Training of Imams and Islamic Preachers of the Balkan Region

Training of Imams and
Islamic Preachers of the Balkan Region

Dr. Mozammel Haque

TIRANA, ALBANIA: After attending the International Conference on Foreign Investments in Albania which was held at the Tirana International Hotel at Tirana from 3rd to 5th of November, I was also invited to a Seminar on the Training of Imams and Islamic Preaches of the Balkan regions. This Seminar was held at the Hotel Chateau Linza, Tirana from 5th of November until 8th of November, 2009.

For the first time in Albania, a Seminar on the Training of Imams and Islamic Preachers of the Balkan region with the theme: Presentation of the values of dialogue and moderation, organized by the Islamic Organization for Education , Science and Culture (ISESCO), in cooperation with the Ministry of the Temples and Islamic Affairs of the State of Kuwait, was held under the auspices of the Albanian Islamic Institute of Thought and Civilization (AIITC) and the Muslim Community of Albania, in the Hotel Chateau Linza, Tirana from 5 November until 8th November, 2009.

Deputy Chairman of Albanian Muslim Community, Mr. Bujar Spahiu, Prof. Dr. Abduselam Muhammad Al-Ahmer, ISESCO's representative, Advocate Rasim Hasanaj, Chairman of State Committee on Cults took part at the opening ceremony of the Seminar and representatives of the diplomatic corps of Arab and Islamic countries accredited in Tirana, representatives of humanitarian and cultural organizations active in Albania and abroad attended the ceremony. The activity was also attended by a large number of Muslim religious leaders and Islamic intellectual elite from Albania, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Sandzak, Greece, Cyprus, Romania, Croatia etc.

This Seminar was part of the ISESCO’s projects and strategies for the benefit of education and presentation of Islamic culture in the West and all over the globe in general. They give priority to the building of Mosque and the role of worship that takes place there. Some of the goals of this activity are also the recognition of religious staff, their education with higher standards which are required from them to manage the contemporary challenges.

In this Training Seminar, 35 Imams were given training for 4 days with the best and the most efficient methods ordered by Islam, already incorporated in the modern methodologies, including the respect for different opinions, the worthy dialogue about these important religious topics and their balanced relations with the public whether Muslims or non-Muslims. Participants in the seminar was given practical lessons on how to prepare the religious lectures, by clarifying the basic principles of a public lecture and a selection of appropriate topics that should be treated for the societies where they live. Theoretical lectures were also given to the participants how a religious leader could fulfil his holy mission.

In his speech at the opening ceremony, Dr. Ramiz Zekaj, Director General of the Albanian Institute stressed that the role of Imams and Muslim scholars educated in Islamic capitals, especially in Istanbul and Cairo, has been very crucial in the presentation of the values of Islam in the population of the Balkan areas in general and Albania in particular. Dr. Ramiz also mentioned that Muslim scholars were not only engaged in their personal contributions to their mission as presenters of Islam, but they also paid special attention to the good cultures and local traditions. These values of Islamic culture and also those of local cultures would later serve for the next generations as the basis on which to build their modern civilization that we live in today.

Prof. Dr. Abduselam Al-Ahmer, representative of ISESCO for this Training Seminar, said that ISESCO has a wide experience in events for education, science and culture. It has dedicated a significance to the mission of the Islamic religious leadership and its importance in the monitoring of Islam in the everyday lives of Muslims around the world.

Prof..Ahmer also mentioned that with recent global developments and with the expanding phenomenon of globalization, many questions and challenges arise about modern Muslim societies, especially outside the Islamic world. Thus there is a need for training the imams and religious leaders to face these challenges, to present the fair presentation of Islam in the societies where they operate, as well as to clear any extremist ideas which, in fact, are not in the nature of Islam, to avoid them from the Muslim societies. This Training Seminar aims precisely at this mission, he added.

Prof. Ahmer also mentioned that today, more than ever, it is important to give evidence to the role of the institution called Mosque and also to the importance of worship and the selection of the Imams and religious leaders, as well as their training in the highest standards as educators and leaders for their societies.

Prof. Ahmer said that we can mention that Imam should not only be a leader of religious rituals in the Mosque but he should even be the educator of the society. He should be the reference-epicenter in the Muslim society. He must take care of the general interest of society where it operates. The imam should also be the main activist in favour of issues relating to this society.

