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MCS Fifth Ulama Unity Conference

Glasgow, Scotland November 4, 2018

Muslim Council of ScotlandULAMA UNITY CONFRENCE 2018 REPORT BY S SULTAN 1

MUSLIM COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND ULAMA UNITY CONFERENCE NOVEMBER 4, 2018

MCS delighted to report to invite Ulama and mosque committee members for round the table dialogue Unity Conference at Café Babylon prior to Peace and Unity Conference on 6 th

November at City Chambers Glasgow. The Imams/ Islamic scholars and Muslim community leaders from all sects of Islam from Scotland and overseas gathered together to express their vision and strongest desire to bring Ummah gather on a single platform in this part of western world.

THE CONFRENCE WAS GRACED WITH FOLLOWING Ulama & PUBLIC FIGURES:

Name Organization1. Dr. Mohammad Adrees (Chair) Muslim Council of Scotland (MCS)2. Azzam Mohamad (V Chair) Muslim Council of Scotland (MCS)3. Vidiba Diaby Ahal Ul Bayat4. Sonia Allam Muslim Council of Scotland (MCS)5. Shaukat Sultan (Secretary) Muslim Council of Scotland (MCS)6. Ayub Mohammad Community Activist7. Mohammad Pakdin Islamic Centre of England8. Abdul Al-Hasan Masud Islamic Centre of England9. M Akhtar Abbas Zainabi Wali Al Qasir Edinburgh 10. Zamurs Hussain Shia Asna Ashri Islamic Center11. Hadi Larijain GCU12. Majed Assadah Ahlyubait13. A Mahmood Ahlyubait14. Noorul Hasan Baibuliln Leeds15. Nasir Jaffri Shia Islamic Centre Ashly St16. Nasan Fhaim Unity Family17. Hayder Ali Imam Bargah18. Syed Hashmi Al Mahdi Foundation19. Madihah Ahmed Women League Zia Ul Quran20. Imam Abdullah Fizahan Annandale Mosque Edinburgh21. Omar Afzal (Media Coordinator) Muslim Council of Scotland (MCS)22. Maulana Mohammad Atif Renton Islamic Centre23. Qazi Masood Welcome Islamic Centre24. Naveed Baig Al Huda Center25. Khadja Afandi Women league Zia Ul Quran26. Najaf Jaffri Shia Islamic Centre Ashly St27. Mufti Ashraf Ali General support to the community28. Mohammad Saeed Naqsbandi Jamia Islamia

ULAMA UNITY CONFRENCE 2018 REPORT BY S SULTAN 2

29. Imam Shakil Ahmad Hamilton Mosque30. Liaquat Ali (Interfaith Coordinator) Muslim Council of Scotland (MCS)31. Allama Fiaz Ahmad Zia Ul Quran32. Shaykh Hassan Rabbani Al Azhari Herriot Watt University / Isyllabus33. Mufti Mohammad Aslam Masjid Khazra34. Liaquat Ali Baig Al Huda Center35. Ajaz Mohammad Dunfirmlin Central Mosque 36. Mohammad Akram (Chair) Masjid Khazra 37. Allama Shahid Babar Minhajul Quran Glasgow38. Kasim Ali Ahlolbait Society39. Dr. Naqba Alfaqaha Newton Merrins Imam Bargah40. Qazi Tajumal Sahib Portobollow mosque Edinburgh

41. Allama Shakeel Dundee Masjid Bilal Dundee42. Maulana Nadeem A Jmia Islamia43. Dr Javed Nadvi Al Furqan44. Qari Nadeem Ahmad Jamia Islamia45. Moshan Nokh Ahlolbait Society46. Allama Rehan Ahmad Raza Minhajul Quran Glasgow47. Tahir Bashir World Islamic Mission48. Haji Abdul Waheed Minhajul Quran International49. Allama Mansoor Mahmood Al Azhari Kircardy Mosque50. Hafiz Abdullah Ali Madni Masjid51. Maluana Qasim Azam Masjid Noor52. Warris Raza Sheikh Jafaria Foundation Edinburgh53. Maulana Habibur Rehman Dunfirmlin Central Mosque54. Iffat Ahmad Zia Ul Quran55. Shabbir Hussain Wali –Al-Asir Trust56. Imam Habibur Rehman Khan Dunfirmlin mosque57. Imam Sobhani Al Mahdi Foundation58. Linsay Taylor Muslim Council of Scotland (MCS)59. Imam Abdul Hassan Islamic Center London60. Fariha Thomas Muslim Council of Scotland (MCS)61. Ustad Hasan Sharif Zainab Cobbol62. Dr Ali Altabi Ahl Al-Bait Society63. Ali Salamti Almahdi Foundation64. Imam Mohammad Hamza Rumi Annandale Mosque, Edinburgh65. Zarina Ahmad CEMVO

