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At the landmark Muballigheen Retreat held by the Islamic Education Board (IEB) of the World Federation in September 2005, it was agreed that the IEB would embark upon Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses for Muballigheen of the community.
The first of these CPD courses was held on 3-5 November 2006 in London and was organised by the Islamic Education Board, in conjunction with the Council of European Jamaats. The course title was 'Qur'anic Sciences' and was conducted by Sheikh Abbas Jaffer. The course coordinators were Dr Mahmood Datoo and Sheikh Abbas Ismail.
The course covered nine sessions, including The Phenomenon of Revelation, Makkan and Madinan Chapters, Definite and Indefinite Verses and the Compilation of the Quran
The President of The World Federation, Dr Ahmed Hassam commented, "I am delighted to see the Action Plan of the Muballigh Retreat, envisioned in September 2005, firmly in action. Such courses are vital for the Muballigheen of the community and Madrasah teachers to enhance their knowledge and skills. I look forward to similar courses being organised and attended by our Muballigheen”.
Dr Hussein Jiwa, Vice President of the Council of European Jamaats said, "CoEJ congratulates all those who took part in this first CPD course on Qur'anic Sciences organized by the IEB of the WF in conjunction with CoEJ. I am confident that they have gained a wealth of knowledge from Sheikh Abbas Jaffer over the three day training programme, and hope for this to be shared within the community by those that attended the course in their various capacities. On behalf of CoEJ I would also like to thank IEB -WF for organising this programme for the European Jamaats and we would like to see many more of such events in the coming future. Our sincere thanks to Sheikh Abbas Ismail and Dr Mahmood Datoo for coordinating the event”.
A total of 16 participants were from Europe; 7 of these were Muballighs and 9 were Madrasah teachers. Also in attendance were 2 community workers from North America, invited to attend on behalf of NASIMCO, to experience the course first hand and to implement the course in North America within 6 months
The feedback from the participants was very positive. Some reactions of the participants:
Batul bai Najfi of Minnesota commented, "This course on Qur'anic Sciences was very useful, especially for those who want to delve deeper into the Qur'anic ocean of knowledge. By attending this course, I have benefited personally and hope to research the subject further. It has given me the encouragement to implement such a course in North America. The CPD concept is excellent to help our community, especially the Zakireen, to study further and develop their knowledge."
Brother Shabbar Kassam of Hyderi: "This was a really well planned weekend allowing participants an in-depth look at the world of Quranic Sciences. I look forward to similar courses which will facilitate our brothers and sisters enhancing their Islamic knowledge."
Muallim Zulfikar bhai Manji of Peterborough: "I looked for information, instruction and inspiration and Alhamdulillah I found all three during this course. We benefited from a wealth of knowledge from Sheikh Abbas Jaffer and now it is up to us to follow up, research and implement such knowledge in each of our communities."
The weekend was put into poetry by Suhaila Merali:
Kayfa ji’tu? How did I come?
Fly, drive, sail or run?
Kayfa absartu? How did I see?
The beauties of Latimer – this time no sheesha with me.
A CPD in Qur’anic Science, what would that turn out to be?
An Islamic periodic table? Biology or Astronomy?
Qul! As the Makkans were told
Listen – Here is how the ‘aha’s’ unfold
Lectures on muhkam and mutashabic Qur’anic macro’s littered with stories
About things ranging from hungry goats to very smart bees
Prophet Musa, miswak, and his miraculous stick
The Magicians realised it was no trick
Its time to polish up your heart and stop relying on luck
One day we’re going to need to cash in all our units of haqq
For the times you feel serene and all of a sudden calm
You’ve been touched by an angel, better known as ilhaam
The power of the halal stamp and off the record jokes
Even if some of them are only suitable for the blokes
But in the end just like combustion and petrol is to a baby
For some things all there is to say is ‘lastu adree!' (I don't know)
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