The imam should convey the message of evaluation of reality in a balanced way and operate with the highest principles of moral, being thus an example fir the public with whom he lives. In this way, he applies the Word of God in the Qur’an where it is ordered: “Call in the way of your God with wisdom and beautiful advice and discuss with them in the best way,” Prof. Ahmer added.

Hafiz Shaban Salihaj on behalf of the Albanian Muslim Community thanked the organizers and stressed the enormous need of the choice of the middle way in the daily practice, without extremism of any kind. He also stressed the great importance for the creation of opportunity “for our Imams to be trained about the ways of preaching and the techniques to be used by them in relation to the masses.

While Mr. Rasim Hasanaj, Chairman of the State Committee on Cults, in his speech highlighted the very good interfaith relations and the mutual respect and tolerance among religions in Albania, being this an example to be taken as a model for the rest of the Balkans and Europe. He also stressed the excellent reports of the state regarding the religion in general and that of Islam in particular.

ISESCO has devoted a special importance to the issue of Islamic call and the awareness by implementing a clear strategy for the Islamic cultural and educational work outside the Muslim world. In the ninth session of the Supreme Council for Education, Science and Culture of ISESCO, which took place in Moscow in June 2008, it resolved to appoint a special programme for training and education of Imams and religious leadership.

ISESCO presented the same project before the Council of Heads of Islamic Centres in Latin America and the Caribbean in their Seventh session held in Venezuela in the same year. In October, 2008, it was carried out into effect its first training workshop for Imams of the East Asia and the Pacific Ocean held in Singapore in which I had the privilege to participate and present a paper entitled “British Muslim Community: An Overview”. The same workshop was also held in the town of Essen in Germany last month, i.e., October, 2009.

Motherhood is one unique gift that only women possess

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Singapore: Exemplary Mother Awards 2008 was held at Raffles Convention Centre (Swissotel The Stamford) on Saturday, 18th of October, 2008. The Guest of Honour was Mr. Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Defence. This was a very significant awards presentation event of honouring outstanding women organized by Jamiyah Singapore.

Universal values are the mainstay of human civilization. One of the highly cherished universal values is ‘Reverence for mothers’. While mankind can take pride in this 21st century world for the grest achievements that we are able to make in all walks of life, there are certain things which need to be given prime importance. Kindness, love and concern for mankind regardless of race or faith are such values that we should assiduously inculcate in the minds of people, especially our younger generation so that they grow with a firm belief and faith in the paradigm of peace and harmony,” said Hajah Saripah Kasmani, chairperson of the Organising Committee of the Exemplary Mother Award 2008 Presentation Ceremony.

She also mentioned, “Families are the basic and the best schools that can teach its members the highest values. In families, it is Mothers, who are the pillars and who can play an eminent role in transmitting these eternal values to their children. We have to encourage and motivate such role model mothers, who have not only been successful in transmitting such values to their own children and families, but find time to spare their time, talent and skills for the community and society they live in.”

Mr. Teo Chee Hean, Minister For Defence
The Minister for Defence said, “There are two important aspects to these awards. First, this is a pioneering initiative in Singapore, which started as early as 1992, with the noble objective of honouring mothers and womanhood. Second, although this award is organized by Jamiyah, this award is open to all eligible women regardless of race or faith.
This reflects the multi racial and multi religious ethos that we strive to nurture and maintain in Singapore.”

Speaking about the women in Singapore, Mr. Hean said, “Women play important roles in all areas in our society. Women have made tremendous strides and contributed immensely to Singapore’s development and growth. Women in Singapore have broken out of the old boundaries of their traditional roles. They now have equal opportunity in education and employment. Women have risen to the top of many major private and public sector organizations. And there are a significant number of woman entrepreneurs who have started and run successful businesses in a range of areas.”

“The new opportunities open to women have also raised expectations about what being a successful woman means, not least among women themselves. Women are succeeding at work, in business, in community work, and in raising families. But for women, as it is for men, it is hard to do everything and to do everything well. Perhaps what is the most important achievement for women in Singapore today is that they not only have opportunities, they have choices. Women can decide what they want to make of their lives – whether they want to do it all, all at once, or they can choose which parts they want to give more emphasis and focus to in each phase of their lives.”

