Global Centre for Renewal and Guidance Workshop at Watford Hertfordshire

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..”

King Abdul Aziz Centre for Dialogue - A Big Achievement

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.

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

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.

Practical Celebration of the Prophet's (pbuh) Birthday

Practical celebration of the Prophet’s (pbuh)

birthday through adhering to Sunnah and Islam

Dr. Mozammel Haque

This is the month of Rabi al-Awwal, the month when Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was born in Makkah al-Mukarramah in the 7th century. Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him was the Last and Final Prophet sent by Allah the Almighty to this world, to the universe as the Mercy for the Mankind. The Holy Qur’an, the last revelation, was revealed by Allah the Almighty to the Prophet through archangel Jibrael. Muslims throughout the world celebrated and is celebrating his birthday. Now what is the best way to celebrate Prophet’s birthday? I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef, the former President of the Jeddah-based King Abdulaziz University, the ex-Secretary General of the Makkah-based Muslim World League and presently Secretary General of the International Islamic Council for Da’wah and Relief (IICDR).

“The occasion of the birthday of the Prophet is celebrated emotionally everywhere. But the practical celebration is to follow Islam and adhere his Sunnah in our life, in all spheres of our life. We adhere to his Sunnah properly. He is not only our spiritual leader; he is our guide and he brought the light to this universe. Then we have to encourage people to come closer and closer and to strive to live his life,” said Dr. Naseef.

“But unfortunately in many Muslim countries the celebration is through the public holidays, the songs and dances,” lamented Dr. Naseef and said,” There should be love for the Prophet and what is the essence of love? If you love Prophet (peace be upon him), you have to follow him and to follow him is to adhering to Islam.”

Dr. Naseef also mentioned, “If you look for how many people are adhering to Islam; you will find very very few. That’s why; our Ummah is suffering today and very much below the life of Islam.”

Dr. Naseef prayed and hoped, “Insha Allah, I ask Allah the Almighty to guide Muslims to come closer to the banner of Islam, to the Sunnah of the Prophet and Muslims should strive hard to uplift the Ummah from its present situation. Allah is Great and He will do it Insha Allah.”

Sheikh Ahmed Salah Jamjoom - Pioneer in Islamic Activities

Sheikh Ahmed Salah Jamjoom (1923-2010):
Unique & Pioneer in Islamic activities

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Sheikh Ahmed Salah Jamjoom was simultaneously an Islamic thinker, notable economic expert, a successful business man and a generous philanthropist, who left a great contribution in three specific fields, i.e. Islamic education, Islamic finance and banking and Qur’an Memorisation.

Saudi Commerce Minister
Born in a respectable business family of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 1923, Sheikh Ahmed Salah Jamjoom was graduated in Finance from an American University. Initially, after returning back from the United States, he joined in a Government department. He was then appointed as Finance Minister in the Cabinet of King Saud bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia in early Sixties; after one year or so he was again appointed as Minister of Commerce in the Cabinet of King Faisal bin Abdulaziz.

As Commerce Minister, Sheikh Ahmed was very successful. He triggered new life in the Ministry through initiating, activating and issuing many new laws and reforms. “He was successful to issue 15/16 laws concerning trade and commerce of Saudi Arabia. “That was his pioneer work in the field of commerce in Saudi Arabia,” said Dr. Abdullah Omar Nasef.

Founder, King Abdulaziz University
He was always very active in the promotion of education in the Kingdom and abroad. In 1964, he was instrumental in gathering funds and collecting contributions for the establishment of King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah. By the initiative of a group of dignitaries and businessmen, led by Sheikh Muhammad Abu Bakr Bakhashab Pasha, who donated a sum of one million Riyals as first instalment of the University on 24 July 1964, followed by a public ceremony held on 15 October, 1964 to open campaign of donation to the University. Sheikh Ahmed was instrumental in gathering money and donations. In mid-sixties, King Abdul Aziz University was a non-governmental private University and Sheikh Ahmed was a member of the first board of trustees of the University. He continued to support King Abdulaziz University all through his life. “He was always there in almost all the activities of King Abdulaziz University,” said Dr Naseef, former President of King Abdulaziz University.

