Wessex Jamaat held the "Know Your Muslim Neighbour" programme on Monday 17th November, 2014. This is an annual event whereby Religious Education trainee teachers from the University of Chichester meet with the youth and members of Wessex Jamaat to gain a practical insight on Islam and Muslims in the U.K.
In addition to the University's RE Coordinator, Dr Ruth Mantin; Wessex Jamaat was also honoured to host Professor Clive Behagg the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Dr Mark Mason the Deputy Dean, Dr Graeme Smith Head of the Theology, Philosophy and Religious Studies department and Rev Dr Colin Lawlor the Chaplain at University of Brighton.
The Wessex community was also humbled and delighted to be joined by Dr Asgarali Moledina, President of World Federation of KSIMC. In his address, whilst commending Wessex Jamaat for the event, he complimented the links developed with the University of Chichester and re-iterated the importance of Interfaith programmes.
Following the recitation of verses from the Noble Quran and its translation, Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo, Wessex Jamaat Resident Alim set the context of the programme. The actual business for the day was conducted in group discussions around tables where the guests had an opportunity to engage in conversations with the community members. This gave a good understanding to the Religious Education trainee teachers to hear and see first-hand how Muslims live and practice Islam, their religion, as a way of life. The guests also posed questions on varied issues such as upbringing, commitment, role of women and other contemporary issues with a view to hear directly the Muslim voice.
Each guest was then requested to give their feedback on their discussions. They were unanimous in highlighting the hospitality, humour, openness and stating that the honest dialogue is inspirational, uplifting and provided great insight. Further the guests mentioned what new learning they are taking away from their conversation, and what thought they are leaving behind.
The programme came to an end with a vote of thanks proposed by Haji Shabir Walji, the Vice President of Wessex Jamaat. He expressed deep appreciation of Dr Ruth Mantin's support & friendship with our Jamaat - dating back to Marhum Mulla Bashir Rahim's leadership as Resident Alim over 15 years ago. He acknowledged the donations towards Al Mahdi centre made by the students of Chichester University- including written moral support to Winchester city council towards planning application process & development. He ended by sharing the hadith of our 1st Imam Ali A.S. - on the two types of Brotherhood; man is either brethren in faith or brethren in humanity, all the rest were partners in humanity. This underscores with an everlasting responsibility towards mankind & the earth. It is love that binds us all as humans. The language of love had no boundaries or borders!
Acknowledging the link between Chichester University and Wessex Jamaat, Dr Clive Behagg Vice Chancellor remarked, "It has been an evening of openness and warmth that I will long remember."
After the event, an encouraging email was received from Dr Asghar Moledina, as follows: "It is heartening to note that the Wessex community is reaching out to our Muslim brothers as well as Non-Muslims. I was fortunate to join a dedicated young (with a few seniors) team at AL MAHDI Centre in Portsmouth for a discussion on the theme "KNOW YOUR MUSLIM NEIGHBOUR". The discussions were led in a very intelligent and effective manner by Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo and with about 9 tables discussing various issues among the ladies and gentlemen present. In the end I felt that the visitors went home with a much clearer picture of our faith and practices.
Well done, Wessex Jamaat and keep it up. The enthusiasm among your youths was electrifying. I will ever remember this wonderful evening!!
Thank you for giving me an opportunity to take part in the dialogue. Surely for me it was a learning exercise." ~ Dr Asgar Moledina
Wessex Jamaat looks forward to InshAllah hosting this event again next year.