Referring back to the Exemplary Mother Awards organized by Jamiyah Singapore, the Defence Minister for Singapore said, “These awards recognize and honour mothers who are successful in their careers, in taking care of their families and at the same time actively involved in helping the community.”

“Motherhood is one specific and unique gift that only women posses – the ability to bring forth new life and to nurture it through its tender years. Stable and strong families where father and mother mutually support one another are the best environment for raising children. Strong families are the nurseries where children who are well brought up learn social discipline, know how to love and share with others, and are motivated to do well not only for themselves but also for community,” maintained Mr. Hean.

The Defence Minister for Singapore also appreciated the role of women: “The recipients of Jamiyah’s Exemplary Mother awards as well as the finalists this year, as in the previous years, are fine examples and role models for mothers, present and mothers to be.
Each has balanced family responsibilities, career and community service. The struggles that they have undergone, the challenges that they have surmounted, the sacrifices they have made to see that their loved ones are better off and successful in life are lessons that everyone can learn.”

Finally the Singapore Defence Minister congratulated the “Jamiyah Singapore, particularly the women’s section of Jamiyah for organizing this event successfully for the last 16 years. My congratulations also to the winners and finalists of this year's Exemplary Mother Awards.”

Mr. Abu Bakar Mohyeddin
Earlier, while welcoming Guests of Honour, Honourable Minister Teo Chee Hean and his gracious wife Mrs Teo for their presence at the Award presenting ceremony, Mr. Abu Bakar Mohyeddin, President of the Jamiyah Singapore, expressed his happiness and pleased to organize this event for the sixteenth year in honouring and recognizing outstanding mothers in particular and womanhood in general.

Mohyeddin said, “This event is a symbolic expression of our eternal devotion and love to our mothers. Mothers are the fountain head of unconditional love and affection. The sense of peace and security that we have experienced in the presence of our mothers is precious and genuine. They teach us the basics of peace and the sweetness of harmony. Occasions like this reaffirm our gratitude in this regard.”

“With our rising standards of living, a dual-career family has become more of a necessity than a choice. Moreover the educational achievement of women has led to their need to seek self-fulfillment through their careers. However, it is a fact that their role as home-makers and child-minders has not been entirely compromised by their pursuit of education and career. The need to balance both work and family roles remain as challenges that women face in our society. However, the challenges of child development for working mothers is lightened by the pro-family and pro-children policies of the Government,” the President of Jamal Singapore said.

“Thus the challenges faced by the mothers in the past are not entirely similar to the ones faced by mothers today. In spite of such challenging circumstances we have women who have proved to be more than capable in this difficult area, and are pillars of family, the community and society at large,” said the President of Jamiyah Singapore and added, “With such excellent qualities we see children reflecting the exquisite love and sacrifice of their mothers. They are grateful for the maternal blessings which cannot be repaid. Indeed the children as the future of the nation are the symbols of the universal values which their mothers have infused in them, not just by words alone but by dint of personal example.”

Mr. Mohyeddin also said, “Balancing their house hold and career responsibilities, and also giving their free time in volunteering for community service. They are indeed role models in our society. We appreciate them and appeal to all mothers and mothers-to-be to emulate their shining examples.”

Mr. Mohyeddin also expressed his thanks to the Guests of Honour for their kind and gracious presence and also thanks the esteemed Lee Foundation, Singapore Buddhist Lodge and Asia Industrial Development Private Limited for their munificent support to this annual exemplary mother awards event.

Dr. Melanie Chew, Chairperson of the Panel of Judges for the Exemplary Mother Awards 2008; Dr. Della Lee, Chairperson of the D.S.Lee Foundation and wife of Dr. Lee Seng Gee, Chairman of the Lee Foundation; Mrs Wee Kim Wee, wife of late President of Singapore Dr. Wee Kim Wee; Mr. Lim Kok Eng representing Mr Lee Seng Tee, Director, Lee Foundation; Mr. Lee Bock Guan, President of the Singapore Buddhist Lodge; Mr V.R.Nathan, Chairman of the Inter-faith committee, Hindu Endowments Board; Dr. Abdelillah Benarafa, Expert, Manuscripts and Cultural Diversity Division of ISESCO and Dr. Abdus Salam Al Ahmar, Member of the Executive Council of Mohammadiah Association for Ulama, Morocco

Exemplary Mother Competition

The Exemplary Mother Competition started in 1993 with the Wee Kim Wee Shield which was presented to Jamiyah by the late former President Wee Kim Wee. From 1993 to 2004, 12 mothers were honoured for their perseverance in enduring hardship and sacrifices in raising their children. They toiled throughout the early years of their life to provide a better future for their children, in terms of education and well-being, as they did not want their children to go through life, the same way they did. The Wee Kim Wee Shield completed its 12 rounds in 2004.