Pioneer of Islamic education movement
After retirement from the Ministry, Sheikh Ahmed was very much active in all sorts of Islamic activities. Wherever there was any Islamic activity, he was there. His prime work was in the field of Islamic education. Professor Dr. Syed Ali Ashraf was the initiator of the First World Conference on Islamic education under the auspices of King Abdulaziz University. Though the holding of Islamic Education Conference was Dr. Ali Ashraf’s idea, Sheikh Ahmed followed it up and continued to support the cause of Islamic education after the Muslim Education Conference, in the setting up of the World Centre for Islamic Education, in the foundation of Islamic Academy, Cambridge and also in the establishment of Darul Ihsan University in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Dr. Naseef, the vice-chairman of the First World Conference on Muslim Education, said, “Dr Ali Ashraf proposed for the Islamization of knowledge and education system and he continued to meet me so that we could sponsor a conference. Sheikh Ahmed convinced the King Abdulaziz University; accordingly budget was received from the government to organize the conference in Makkah in 1977.”

Under the able leadership of Sheikh Ahmed Salah Jamjoom, the chairman, Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef, vice-chairman and Dr. Syed Ali Ashraf, as Secretary of the Organising committee, the First World Conference on Muslim Education was organized by King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah and held in Makkah in 1977. There were about 450 Intellectual and educational scholars including 50 ministers from Muslim countries.

Sheikh Ahmed not only supported the Muslim Education Conference but also continued his support which convinced the 12th Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers in Baghdad, Iraq in 1981 to establish the World Centre for Islamic Education in Makkah in 1981 under the auspices of the OIC. The Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers approved the appointment of the following members to the Administrative Council of the World Centre for Islamic Education at Makkah al-Mukarramah: H.E. Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef; Sheikh Ahmed Salah Jamjoom and others.

Sheikh Ahmed played an important role in organising later six conferences, the Second World Conference on Muslim Education in Islamabad, Pakistan, in 1980, the Third World Conference on Muslim Education in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 1981, the Fourth World Conference on Muslim Education in Jakarta, Indonesia, in 1982 and the Fifth World Conference on Muslim Education in Cairo, Egypt in 1987 and the Sixth World Conference on Muslim Education took place in Cape Town, South Africa in 1996. Sheikh Ahmed also supported the publication of the proceedings of the first World Conference on Muslim Education in six volumes.

Chairman, Islamic Academy Cambridge
Sheikh Ahmed again patronised and supported the establishment of Islamic Academy in Cambridge in early 80s. He remained chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Islamic Academy Cambridge for many many years.

Chairman, Darul Ihsan University
In order to implement the recommendations of the First World Conference on Muslim Education to Islamise Knowledge and education system, Sheikh Ahmed and Dr. Naseef supported Dr. Ali Ashraf to establish Darul Ihsan University in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 1989. Sheikh Ahmed and Dr. Naseef were the first two foreign members of the Board of Trustees of the Darul Ihsan University. Even Sheikh Ahmed was the first chairman of the Darul Ihsan Trust (DIT) and later on, Dr. Naseef became the chairman of DIT.

Islamic Finance and Banking
After his retirement from Cabinet, Sheikh Ahmed went back to his family business of motor cars and heavy equipment. Speaking about him, Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef, former President of King Abdulaziz University and a very close associate of Sheikh Ahmed, said, “After that he went back to his family business of motor cars and heavy equipments. From there he was attending to all charity works, such as Islamic finance, development of Islamic Banking, establishment of Faisal Islami Bank of Prince Muhammad bin Faisal in Bahrain, Sudan and Egypt and in various places.”

Sheikh Ahmed was very eager to make sure that Islamic finance is to become the rule and norm in every Muslim country. He was trying to promote that by contacting people.

Chairman, Faisal Islami Bank Bahrain
He was chairman of the Board of Directors of the Faisal Islami Bank, Bahrain. Faisal Bank Limited was incorporated in Pakistan in October 1994 as a public quoted company listed in Karachi and Lahore. The six Pakistan branches of Faisal Islami Bank of Bahrain were amalgamated with the Bank. It strives to be a world class multi-purpose financial institution providing a range of services, working on Shari’ah principles.

Sponsor, Islamic Bank Bangladesh Limited
Sheikh Ahmed was also a foreign sponsor of the Islamic Bank Bangladesh Limited. Sheikh Ahmed along with Dr. Hamid al-Gabid, former Secretary General of the OIC and Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef, former deputy Speaker of Saudi Shoura Council, encouraged the Social Islami Bank Ltd., in Bangladesh in its endeavour to assist the poverty alleviation of Bangladesh.

