the 10th of May, 2011 in the presence of Prince Mohammad bin Nawaf bin Abdul Aziz, the Saudi Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Ireland, Kuwaiti Ambassador Mr. Khaled al-Duwaisan and the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates and the Muslim community leaders and media personalities.

The MOU agreement was signed by Sheikh Khaled al-Suwailem, head of Daw’ah (Overseas) on behalf of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Daw’ah and Endowment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kuwaiti ambassador Mr. Khaled al-Duwaisan, on behalf of the Trust of the Islamic Cultural Centre, London, as the vice-chairman of the Trust, to promote the real image of Islam.

After the signing of the MOU, the Kuwaiti ambassador, who signed the MOU as vice-chairman of the ICC Trust, gave a brief speech in Arabic expressing his gratefulness and thanks to Sheikh Khaled Suwailem, Dr. Fahd Ali Slihem and to all the members of the delegation from Saudi Arabia and to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia “for giving us this support”.

According to the terms of the agreement, the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs will cooperate to serve the Muslim community in the field of education, teaching Arabic language and training teachers and training for anybody who is dealing with the Muslim community especially in the field of education. Under the MOU, there will be cooperation and coordination in organising seminars, holding conferences and meetings and visit of delegation.

MINAB Vice-Chair. Seyyed Ferjani
On behalf of the British Muslim Community as well as on behalf of the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board (MINAB), Mr. Seyyed Ferjani, the vice-chair of the MINAB, expressed thank and gratefulness for the agreement between the ICC, London and the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs and said, the Muslims here and the Muslims in the Muslim majority countries should play the role of a bridge between this country and other countries. “The minority here wishes to bring a lot of good and benefit to this country as well as to the Muslim world and to the other Muslims,” he said.

Mr. Ferjani is also the President of the Muslim Association of Britain (MAB).

Mr. Ferjani also expressed his gratitude and prayed for those countries and individuals who played a major role in establishing mosques in almost all the major cities in the West. “We are grateful to those who helped for building the infrastructure for the Muslim community specially for this Mosque. I specially pray for those countries and individuals who really played a major role in establishing those mosques, we see, in almost all the major cities in the west. These mosques played a great role for the Muslim community. We wish and pray to Allah Almighty and thank them,” Mr. Ferjani said.

Saudi Ambassador Prince Mohammad
Prince Mohammad reminded that the most important thing is, not to forget Allah the Almighty. He said, “This is our duty, at the end of the day, the duty of all of us, not only Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Arab Emirates, Egypt, Morocco and Yemen. All of us are doing what we have to do to help our brothers in Islam. The most important thing: not to forget Allah the Almighty. If you forget Allah, Allah will forget you. We are doing what we have to do as a duty of Muslim to our brothers. We think we are not doing enough. We have to do more.”

Thanking Kuwaiti and Emirates Ambassadors, the Saudi Ambassador said, “I am here with my colleagues my friends and my brothers the Kuwaiti Ambassador and the Arab Emirates Ambassador along with others to demonstrate that we are committed to help as much as we can our Muslim brothers here as long as they always put the God in their eyes. And as a part of the community here, they should obey and abide by the laws and take part in all their works and activities and this is very important for our works also.”

Ambassador Khaled al-Duwaisan
As the Kuwaiti ambassador Khaled al-Duwaisan spoke in Arabic earlier, I interviewed him after the signing of the MOU agreement and he told me, “We are grateful to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They are always doing the great job for Islam. The MOU agreement for cooperation between the Ministry of Islamic Affairs of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Cultural Centre, London, is a step for more cooperation so that we can preserve the right Islam; the Islam that we wanted to show the West that this is the real Islam and the ICC is taking the lead for giving all the Muslims their essence of Islam. This cooperation will help us to increase our activities here, in the Centre and we hope to reach to every city of the United Kingdom to give the real Islam what the Centre is doing.”