In May 2004, The President of Singapore President S.R. Nathan presented a new Shield to Jamiyah to continue honouring exemplary mothers for another twelve years. At the suggestion of the President S.R. Nathan, the criteria for selection of the Exemplary Mother will include her contribution towards community service in addition to her ability to balance career and family.

The Exemplary Mother 2007 was held on 23 June 2007 at the Grand Ballroom of the Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore. President Nathan and Mrs. Nathan were the Guest of Honour. President Nathan presented the winner with the President’s Shield, a plaque and $5,000 cash. The First and Second Runners-Up received cash prize of $3000 and $2000 respectively, and a plaque each.

Role of Muslim NGOs in Asia-Pacific

Role of Muslim NGOs in Asia-Pacific Region


Dr. Mozammel Haque

SINGAPORE: The Three-day Seminar on the theme of “Networking For Development: Role of Muslim NGOs in Asia and the Pacific Region” organized by the Muslim Missionary Society Singapore (Jamiyah Singapore) in cooperation with the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) and Qatar Charity was held at Jamiyah from 15-17th of October 2008.

A large number of diplomats and diplomatic personnel and representatives of major religions in the country, journalists and Muslim leaders and leaders from other faith organizations and individuals attended the opening ceremony in addition to delegates of cultural centres and Islamic organizations from Australia, Cambodia, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myannar, Nepal, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Timor Leste, United Kingdom and Vietnam.

Around 50 delegates and observers representing NGOs from 20 countries from Asia and the Pacific Region participated in this Seminar. There were seven sessions besides the opening and concluding sessions.

The opening ceremony of the three-day Seminar started with recitation from the verses of the Holy Qur’an and welcoming address by the President of Jamiyah Dawah Islamiyah Singapore, Mr. Abu Bakar Mohyeddin who touched on the policy of Jamiyah Singapore in enhancing harmony and dialogue by inviting other religions and races in the country.

In his welcome address, Haji Sheikh Abu Bakar Mohyeddin said, “Imams play an important role in society, especially in promoting greater interaction amongst mosques, the community and the general public for the objective of promoting moderation, peace and harmony. We are happy that Qatar Charity is also supporting us in the Training Workshop for Imams from the region concurrently with this Seminar.”

“Today mankind is facing new challenges both in the economic and social fronts. While we have succeeded in harnessing science and technology for progress and higher standards of life, much more can be done for durable peace and harmony. In this regard we are working continually to strengthen the infusion of the correct values in our society,” said the President of Jamiyah Singapore.

Haji Sheikh Mohyeddin also said, “All religions have one perfect theme in common: that is to work for peace and tranquility, in every area of human activity and consciousness. We cannot allow deviationists to disrupt the noble purpose of all religions. Consequently due to the urgency of the call for durable peace, His Majesty King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI have met to discuss this crucial need and well-publicized initiative have begun.”

He also said, “We are happy to hold this three day seminar to discuss positively the prospects of Muslim NGOs pooling resources and expertise for the welfare and development of the people in our respective areas of work.”

The keynote address was delivered by the guest of honour, the Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs, Mr. K. Shanmugam who confirmed Singapore’s policy in prioritizing the co-existence and peace among races and religions in Singapore.

It was followed by ISESCO address delivered by Dr. Abdelillah Benarafa who emphasized the importance of adhering to the values of Islam, moderation, wisdom, harmony and cooperation with all races, faiths and civilizations. It also called upon those working in the cultural field to give their utmost commitment towards reinforcing civilizational identity of Muslims in the midst of world challenges. It is the responsibility of those involved in cultural work to put in perspective the correct image of Islam and Muslims, by emphasizing the Islamic reference which highlights the importance of principles especially in strengthening the values of co-existence, harmony and peace among various civilizations.