Chairman, Qur’an Memorisation Organisation
Sheikh Ahmed was kept himself busy with all sorts of Islamic activities. He supported and patronised the memorisation of the Holy Qur’an. Sheikh Ahmed was the chairman of the Qur’an Memorisation organisation in Jeddah. Later on, he became the chairman of the Tahfizul Qur’an (Qur’an Memorisation) in Makkah which includes 13/14 branches in Saudi Arabia Makkah region.

Sheikh Ahmed attended regularly the King Fahd International Qur’an Competition in Makkah. It was an independent body under the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Saudi Airlines
Sheikh Ahmed was the first Director General of Saudi Arabian Airlines, SAUDIA. After his retirement from the Saudi cabinet as Commerce Minister, he made Saudi Arabian Airlines modern airlines probably in 1971-72, and he sent Saudis to be trained in the aviation management and operation. Saudi Arabian Airlines made tremendous progress during his time as Director General. He was in Saudi Airlines for two to four years only.

Media and Publication
Sheikh Ahmed also supported press and publication. He was chairman of Shorouk International and also patronised and promoted Al-Madinah Printing and Publishing establishment in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Attended conferences and seminars
Sheikh Ahmed was a widely travelled person. Sheikh Ahmed attended many conferences and seminars. He led a delegation to Mainland China. The objectives of his visit and other details were published in the Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs, 6:1, January 1985, pages 208-218. Sheikh Ahmed, a former Saudi Commerce Minister, who led a delegation of Saudi businessmen to Japan in 1991, told reporters in Tokyo: “Actually we think this amount (four billion US Dollar) is very small. I think Japan should rethink, again, and they should increase the money enormously.”

Speaking about Sheikh Ahmed, Dr. Naseef said, “The one thing which I want to emphasize that he was unique and pioneer in everything; unique in Islamic activities; Islamic action. He attended to every single request came from inside or abroad, for every Islamic cause. He was really very dedicated; he never hides anything and he was loved by everybody for all the activities he did.”

Dr. Naseef obtained his Ph.D. degree in 1971 and returned back to Saudi Arabia. Sheikh Ahmed gave a big reception. Recollecting those days, Dr. Naseef said, “When I got my Ph.D. in 1971, he gave a big party inviting dignitaries, such as Prince Muhammad al-Faisal and others.”

Sheikh Ahmed passed away recently. May Allah the Almighty bless his soul and bestow him a place in Paradise.


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Shaykh Sudais at Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies

Shaykh al-Sudais at Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies

Shaykh Sudais urges academics to
involve and support dialogue

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, Imam and Khateeb of the Masjid al-Haram of Makkah visited the new building under construction of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, Oxford on Monday, the 10th of August 2009 and Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef, the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Centre took him to the different halls of the new building.

After coming back to the Old building of the Centre where it is functioning at the moment, Dr. Naseef introduced Shaykh al-Sudais, Imam of the Haram and the Professor of the Ummul Qura University, Makkah to the faculty members, staff and students of the Centre saying that the Shaykh has come to the Centre for the first time. “We have the pleasure and honour to receive him and to listen to his short lecture today and to benefit from that,” said Dr. Naseef while welcoming the Imam of the Masjid al-Haram and his companions.

His eminence, the Shaykh expressed his pleasure and delight to visit this scientific edifice, the Centre for Islamic Studies and to convey the best greetings and regards of the brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the government level as well as at the academic level and also those who work at the Haram in Makkah.

The first point Shaykh mentioned during this talk is the favour of Allah the Almighty on humanity and said that the purpose of God’s revelations and his messengers is to honour the humanity and the human beings and to activate a close relationship between different nations and different peoples so that they may become more acquainted with each other. Then his eminence recited the verse of the Holy Qur’an that Allah the Almighty has sent his messenger to make the bond between different nations and different peoples stronger.

The second point Shaykh said it is very clear that the people live on this earth adhering to different cultures, different ideas and belonging to different civilizations. It is part of God’s plan. Shaykh also mentioned that there are differences among peoples and these differences are not or should not be the cause for conflict and strife between different peoples. But they should also be keen together towards the common good of humanity even if their beliefs and value systems are different.

The third point Shaykh mentioned is that Islam is a religion of moderation; not a religion of extremism or radicalism. It is a faith that enjoins virtuous conduct, it encourages values, it encourages people to be tolerant towards others and it encourages people basically to live in harmony, peace and security. That is the basic message of Islam, the Shaykh said.