Dr. Fahd Ali Slihem
Dr. Fahd Ali Slihem, Director of Daw'ah for Europe at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Daw’ah and Endowment, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who was present at the time of MOU agreement, told me we take good care looking after Islamic centres, supporting them whatever they need; supplying them the translations of the Qur’an and Islamic materials that they do need. He also mentioned about the support and care of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia for the Muslim community worldwide. Dr. Slihem said, “Our Minister Shaikh Saleh bin Abdul Aziz al-Shaikh takes special care and asking us to move on to sign an agreement with the Islamic Centres around the world first and then to be good Muslims.”

“It is our duty here to encourage the Muslims through our activities, lectures and giving translations of the Holy Qur’an and Islamic literature. All theses activities are taking place all over the world and we are taking good care of the Islamic centres in Europe especially in London. We are happy to sign this agreement which is to support. This is the first and right step to encourage and help Muslims in the right way by signing this kind of agreement. This is the right way to give push to Muslims in their community work,” he said.

Dr. Ahmad al-Dubayan
Dr. Ahmad al-Dubayan, Director General of the Centre, described the signing of the MOU as “one of the great achievements.” “Today it is one of the great achievements we have. We manage to sign this Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation and coordination with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Daw’ah and Endowment of Saudi Arabia,” he said.

“The MOU has come in the field of serving the community and the society at large. It is, of course, one of our aims and objectives to serve in the education sector in this country, especially for the Muslim community; Islamic education, teaching Arabic language and training for teachers, training for anybody who is dealing with the Muslim community especially in the field of education,” Dr. al-Dubayan said.
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Under the MOU, the cooperation and coordination comes in the area of organising seminars, holding conferences and meetings; visit of delegation. “This agreement will really open more doors, more horizons, for our work to serve the British society and the Muslim community in the UK,” said Dr. al-Dubayan and mentioned, “This is actually we are building bridges with different countries to bring all these more ideas, more funds for activities and more experience to have it here.”

Speaking about future programme, Dr. al-Dubayan said, “We are going to move to have Memorandum of Understanding with other Muslim organisations, such as ISESCO in Morocco; then we are going to have soon with the Hasan Foundation in Morocco; another one with Al-Azhar in Cairo, Egypt. We are going to have one each with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs in Kuwait, Qatar and Arab Emirates.”

Background of the MOU Agreement
It is more than two years the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Daw’ah and Endowment has been studying about this sort of cooperation. The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs is concerned about spreading the real message of Islam to the West and everywhere among the Muslim communities. “They would like to establish relations with the main organisations, helping them in correcting the image of Islam and building more bridges among the Muslim communities and other faith communities and others, supporting more tolerance. All these things are actually the aims and objectives of the Ministry itself and also that of the Centre itself, as a western Islamic organisation,” said Dr. Al-Dubayan.

“Since the two institutions have the same concern, have the same objectives; we come to this cooperation and coordination Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to sit together and to sign it. Hopefully, we are going to suggest to the Ministry some activities to be done in the UK; some services to be rendered to the Muslim communities, giving chances also for the Muslim communities for more bridges, supporting, what you call it, integration in the society both as Muslim and British at the same time,” said Dr. al-Dubayan in an interview with me and mentioned, “This is the extension of the message the Ministry is really trying its relations to serve and to do with us. This is also our message here, of course, supporting Arabic language; since it is the language of the Qur’an; supporting the classes of the Qur’an, and supporting more awareness for the youth. This is very very important for the new generation and that’s why we come to this Memorandum, Insha Allah, trying together to reach this target.”

In this connection, it should be recalled that King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia has given a call for interfaith initiatives and dialogue in 2007 and continued his journey of interfaith dialogue in Makkah and Madrid, Spain. Accordingly, the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs continues this approach to build bridges with Muslim communities worldwide.

Dr. al-Dubayan said, The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has this interest. We are working together and may be arranging for training for some people working in the field of charity. The ICC Director also mentioned that the Centre “gets support from the Ministry” regarding its activity in the centre.