THE AIM AND OBJECTOIVES OF THIS CONFERENCE:

To adopt Unity and a Spirit of co-working among all sects in Islamic faiths;All legitimate differences should be comprised with respect, compassion, and wisdom;


We will jointly exert a cohesive effort in promoting the true moderate and peaceful teachings of Islam in the West amongst Muslims as well as non-Muslims; We will make assured that no effort is compromised -in any way, shape, or form- in the pursuit of unity and co-existence amongst all moderate and peaceful Muslims across the community as a whole; MCS encourages all to work together and coordinate, tirelessly and effectively, to help one another in making all the above a swift and workable endeavor; for Muslims now, and those of future generations.

INTRODUCTION:

Muslim Council of Scotland having regular round-table Unity conference for last 4 years. That is a greatest achievement because we get an opportunity to learn from Ulama / Imams and community leaders from all sects of Islamic faith of Scotland and abroad. All expressed the strongest aspiration to bring the Ummah of the final Prophet of Allah almighty Muhammad PBUH together. The aim of the conference is to nurture unity and a spirit of co-working among all Islamic sects who are often perceived as being disunited. An Initiative was taken by Br Mohamad Azzam, vice convener of MCS in 2014. So Let us stand together for unity as advised by Allah swt and our beloved Rasulullah SAWS”

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

There was a series of speeches by our respected guests- beginning with a welcome speech from MCS convener Dr. Muhammad Adrees, who emphasized about the unity of the Ummah in Scotland. Azzam Mohammed, Vice Chair of MCS, talked of the need to be a united Scottish community, and to come together for our future generations. It was disclosed that a Fatwa book is written in Farsi and also translated in English where it has been expounded that all Muslims are bond to respect Ahalulbait and all Sohabah RT as a part of their Imman. All speakers emphasized for unity in their speeches. Omar thanks all and request for unity. Let us promote the message of unity among us and be vigilant instead of scaring and stand with MCS for unity.

The meeting then concluded in good faith of Unity among all Islamic sects with a symbolic linking of hands and reciting of a communal Dua then vote of thanks from MCS V Convener, Mohamad Azzam. Net working on delicious dinner with Ulama and dignitaries.


SPEAKERS SHARED THEIR THOUGHTS AND IMPORTANCE OF UNITY AS FOLLOW:

TILAWAT BY DR. NOKBATOLFOGHAHAI ABOUT UNITY

OPENING STATEMENTS- DR. MUHAMMAD ADREES CONVENER MCS:

Dr Muhammad Adrees began by welcoming and thanking all the guests especially those who have come after a long journey. Unity is Imman and diversity is our strength. We are suffering around the world because we are facing a lot of challenges due unnecessary disputes among us. WE should not ignore The Holy Quranic verses about unity and must try our best to stay united.We have one Quran, one Qibla, One Deen, One Allah,

One prophet PBUH so no excuse to create division among ourselves. We have a lot of commonalities so we must respect each other and stay united despite of difference of opinion. Our hearts are full of love for Rasulullah SAWS and his family RA and his companions RA. We can come to peace, unity and progress for all. We all making history. If we all are united we can make a big change in society. General population’s opinion will improve about us.


MOHAMAD AZZAM - VICE CHAIR MUSLIM COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND:

Azzam did welcome all to honor MCS for its efforts for unity. This conference takes place before Peace & unity conference at Glasgow city chamber every year since 2014. We all need to be united to protect ourselves and our future generations too. We must avoid to stand with those who divide us for their own benefits. Syed Faqah Ullah establish council in Lebanon to protect Ummah and to promote unity.

MCS always promote unity among Muslims so this is our duty to support MCS. May Allah protect us all. He also explained about “prohibiting Takfir” booklet, published in several languages. That is Fatwa of Shia scholars to emphasize that all Muslims must respect Ahalul Bait, Sohabas RT and using insulting words about them is Kufar and we put our Imman on risk. Book was presented to all to read.

We need to really believe in unity in our hearts; our priority needs to be a united everywhere. We have a big responsibility towards our community because those who hate us don’t look at our denomination but to divide us. We need to come together for the sake of our Deen.

QARI SHAKEEL AHMAD FROM HAMILTON MOSQUE:

Our Scholars must realize that situation is getting worst due to lack of unity & vision among us and we do not have any proper way to face modern day challenges. If we follow the guidance from our Deen we will be successful Inshallah. Do not wait for Miracles but share the burden and promote Unity in Ummah.


