Annual ICA Conference For Aalims and Zaakirs

On Sunday 10th November, our respected scholars and zakireen gathered together at the wonderful Masjid-Al Husayn in Leicester. The aim of this annual conference was to discuss the principle elements in propagating Islam and to generate ideas on presenting topical issues brought up in our communities. The Chairman of ICA, Br Razahusein Rahim welcomed the delegates and speakers and gave a brief overview on recent developments at the ICA.

The day began with a very eloquent and remarkable presentation on Delivering the Message of Imam Hussein, by Shiekh Hakim Elahi, senior lecturer of ICAS. The main body of his speech encountered the fundamental aspects of tableegh; being the content of the message, the personality and character of the person doing tableegh and  using appropriate tools and means to propagate the message. Sheikh Elahi went through these with some excellent examples from the lives of our Prophets and  the event of Karbala.  He spoke of channelling tableegh using modern technology and media in order to captivate our audience’s changing needs.

Before the lunch break, we were privileged to gain more insight on this topic, as Maulana Maqbool Hussain Alavi summarised key points on methods of tableegh. He highlighted the fact that tableegh is wajib upon everyone and that one should not wait for the opportunity to propagate Islam, but instead step forward in spreading the truth. Additionally, we were reminded that one should ask from him who we all came from, this is of course none other than Allah (s.w.t). Therefore, our focus should be towards the arrangements made for hadiya or that hospitality. But instead should be looking forward to and praying for a high reward from Allah (s.w.t). This session was ended with a thought provoking statement: “Ask from God if you are after what he wants, ask from people and you are after what they want”

 

After a break for networking and lunch the session commenced with Sheikh Elahi putting forward an exceptional presentation on the topic of Youths of Islam. It is proposed that on the 7th night of Muharram, ullemas and zakireen throughout the world should use the platform of azaa-e-Hussain to propogate the importance of youths and their role and duties. Using the example of the youths and young martyrs of Karbala, ways of presenting this topic were discussed in detail.

Following this, Dr Sibtain Panjwani engaged the delegates with his presentation on medical and bio-ethical decisions faced by our communities and scholars. With the modern scientific knowledge and tools around our qualified doctors, what really makes a person deceased? This was one of the questions explored together with the scientific exploration of abortion and artificial insemination. Dr Panjwani correlated science and Qur'an to explain why certain decisions have been made by our scholars. But as technology develops, more questions are posed, how far can we really go in altering nature and what does Islam say? Indeed this was a phenomenal session which was followed by active discussion.

The delegates were then invited to a very topical and effective presentation on Islam and the Environment by Br Maqbul Rahim. The connection between Allah (s.w.t), the human creation and the world was pinpointed and our need to realise our social responsibility to the very planet we are selfishly consuming was well presented. Various Qur'anic ayaat were used to demonstrate our responsibility towards the environment.

We were grateful for the attendance of the President of The World Federation, Dr Ahmed Hassam, and the President of The Council of European Jamaats, Br Munawar Rattansi who both addressed the delegates.

 

The event was concluded with the recognition of one of the scholars of our community, Mulla Mahmood Abdullah, who was recently awarded a doctorate in Qur'anic studies. He lucidly enlightend us on his struggles and endevours in achieving this academic landmark and encouraged all to pursue further education highlighting the Prophet's hadith- ‘Utlubul Ilm minal mahdi illal lahd’, seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave.

In Evaluation of this event, all sessions and speakers received excellent written feedback from the delegates. May Allah reward our Speakers for taking the time and effort to prepare and deliver their material.

A DVD of this conference was on sale after the event. Those wishing to purchase a copy can contact the secretariat at the Leicester Jamaat office.

The Chairman of ICA, Br Razahusein Rahim acknowledged all the support and administration behind co-ordinating and running this event and thanked all who were involved, especially to Leicester Jamaat for offering Masjid-Al Husayn as a wonderful venue for this event.