Dialogue: The best way for peaceful co-existence among nations

2011-05-12T03:20:00.000-07:00

Dialogue: The best way for peaceful co-existence
among religions and civilizations

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Although it is claimed that the world has reached a high-level of development and modernisation, greater economic booms, technological advances, scientific break-through and more comfortable life-style, yet humanity not seem to be happier than before. The world is marred with wars, conflicts, poverty, starvation, malnutrition as well as sectarian religious and racial clashes. The humanity is suffering from economic disparity, environmental pollution, communicable diseases, social injustice, pollution explosion and migration, massive consumption of energy and resources and most of all the immorality in greed. The humanity is also suffering from a loss of moral values and is going through critical stage where tension and crime are on the rise and the poor are being increasingly exploited,

These are the threatening challenges to human existence, said Dr. Ahmad ibn Saifuddin Turkistani, at a Seminar on “Inter-religious and Inter-cultural dialogue: building faith and preventing conflict” organised by the Saudi Arabian Cultural Bureau, London, in conjunction with the London Conference administration held at the London Book Fair 2011, in Earls Court, London, in the second week of April, 2011. Dr. Ahmad Turkistani believed there is an opportunity for peaceful co-existence among the religions, cultures and civilizations of the world and dialogue is the only medium that is available to us.

Dr. Ahmad Turkistani is a professor at the University of Imam Saud in Saudi Arabia. He has a Ph.D. in Mass Communication and founding member of the National Society of Human Rights in Saudi Arabia. He is also a chief editor of Amal Magazine and host of a number of TV programmes, particularly in English language.

Talking about Islam, Dr. Turkistani said the Qur’an includes major events of the Torah and the Gospel; stories of Moses, Pharaoh, and the Exodus, David and Goliath and Joseph and his brothers, Mary and the Immaculate Conception and Jesus and his disciples – God’s peace and blessings be upon them all. “Muslims, Christians and Jews share a common history,” said Dr. Turkistani.

Historical background of inter-religious
initiatives and dialogue
Tracing the historical background of inter-religious initiatives and dialogues throughout the ages, Dr. Turkistani mentioned about Mughal India, Muslim Spain and Balkans under the Ottoman Turks. “Emperor Akbar the Great encouraged tolerance in Mughal India, a diverse nation of people of various faith backgrounds, including Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Christianity. Muslim Spain is a clear historical example of a great religious pluralism. Another example of historical co-existence between people of different religions has been in the Balkans under the administration of the Ottoman Turks from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Catholic and Orthodox Christians as well as Muslims and Jews lived happily for hundreds of years in that region with some small incidents,” mentioned Dr. Ahmad.

Inter-religious initiatives and dialogue
In the 20th century
In the 20th century dialogue started to take place between the Abrahamic faiths, i.e. Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Dr. Turkistani mentioned in 1965 the Roman Catholic Church issued Vatican II documents Nostra Aetate, which instituted major changes in the Catholic Churches’ policy towards non-Christian religions. “Pope John Paul was a major advocate of interfaith dialogue promoting meetings in Assisi in the 1980s. Pope Benedict XVI has taken a more moderate and cautious approach stressing the need for interfaith inter-cultural dialogue but asserting Christian theological identity in the revolution of Jesus the Nazareth in a book published in Marcello Pera in 2004,” said Dr. Turkistani.

Moving into the most recent period and the Saudi involvement in the interfaith dialogue which started in the early 1970s through exchange of meetings and visits by Saudi religious scholars and Cardinals representing the Vatican Church. The historical movement in this regard was taken by King Abdullah four years ago. Dr. Turkistani mentioned, “The King Abdullah who is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques of Makkah and Madina, paid an historical visit to the Pope Benedict XVI in the Vatican in November 6, 2007. During the meeting King Abdullah emphasized that dialogue among religions and cultures was essential in order to promote tolerance, get rid of violence and achieve peace and security for all peoples.”

King Abdullah’s interfaith initiatives and dialogue
King Abdullah continued this journey of interfaith dialogue in Makkah in June 2008 which was attended by more than 500 Muslim scholars and intellectuals throughout the world to set an agenda for building better relations between Muslims and the followers of other faiths. “The King addressed the gathering: ‘We are the voice of justice and moral values. We are the voice of rational and just co-existence and dialogue; the voice of wisdom and admonition and dialogue with the best way possible as. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an Call unto the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching and argue with them in a way that is best,” mentioned Dr. Turkistani. .