Dr. Benarafa also called upon the leaders of the cultural centres to urgently explain correctly to the Muslim Ummah values and culture of broad-mindedness in Islamic civilization and to introduce the real teachings of Islam and Muslims.

Country papers on the following countries: Australia, Cambodia, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, South Korea, Sri Lanka Timor Leste, United Kingdom, Vietnam, Singapore were presented. Besides these, Dr. Bibi Jan, President of Singapore May Teachers Union presented a paper on “Education and Development of the Muslim Ummah: Role of Muslim NGOs”; Dr. Faisal Yahya, Visiting Fellow Institute of South East Asian Studies (ISEAS) Singapore presented a paper on “Economic Development of the Muslim Ummah: Role of Muslim NGOs”.

Dr. Isa Hassan, Executive Director (Education and Welfare), Jamiyah Singapore also presented a paper on “Capacity Building for Muslim NGOs”; Mr. Mohd Anuar Yusop, Executive Director, Association of Muslim Professionals Singapore presented a paper on “Networking and Muslim NGOs: Issues and Challenges”; Mr. H. M. Saleem, Executive Secretary, Jamiyah Singapore presented a paper on “Touch and Harmony: Jamiyah’s Initiative for promoting Inter-racial and Inter-faith Harmony” and Dr. Mozammel Haque, Director General, World Muslim Congress, President’s Office; Jeddah, presented a paper on “The Muslim Community in Britain: An Overview”.

At the end of the three-day discussions and deliberations, the Seminar called for cultural and Islamic organizations “to project the moderate images and the tolerance of Islam and to correct its distorted images through the media, school book/curriculum and various forums and gatherings.”

The Seminar also resolved to “confirm the urgency of conducting dialogue among other faith followers in order to create understanding and cooperation for the sake of global peace based on humanity brotherhood and to make the culture of peace as theory and way in interaction between Muslims and non-Muslims.”

The Seminar also resolved to “prepare database for Muslim competencies in the West and the world and also called upon the leaders of cultural centres and Islamic organizations to take part in circulating these form of Muslim competencies.”

The Seminar also resolved “to enhance the existing understanding and cooperation by adopting a pro-active approach towards empowering the Muslim Community through the participating NGO’s in principally Muslim minority countries through the sharing of resources, information, databases and the organizing of developmental activities that cater to the changing needs of time.”

The Seminar also resolved to “continue focusing on life-long balanced education as a conduit in elevating the Muslim Ummah towards uplifting their status as Ummatan Wasatan, the middle and moderating people.”

The participating NGOs were very enthusiastic and highly motivated at the need to collaborate and network amongst themselves to develop the resources endowed upon them by Almighty Allah and support the resolutions passed and endeavour to enhance that action plans decided upon are conscientiously implemented.

In view of the level of interest shown by the NGO’s and the pressing need for actions, Jamiyah Singapore as a coordinating body in cooperation with ISESCO announced that an initiative to collaborate with the NGO’s from the following countries in implementing developmental programmes that will bring about benefits to the Muslim Ummah in particular and humanity in general will be implemented promptly.

Muslim leaders of Timor Leste, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia will work together, as a team, in ensuring that the project is run successfully with the support of ISESCO and the collaboration of Jamiyah Singapore.

Jamiyah Singapore also expressed its readiness to support justifiable projects including the IMAM Training Program which is aimed at ensuring that the standard and quality of our imams are uplifted to become more competent, committed, comprehensive, cohesive and complete in serving the Muslim Ummah.

Abu Bakar Mohyeddin, President of Jamiyah Singapore said that Jamiyah Singapore has decided to take one more step by working out specific community need based projects in countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea, Myanmar and Nepal in the near future in cooperation with ISESCO and requested Dr. Benarafa to strongly recommend to Dr. Abdelaziz Othman Altwiajri, Director General of ISESCO to support this initiative with the much needed financial support.

ISESCO thanked the President of Jamiyah Singapore, Tuan Haji Abu Bakar Mohyeddin for its readiness to support justifiable projects including the IMAM Training Program and for his dedication in advancing the interest of the Muslim Ummah and humanity and his tireless efforts to look at new initiatives in strengthening the position of the Muslims in the world.

The Seminar also expressed its sincere thanks to the Qatar charity for the support that they have extended to the Imam Training Program that take place in Singapore.