The fourth point Professor al-Sudais said the academic institutions generally have the responsibility to carry especially in a world which is full of misunderstandings, mistrust and apprehensions about the others whoever that might be. The first, of course, through academic work they can present the fair faith of Islam; the faith of Islam that shows its tolerance with others; of course, all in an academic manner.

Shaykh celebrates the existence of this institution and similar institutions like it in the West because they could help to act as a bridge that will present as the true picture of the faith of Islam and this role, as his eminence has put it, the primary role of those academicians and others in the West.

The fifth point the Shaykh mentioned is about knowledge and its role as a means to a better life and a means to recognizing the Creator. Professor al-Sudais said, the Revelations of Allah the Almighty has never been an obstacle towards scientific progress or scientific inquiry. In fact, if you look at science, any science or any form of knowledge that will bring the creation closer to the Creator. There is a positive emphasis on that in Islam and other religions.

The sixth point the Shaykh wanted to mention, is that as part of Islamic doctrine is the belief in all the Messengers and Prophets of God, especially Ibrahim, Issa and Musa (Peace be upon all of them) and others. This kind of common belief in all the Messengers of God will provide a sound basis on which people of different faiths can come together and work for the common good of humanity. That is something people need to reflect upon.

The seventh point Professor al-Sudais mentioned is that Islam as a faith is strongly in favour of dialogue with those who are different; for dialogue has the primary role in the message of Islam and it is one of the means to convey the message of Islam to others. While reciting the verse which says: “invite to the path of your Lord with wisdom,” Shaykh said, all the prophets of Allah have been tasked with initiating dialogue with those who do not belief in them, in fact with those who reject them and therefore we the followers of that guidance should reactivate, reignite and reestablish that method and methodology especially when at times we find people attributing things to the faith that are not true of the message of that faith; just because some Muslims have acted improperly or wrongly one cannot see the whole faith in that same violent or radical picture and therefore in order to explain your position I think you need to engage with others in what we call dialogue.

The point eight Shaykh mentioned we should give special attention to look after students and young people and to care for them, especially in a world that has become full of consumers and materialism. His advice is: this Centre and other institutions should try and specifically cater for young people including students.

The point nine the Shaykh mentioned this academic centre and all other institutions similar to it to devote some of their time and academic expertise to look at the difficulties and the problems that Muslims are facing when they live in the West generally. The Shaykh also mentioned when academic institutions are involved and they present report it would be taken seriously by those in position of decision-making or policy makers because it would be grounded in facts rather than just bushes.

Finally, point ten the Shaykh said, an institution like this and other academic institutions should certainly involve themselves in what we broadly describe as the movement of dialogue of civilizations nowadays which is an international movement; it should be strengthen and offered all the help it requires from academics. This movement has something to contribute to a better world and the academics ought to be involved in it and supported and especially there is a concerted effort in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia to embark on an international project like that.

Finally he thanks the organizers, especially Dr. Naseef, the chairman of the Board of Trustees and all those who are at the Centre.

Speaking on behalf of Dr. Farhan Nizami, the Director of the Centre who expressed his regret not to be here and from myself, Dr. David Brown, the Registrar of the Centre, thanked His eminence for honouring this Centre by his visit. Dr. Brown said, “This Centre is rather unique institution which owes a great deal, I am not saying simply because the chairman is sitting next to me a great deal to the vision and commitment of its trustees from the very beginning.”

“To establish an institution which will encourage through serious study a better understanding among everybody of the culture and civilization of Islam and to create that centre at Oxford as part of the structure of the University so that I was delighted when we announce the new building in the local newspaper the headlines of symbols of hope to have for the first time in the history of Oxford an academic institution at this university which is an Islamic foundation,” said Dr. Brown.

Dr. Brown also added, “May I suggest your eminence that people sitting around this table who are here at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies represent different cultures, different civilizations and different religious faiths and we are all parts of God’s creation and to meet together to demonstrate that is one of the strengths and purposes to establish the Centre for Islamic Studies.”

WMC calls upon Muslim States to send
immediate relief to suffering Gazans

Dr. Mozammel Haque

ISLAMABAD: The World Muslim Congress (WMC) calls upon Muslim States; humanitarian organizations; International Red Cross; Red Crescent and UNICEF to send immediate relief goods to suffering citizens of Gaza, in its resolution passed at its Executive Council meeting in Islamabad.