Dr. Turkistani continued, “King Abdullah said also that it is therefore incumbent upon us to declare to the whole world that difference must not lead to conflict and confrontation and state that tragedies which have occurred in human history were not attributable to religion but were the result of extremism with some adherence of every divinely revealed religions and of every political ideology have been afflicted.”

The second conference on dialogue was held in Madrid on the 16th of July 2008 which was attended by 300 eminent personalities and representatives from among the followers of three revealed religions, Islam, Christianity and Judaism as well as representatives of oriental philosophies, cultures and civilizations. Among the attendees were the Secretary General of the World Jewish Congress, Michael Sonaida and the Cardinal Jean Louis Toran in charge of dialogue between the Vatican and the Muslim world and representative of the Pope and he is the representative of the Pope. King Abdullah told the Madrid conference that if we want this historical encounter to succeed we must look to the things that unite us; our profound faith in God, the noble principles and elevated ethics that represent the foundation of religions.

Dr. Turkistani mentioned, “The participants issued the final statement pointing to the agreement among the followers of religions and prominent cultures regarding the value of dialogue as a best way of mutual understanding and cooperation in human relations as well as peaceful co-existence among nations. The conference noted that terrorism is one of the most serious obstacles confronting dialogue and co-existence. Terrorism is the universal phenomenon that requires universal unified international efforts to combat it in a serious responsible and just way. This demand and the international agreement on defining terrorism and addressing its root causes and achieving justice and stability in the world.”

Referring to the recent revolutionary uprising in the Arab world, Dr. Turkistani observed, “Saudi Arabia has had its success in so far as focusing more specially of religious dialogue. Today many countries in the Arab world are going through a revolutionary uprising seeking more freedom and social justice, better life conditions and above all dignity and integrity of the governing system. Dialogue was and is being called upon to help resolve this conflict and save life sufferings and tearing these countries apart.”

King Abdullah International Centre for Inter-religious
and Inter-cultural Dialogue in Vienna
Last January, the three Kingdoms, the Saudi Arabia, Spain and Austria, have agreed to establish King Abdullah International Centre for Inter-religious and Inter-cultural Dialogue in Vienna, Austria, to help serve the cause of dialogue in conflict resolution. “Early this year Saudi Arabia has agreed to pay the cost of headquarter building and other founding expenses. King Abdullah believes in this cause wholeheartedly,” said Dr. Turkistani and observed, “One good example of the success of dialogue is which took place in Sudan. The South has chosen to separate, ending war and seeking better future for both parts of the Sudan based on understanding and cooperation.”

Saudi Arabia promoting dialogue at home
Saudi Government started promoting dialogue at home before taking all these international activities, mentioned Dr. Turkistani and said, The King Abdul Aziz Centre for National Dialogue was established in 2003 under the care of King Abdullah himself when he was the Crown Prince. The aim of the Centre lies in dissemination of the cultural dialogue as well as the basis for all dialogue-related activities and programmes building under technology, communication and scientific critical knowledge which have broadened the scope of human communication. Special emphasis was put on mass media and information flow as well as educational institution to utilise them as centres of co-existence and dialogue in the fields of thoughts, science, arts, and culture through all the centres to enhance the unofficial dialogue among the different religious sects in Saudi Arabia and to ensure the rights of religious minorities.”

Training Saudis to reinvent dialogue
The Centre imparts training to Saudis in dialogue as a life style. Referring to the training, Dr. Turkistani mentioned “of the project of training more than 40,000 influential trainers every year. The total number of trainers has exceeded 200,000 people. These include teachers, youth leaders and imams of Mosques. The idea behind the project rests on convening sessions to qualify trainers on dialogue, team-mates and communication skills. So far the centre has trained over 500,000 Saudis for different regions of the country and how to train students and members of their own local communities on dialogue techniques and communication skills.”

These initiatives have been stepped in the right direction in building religious harmony in the country, said Dr Turkistani and observed, “By empowering religious political leaders in their unique roles we can further King Abdullah’s quest for common values and respect for differences and foster pluralism both inside Saudi Arabia and around the world.”