Praise to Allah and Darood to our beloved prophet PBUH. Unity is very important fact to survive if we study Quran and focus on unity message and then we may feel that why we are suffering. That is very clear because we are not following the guidance of Quran and Sunnah.

Do not make confliction way of fighting but we must promote unity as our moral and religious duty.

AHMAD KHUWAIR FROM AHALU BAIT GLASGOW UNIVERSITY:

actively to unite the nation. We must consider on morality, Ethics, respect and action honestly.

MUFTI ASHRAF ALI GENERAL SUPPORT AND ASSISTANT TO THE COMMUNITY:

Pious man said that I never said that you defuse other people balloons but to save yours. You all defused each other balloons so you all lost. We just need to protect each other and stay unite for a healthy society. We all are educated people. We must take responsibility to educate our communities to love each other and promote unity. May Allah guide and give us tufaiq to work for unity ass MCS is trying its best.

ABDUL HASSAN MASOOD FROM ISLAMIC CENTER ENGLAND:


It is my honour to address the Scholars. I like to say a few words about youth prospects. What we like to do and what we doing now? We have obligations to family, friends, and community, living a fast life because we are living in a modern world with serval challenges.

Youth looking toward us for a solution. We living in a matristic world with lack of principals, cohesion, and cooperation.

Potential is there and need to make a move and do something

The best language is Quran language so I ll prefer to speak in Arabic.

May Allh give us Tufaiq to love Ahlulbait and Sohaba RT from our heart and a lot of blessing too due to love to Ahululbait and Sohabah RT.

There are too many differences in opinion in Ummah but these points should be our strength not weakness because difference of opinion is a blessing too.

Humanity is more important than sectarian ship. People survive with support and unity and achieve more.

Do not do trouble in the world and stay in peace according to the verses of Quran. Avoid heartbreaking feeling to anyone.

One pious man gave a balloon and a needle to several people and advise them that if you manage to save your balloon then you will be winner. All tried their best and managed to defuse each other balloon so no one got aired

HAIDER ALI MAHMOOD FROM IMAM BARGAH NEWTON MERRINS:

We are facing enormous challenges even we seems unite some time because we face external issue such as Hijab in media comparing to Nuns dress , children education, how media portrait our beloved prophet PBUH are the perfect examples for us. We face several issues from birth and then especially when we migrate to a new culture. We face several issues from birth and then especially when we migrate to a new culture. We must have more tolerance in this modern time. Once a poet came to Prophet PBUH and stated bad poetry against our prophet. He advised Ali RT to take him away and do something. Ali RT took him away but never harmed him but gave him some money and advise him to go somewhere safe. Same person appeared next day. All Sohabah were surprised because Ali did not do anything. Our Prophet told them that Ali understood what I mean. Same person came for prayer due to nice dealing from Ali RT. There is a time now to show our good character and be unite to promote brotherhood.

DR HABIB RAFIQUE FROM MINHAJUL QURAN INTERNATIONAL:

Congratulated to MCS to gather so many Ulam from various Islamic faith under one roof for unity. That is a bouquet of beautiful full of nice fragrance. Mashallah! We are suffering due to disunity among ourselves. All teach us unity to get together so we must do intrafaith dialogue so often to improve our relationship.

We believe in same Quran so we are killing each other. We must study Quran more thoroughly. Our beloved prophet PBUH used to sit with all for unity and peace so why we cannot sit with each other for harmony.

MUFTI MOHAMMAD ASLAM FROM MASJID E KHAZRA:

MAULANA SAEED NAQSBANDI FROM JAMIA ISLAMIA:


Our mentality is that we are comfortable with our differences and not interested in coming together.

If we are serious about unity we need to stop the infighting. Golden formula for unity is to promote commonality through interfaith and intrafaith work.

We must focus on what unites us. We learn the holy Quran with meaning and then convince each other with Islamic teaching of love and unity.

MCS is doing a great job to unite all sects for unity and tolerance.

Thanks Allah SWT that He created as human being and give us sense to resolve issues with wisdom. We need to embrace faith strongly and hold the rope of Imman firmly and increase our level of tolerance. So we need to follow our Deen, Protect ourselves, be patient, and promote unity honestly.

MAULANAHABIBUR REHMAN FROM DUNFIRMLIN CENTRAL MOSQUE:

LINSAY TAYLOR FROM MCS:

We are from the different world with various background and countries. My husband is from Yamen and I am from Scotland with different background. But we made it work. Similarity bring us together. We need to be strong to make our choices. We just can say that we are Muslim and that is the best message we can convey.