The Two-day Executive Council Meeting of the World Muslim Congress (WMC) was held at the Chandani Hall of the Holiday Inn Hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan between 16 and 17th of January 2009. The meeting discussed the Palestinian issue, the regional situation in South Asia, the present status of Interfaith Dialogue and its possible improvement with particular reference to the initiative taken by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia, the present situation in the Darfur region of Sudan and the evolution of a system to reach out to Muslim Youth for making them useful and exemplary citizen.

Interview
Before the inauguration of the Executive Council meeting of the WMC, I had the opportunity to interview the President, Vice-President and the Secretary General of the WMC on the Israeli aggression on Gaza.

Raja Muhammad Zafarul Haq
Speaking about the situation of Gaza, Raja Muhammad Zafarul Haq, the former Religious Affairs Minister of Pakistan and presently the Secretary General of the World Muslim Congress said, in an interview with me, “It’s a continuing tragedy. I don’t think there is any parallel what is happening in the mass killings butchery, even the hospitals are not spared; the journalists, television headquarters they have been targeted and there is absolutely no effective movement to stop this carnage.

“People are absolutely shocked that the Muslim leadership is not moving they are so ineffective. In any case, it’s a human tragedy and it has to be dealt with as a human cause. It is correct that they are Muslims; that does not mean that only Muslim should raise their voice,” Haq said.

“Bolivia has taken the lead in sending Israeli ambassador back out of his country. At least that should have been the pattern of all the Muslim countries and those who have diplomatic relations with Israel they should have sent their Israeli ambassadors out of their countries and call back their ambassadors. That was the minimum they could have done. That was also not done. They have not taken any lesson from that. That has disappointed the Muslim masses and even other people,” mentioned Haq.

Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef
Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef, former Deputy Chairman of the Shoura Council of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and presently the President of the World Muslim Congress told me in an interview, “How the Muslims is behaving about the Jewish Holocaust on the Muslims of Gaza? How we can awaken the people? The aggression is so bad, unbelievably severe and without any necessity. The excuse Israel gave that the Hamas are sending rockets to Israel which is nothing but very unbelievable excuse.”

Dr. Naseef mentioned killing of civilians is nothing new for the Jews. “I think this is part of the Jewish tradition. They don’t care whether the children were killed, women, old people or the people who have no relations with the things. They claim they want to reach the Hamas fighters. This is a very childish excuse,” said Dr. Naseef.

Dr. Naseef also said, “It has been very bad example about the disunity of the Muslims and their lack of information, lack of orientation.”

Dr. Naseef also talked about Muslim society “which are wild against Divine Order” and mentioned “there are Riba, Zina and many other things in our society. Leaders are not coming from Heaven; they are part of the Ummah. We have to start from the grassroots. We want the people to know what the purpose of their creation is; what is the objective of their life. How can they obey Allah Almighty – something positive?” said Dr. Naseef.

Dr. Naseef also mentioned, “We have to appeal to the international community that the aggression has to be stopped immediately and then negotiations can take place and also to give the people of Gaza food, medicines and so on and to open the borders for the food and medicines.”

Dr. Naseef said, “Our Muslim leaders and Heads of States should be much more firm on Israel and to show them it is not acceptable.”

Mohamed Haniffa Mohamed
Mohamed Haniffa Mohamed, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs of Sri Lanka who have been nearly 60 years now in Sri Lankan Parliament and the Vice-president of the WMC, told me in an interview, “I think the Arab world should approach the real issue. Unfortunately, they are not firm enough. In my view, Arabs must be more firmer; I think the people may be but the Arab governments are not so active and are bnot very much interested in that issue. I think they must do rethinking and for the sake of Islam and for the sake of Muslims, they must all stand unitedly.”

After the Jumah prayer, the World Muslim Congress delegation met Miah Nawaz Sharif, the President of the Pakistan Muslim League and also discussed about the Israeli aggression on Gaza.

On Palestine Issue
WMC appeals to the President of Senegal to
call immediately OIC Emergency Summit

The meeting of Executive Council of the WMC condemned in the strongest terms the continuing carnage inhuman and brutal force against civilians in Gaza by Israeli forces resulting in tremendous loss of human lives including schools, hospitals and media centers. There is no doubt that it is the worst human tragedy in recent history. While the people of conscious are demonstrating against this bloodshed, there is no concrete step taken by the Organization of Islamic Conference.