Dr. Turkistani quoted the words of Rabbi Michael Lerner the editor of Tikkun Magazine in New York City, It may be hard for many of us to imagine a world in which Islam becomes identified with these values of love, generosity, kindness, tolerance, social justice and peace. Such a development for Islam owe for that matter for Judaism, Christianity with certainly be incredibly wonderful development. Dr. Turkistani said, “He continued saying the notion that Islam might be the spark that generates a new dialogue revival based on mutual respect and spiritual intensity could dramatically expand our understanding of the endless potential for God to surprise us and to undo our perceptual certainties and to open our hearts for each other.”

“Then he continuing saying, As for myself, he said, I would like to warn, however, that inter-religious dialogue can easily become an illusive exercise which scholars and religious leaders create among themselves clubby brotherhood across religious lines to perpetuate and in the worst case, justified the economic and social status quo.”

Dialogue is a noble mission
Dr. Turkistani observed, “Dialogue in its full acceptance is a noble mission distinguishing man from all other creatures on the basis of reason, language and communication which are qualities God has bestowed upon man for the benefit of mankind and the whole universe. The series of wars with which the world have been afflicted, the human toll of which exceeds the large deaths caused by natural disasters and catastrophes are real mark of disgrace for modern technologically developed humanity.”

Dr. Turkistani said, “We are today more than any other times in the past in dire need of formulating a new regulatory set of ethics for communicator actions or what the influential German philosopher Jurgen Habermas called, discourse of ethics. It is imperative for humanity at large to restore justice and to make up for food, culture and technological gaps.”

“There should be a fair distribution of resources and knowledge between countries and within nations and only by establishing peace and joint cooperation and solidarity and disseminating the culture of peace and justice can such objectives be attained. It is indeed high time to move from dialogue to devising plans and programmes, from theory to practice, from words to deeds and from knowledge to effective implementation,” concluded Dr. Turkistani.

Grand Mufti of Ghana in the United Kingdom

2011-05-06T17:53:00.000-07:00

National Chief Imam of Ghana
in The United Kingdom

Dr. Mozammel Haque

His Eminence the National Chief Imam of Ghana, Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu came to the Islamic Cultural Centre and performed his Friday Jumah prayer at the London Central Mosque last Friday, 22nd of April, 2011. After having lunch, the Chief Imam of Ghana met Dr. Ahmed al-Dubayan, the Director General of the Islamic Cultural Centre, London, who welcomed him saying in Arabic Ahlan wa Sahlan Marhaba to the Islamic Cultural Centre.

Sheikh Dr. Osmanu met with Director and staff

of Islamic Cultural Centre London
“It is my great pleasure to receive and welcome His Eminence the National Chief Imam of Ghana Sheikh Dr. Osman today for many reasons; one of the reasons, is whenever any scholar or any Mufti comes from any Muslim country or throughout the world he brings with him new knowledge and new experience. His presence with us is great addition to our experience and to our knowledge and I am sure, Insha Allah, Muslim community will benefit from your stay in this country.”

Dr. al-Dubayan said, “We need at this time to work together more than even before; everybody in his field, in his way to present the right image or the right picture of Islam which is the faith of tolerance, the faith of dialogue, and the faith of good relations between Muslims and non-Muslims.”

Tracing the history of Islam in West Africa in General and Ghana in particular, Dr. al-Dubayan said, “I am sure the history of Islam in Ghana, in West Africa has a lot of experience of this brilliant picture about Islam. I hope your speech tomorrow after Asr prayer (afternoon prayer) will be really invaluable speech, will really give very good spiritual benefit for Muslim and Muslimah, male and female who are going to attend Insha Allah tomorrow.”

The National Chief Imam of Ghana said we thank Almighty Allah for all the very valuable statements presented by the Director of the London Central Mosque, the most popular and the most representative mosque of the United Kingdom, Dr. Ahmad Al-Dubayan.

The Chief Imam also said we are very thankful for the warm reception that we received from the London Central Mosque. “You have really practically demonstrated by your deeds, by your reception, the perfect example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, the truly happiest heart of a believer of Islam is truly sincere Muslims should honour his guest and then you have proven this and you have received us with smile, with joy and thereafter you fed us so satisfactorily,” said the Chief Imam.