OMAR AFZAL MEDIA COORDINATOR OF MCS AND VICE CHAIR OF MADRASA TALEEM UL ISLAM:

and how unity can form the basis of a real change in our condition and a resurrection of the Ummah.


Islam is a religion of peace.

We need to engage with each other to encourage each other to promote unity. We can have our opinion but unity should be our final goal all the time. Why no more holly cost happened again with Jewish community because they understood and became united to survive. That is why no more holly cost took place with them after that. We need to raise awareness against Islamophobia but need to be united first.

It's a great blessing of Allah swt, that he has gathered us here today In the name of unity. Today, it's pains us all to see that Muslim blood is being spilled... it pains us all to see the Ummah divided.... indeed when we are in turmoil, the world itself is in turmoil.

Today Alhamdulillah we've heard many fine words from our respected Ulema about the importance and real need for unity

I like to talk from reverts prospective. Have religion and take it home. That is very difficult journey.

I was told to follow anyone for good example but it is hard because too much is happening in the community and everybody try to impose his/her opinion. If someone ask me to choose Shia or Sunni opinion that is very difficult for me. I am just Muslim and I am afraid to say that these things are dividing us seriously.

Here in Scotland we know too well that Muslims and Islam are in the firing line. Across Europe Islamophobia is on the rise. And whilst we are divided, it's easy for those against us to keep attacking us. As a united Community, we can better stand against and defeat hatred and give our children a chance at a better society than ours today.

Today more than ever, we have a responsibility to present the Islam you and I know, to the world, in order to debunk myths around Islam, Muslims, our beliefs and practices.

There's 3 key ways we can do that1. We need our organisations and community workers, who are active in all aspects of

life, in politics, in youth work, in social work, in sports in all aspects of life to be ready and willing to speak up for their community. Use the platform you have to raise issues pertinent to Muslims, so that the wider community can understand our perspective

2. Is to publicise the good work that we are doing. Be active and visible on social media and reach out to the wider community. Don't be afraid of the media, rather be cautious and use the platform to get our own good news stories and our own narrative across. Please contact MCS if need any advice.

3. Is to collaborate more between organisations and be pubic about it. Wherever there is good work, support it and spread the word. This will help create a unity of purpose within the community and within the work we are doing.

Finally I want to thank everyone who has attended here today, Alhamdulillah around table the original expected number. This is not only an act of accepting an invitation, but a show of love and a genuine commitment to unity. I pray Allah swt accepts today's event and unites us all upon the path of truth and unity. “Let us promote the message of unity among us.

SHAYKH PAKDIN FROM ISLAMIC CENTER ENGLAND:

Admired MCS to organize this conference and provided opportunity to meet several Ulama. Schools in Scotland may promote peace with education. Islamic schools achieved a lot by reviewing a lot of new theories.

The community which unites for the sake of Allah swt will be successful and that unity will give us strength. Many Ahadith of Rasulullah saw talk of unity. If we do not unite, we will be weak. The spilled blood of Muslims around the world is calling us to unite. We need to close the gap between the scholars and the public Scholars need to share their knowledge so people can see a community true to its tradition. There is so much happening socially and economically that shouldn’t divide us. We need to be courageous, the Quran is calling us; the Prophet SAWS is calling us. We have an Amanat we need to protect- we must protect the image of Islam because


Shaykh started by congratulating MCS, AND Conveyed apology from Mohammad Ali Shomali because he in in Canada but will make his way on Tuesday for Peace and unity conference. He conveyed his best wishes for the success of Ulama Unity conference.

Islam is in danger and Muslims are in danger but if we all manage to unite ourselves that will definitely bear fruit soon. Follow the Islamic principles and be unite to survive.

The main reason for interest in faith is peace and contentment- people are looking for internal and external peace. All the Prophets AS came with a unifying message for those who started deviating- This happened again and again throughout history. If we look at Muslims today through the eyes of non-Muslims, we aren’t presenting Islam as a religion of peace. We won’t seem like a religion of peace as long as we are infighting, or while contradicting Islam ourselves. Tawheed and the message of Rasulullah SAWS is key. Islam can set the groundwork for peace internally and externally. We need to work on our own unity and then extend that out to show Islam has the tools for peace and unity. Our own [Imams & scholars] unity is a step towards fulfilling our duty of unity to the community.

The event concluded with hope of unity among Islamic sects. A symbolic linking of hands and prayer led by Aazzam Mohammed and Vote of thanks by the convener of MCS, Dr Muhammad Adrees.

Thanks to all who sponsored catering etc. for this Ulama unity conference. Jazak Allah Khair


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