The WMC resolved, “We appeal to the President of Senegal, who is also the head of the OIC, to immediately call the session of OIC emergency summit: - i) To impress upon the United Nations Security Council to enforce its resolution for an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of Israeli forces from Palestinian territory; ii) To call upon all those countries including the Muslims states who have diplomatic relations with Israel to withdraw their Ambassadors from Israel as a protest; iii) We call upon Muslim States; humanitarian organizations; International Red Cross; Red Crescent and UNICEF to send immediate relief goods to suffering citizens of Gaza.”

The WMC resolution also said, “The World Muslim Congress feels that those who use force to impose their will against weaker sections of humanity do not realize that by their actions they make their world more unsafe for a long time to come. They sow the seeds of hatred in the minds of younger and coming generations and create a rift in the human family.”

“It would also be the first test of the new American administration to change the policy of the use of brute force as the only method of combating terrorism and extremism. People of the world would like to see a qualitative change in the policies of the new administration,” the WMC resolution said.

On Kashmir
Give the Kashmiri people the right
to decide their own future, says WMC

The World Muslim Congress also discussed about the situation in Kashmir and strongly felt that the resolution of Kashmir issue is pivotal to the establishment of peace in the Sub-Continent. The non resolution of this issue has, time and again, rather continuously brought havoc to the lives of millions of men, women and children in the occupied territory who are facing the worst human rights violations.

The WMC resolution said, “It is imperative that the International Community takes serious steps for putting an end to the sufferings of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and in this connection, we welcome the proposal of the newly elected President of United States to appoint the former President Bill Clinton as his representative to make fresh efforts for a peaceful resolution of this dispute.”

“The Executive Council also appreciates the proposal of the British Foreign Secretary that to bring lasting peace to the sub-continent, the countries of the region shall have to resolve the Kashmir dispute which has avoided resolution for the last 60 years. The only democratic and peaceful course we consider open is giving the people of the state of Jammu and Kashmir the right to decide their own future, as decided by the United Nations Security Council,” said the WMC resolution.

The WMC also resolved, “The recent escalation of tension between Pakistan and India after the incidents in Mumbai is a matter of concern for the World Muslim Congress. We appreciate the proposition of Pakistan for joint investigation of all aspects of the incident, keeping in view the objective of bringing down the level of tension and re-establishment of good neighbourly relations.”

On Sudan
The Executive Council of the World Muslim Congress expressed its solidarity with the brotherly country of Sudan and “rejects pressures on this nation through machinations, false propaganda to internationalize a local dispute and efforts to malign its leadership. We appreciate the role played by some of the Muslim countries, especially State of Qatar for a peaceful resolution of the issue.”

The WMC also decided “to send a delegation to the area to make a fresh study of the latest developments and appeals to all sides to come to the conference table to resolve this issue which has a bearing on the national security and integrity of Sudan. We also appeal to Muslim organizations to urgently send humanitarian assistance to the affected area without any discrimination,” the WMC resolved.

Interfaith Dialogue
The World Muslim Congress has right from the very beginning has made concerted efforts in the field of Interfaith Dialogue. This process of dialogue, despite numerous difficulties and set backs is the path of civilized behavior and a major contribution towards International peace and development. The WMC expressed its deep appreciation for all Muslim and non-Muslim organizations working for this cause but the responsibility of the World Muslim Congress, as a pioneer organization, has its distinct responsibilities, for the discharge of which we must use all modern methods of communication, to achieve its objectives.

The WMC resolved, “The World Muslim Congress brings on record, its deep appreciation for the initiative taken by Khadimul Haramain Al Shareefain King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz for organizing an interfaith congress, first in the Kingdom (of Saudi Arabia) and then in Madrid (Spain) and then at the United Nations Headquarters, to defuse tension between different religious communities. The path of dialogue is the path of civilized behaviour which would certainly decrease tensions in the world. The Council appeals to the world media to promote interfaith dialogue as a contribution to international peace.”

On Muslim Youth
The World Muslim Congress discussed the problems of guiding the Muslim youth in various societies with their particular circumstances for the purposes of making them better and useful citizens not only in their own societies but in the rest of the world.

The WMC resolved, “The issues of violence, crime and drugs besides child labor and revision of curriculum in the educational institutions, technical training and for this purpose, the training of the trainers, youth camps and programs, the role of the scouts movement and the programs of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth were also discussed. The role of ISESCO and UNESCO should also be enhanced.”