“The aims and objectives of our everyday life in Ghana are to establish educational institutions whereby several children would attend the privilege and opportunity to acquire knowledge,” said the Chief Imam of Ghana.

Chief Imam of Ghana led Asr Prayer and
Lectured at London Central Mosque
On Saturday, 23rd of April the National Chief Imam of Ghana gave a lively valuable lecture on the Unity of Muslim after leading the Asr prayer (afternoon prayer) at the London Central Mosque.

Earlier, the National Chief Imam of Ghana, Sheikh Dr. Osman, also attended an event jointly organised by the Christian Muslim Forum, the London Interfaith Centre and the Mosques & Imams National Advisory Board (MINAB) at the London Interfaith Centre at London on Monday 18th April for a round table discussion on the role of faith leaders to defuse intolerance, hate and twisted ideologies. Chief Imam of Ghana spoke on his experience in Ghana, and Africa.

Sheikh Dr. Osman came on a visit to the United Kingdom during this month of April to interact and meet with the Muslim Community leaders, other religious sects and government bodies for establishing deeper ties and relationship between the Ghanaian Muslims and British Muslims and promoting religious tolerance and understanding.

Sheikh Dr. Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu
His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu was born in Accra Old Fadama in mid-April, 1924 and studied first under his father, late Sheikh Nuhu Sharubutu and his uncle, late Sheikh Mohammed Mazawaje Abbas, who was the National Imam at that time. His parents taught him Qur’anic recitation and reading with the correct intonation as well as essay writing in Arabic.

In 1974, after lengthy debates and consultations among the country’s traditional Muslim and tribal chiefs, scholars and other religious leaders, it was agreed by consensus that Sheikh Osman should be appointed the Deputy National Imam of the Republic of Ghana. In 1993 Sheikh Dr. Osman was appointed the National Chief Imam of Ghana , succeeding his cousin, Sheikh Mukhtar Abbas, the then National Imam who was ill and physically weak.

Throughout his life, Sheikh Osman has a reputation for promoting Islamic education and encouraging the establishment of educational institutions. He has been involved in the establishment of institutions and organisations for providing services that address the humanitarian needs and empowerment of the Muslim youth in and outside Ghana. He personally sponsors over hundreds of needy Muslim children mostly from the disadvantaged and vulnerable Muslim communities in Ghana presently.

Sheikh Dr. Osman has, over the past 40 years, sponsored, established, built and run over 10 Islamic institutions that produced over 10 per cent of the current Islamic scholars in Ghana and in some neighbouring countries. These institutions are today run and managed by distinctive Islamic scholars all of whom have not known and not been taught by any other teacher or professor but him alone.

Sheikh Dr. Osman is currently financing a multi-million dollar educational complex at Kasoa central region with plans to replicate similar projects in other nine regions, it is learnt.

His mutual understanding, peaceful relationships and cooperation with other religions have culminated into him being a member of the National Peace Council of Ghana and twice (2006-7) been awarded by the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Agyekum Kufour (2000-08) as a member of the Star Award.

Owing to his degree of knowledge and experience, length of teaching, benevolent activities and his particular support for the needy he was in 2009 decorated and awarded a Doctorate Degree by the University of Ghana, Legon.

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Hajj - A Lifetime Journey to Grand Muslim Congress

Launch of Hajj Awareness Week 2011 at House of Lords

Dr. Mozammel Haque receives ABH Award at the House of Lords

King Abdullah's Haramain Expansion Project

Eid Mubarak to you all from Masjid al-Haram

Seek the Greatest Night of the Year

Read more and more the Qur'an in its month of revelation

Ramadan Mubarak from Masjid al-Haram and Balad al-Ameen

Professor Tariq Ramadan on Vision and Leadership

Be a good example and convey the Message

Islam and Muslims in Japan

Islam in Europe and Euro-Islam

ICC London and the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs sign a MOU to promote real Islam

Dialogue: The best way for peaceful co-existence among nations

Grand Mufti of Ghana in the United Kingdom