Event hosted by the Centre for Spirituality and Cultural Advancement (CSCA) in partnership with the Network for a New European Generation.

Interfaith dialogue is important because communities that are built on a shared set of values are the foundations of a strong society. In these present times, co-operation between Faith groups is crucial. The number of people who have Faith is growing, there is far more that unites people of different faiths than divides them.

However, the exclusivist and sometimes hostile face of Faith cannot also be denied. There is a struggle in the world of Faith that reflects the broader struggle within society. This is a struggle between the open-minded and the closed-minded. In an era of globalisation, in which we are far more likely to share society together because society is becoming more diverse and the internet is creating a more global sense of community, the existence of such respect and mutual understanding becomes essential.

That is why this task of openness to different faiths has to be undertaken, in part, by those of faith. They have to provide a) the platform for interfaith understanding and respect; and b) the theological and scriptural justification for the open mind and for investment in the good of others.

On November 29th, 2012, the Centre for Spirituality and Cultural Advancement, together with Network for a New European Generation, organized an event at the University College London (UCL) in London on “Peace, Harmony and Diversity: The Importance of Interfaith Dialogue”.

The Event consisted of small presentations on the Importance of Inter Faith dialogue from our esteem guest speaker’s including; Shaykh Ahmad Babikir and Paul Salahudin Armstrong, with an enlightening performance by the Pearls of Islam.

Hassen Rasool opened the event with recitation from the Quran; Sura Rum verses 22- 26, which highlighted the importance of humanity and acceptance of diveristy of colours and languages.

Paul Salahuddin Armstrong is a director, scholar and broadcaster. He is currently the Co-Director of The Association of British Muslims, Director of Heruset Ltd and Director of Khilafah Online Ltd, Paul has worked with and been a trustee of Wolver Hampton Inter-Faith & Regeneration Network, is a trustee of BME United Ltd and the founder of Wulfruna Sufi Association.

Paul’s main message was how we should move towards a more peaceful and harmonious world, while celebrating our diversity- through interfaith activities and dialogue.

Paul gave an example about the important positive affects interfaith work has had in facilitating good relations in Wolver Hampton, between people of many different faiths and ethnic backgrounds. He highlighted the fact that we are all members of the same human family.
Paul stressed that the future of Islam and Muslims in the UK and Europe depends on the cultivation of friendships and increased understanding between people of all faiths and none, along with the relegation to the dustbin of ideologies intending harm to the health and wellbeing of the multi -faith communities and society in which we live.

There was a lively performance by the Pearls of Islam, an acoustic female group. The performances echoed messages of peace, tranquillity and acceptance, their performances were thoroughly enjoyed by all attendees.

Shaykh Babikir delivered his key note speech and his main message was religion is about piety, love, acceptance and sharing with everyone; religious or non-religious. Shaykh Ahmad Babikir, is currently the Imam of Yusuf Islam’s Islamia School and the Chairman of Ulfa Aid which is an international Relief Agency helping the poor and needy around the world.

Shaykh Babikir denounced the concept that Islam gives Muslims rights above everyone else and highlighted the Islam actually is the opposite of this notion. Islam gives equal rights to all of human kind regardless of religion. Thus he emphasised that the relationship between Muslims and their non-Muslim neighbours and fellow citizens must be one of courtesy, mutual welfare, and cooperation for the sake of humanity. There is no compulsion to force one to accept Islam and we should accept each person for the way they are. Islam encourages embracing all and treating all people with respect and dignity.

 
Fatima Akhtar, Chair of the proceedings, thanked all speakers for their enlightening and thought provoking speeches and invited questions from the attendees.

Over 30 people attended the event, and many commented that the programme was very positive and illuminating with important messages delivered that certainly are a step in the right direction to encourage positive relationships with people from different backgrounds and to reduce communal barriers that may have been created due to misconceptions.

[div style=”text-align:justify”]The Centre for Spirituality and Cultural Advancement unequivocally condemns the violence perpetuated in response to the vile anti Muslim film insulting the Prophet of Islam. The movie has demonstrated the worrisome rise in anti- Muslim prejudice, but has also been manipulated by Islamist networks to fuel violent protests and attacks aimed at Western interests throughout the Muslim world. The attacks highlight the on-going threat posed by violent Islamist networks that foment intolerance and espouse a narrow, destructive worldview. From Egypt, Mali and Libya, to Russia and Pakistan radical Islamists have denied the universal right of personal security by persecuting religious minorities and have demonstrated a callous disregard for culture by destroying historic landmarks, libraries, and religious institutions.

We join the law-abiding, mainstream Muslims throughout the world who are horrified by these senseless acts of violence and hope its perpetrators are brought to justice.

In light of the tragic deaths to US diplomatic personnel, CSCA urges the government’s throughout the world to develop a strong foreign policy that identifies, engages and empowers Muslim partners to tackle this ideology of hatred and diminish the pool of terror recruits.

CSCA implores all faith communities to step up their efforts to promote mutual understanding, respect and encourage peaceful dialogue with one another.

[image_frame style=”framed_shadow” align=”center” alt=”Celebrate Light upon Light Mawlid at Feltham” title=”Celebrate Light upon Light Mawlid at Feltham” height=”539″ width=”480″]http://spiritandculture.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/lightuponlight4.jpg[/image_frame]

Light upon Light Mawlid at Feltham

On the 22nd April 2012, CSCA organised and hosted an event; Light upon Light to celebrate and commemorate the birthday of two prominent figures, which have contributed in shaping our world as a better place.

In a world where there is so much turmoil, violence and disruption, it is important to stand together, unified in our love and support for people who are courageous and inspire us with what is good. Such magnanimous leaders teach us to live together, in harmony with one another.

Her Majesty the Queen is arguably the most admirable figure in Great Britain. She came to the thrown at the age of 25, and from that day forward, took her coronation oath seriously. Her majesty has a deep sense of religious and civic duty.
A personal note about her faith was featured in her annual Royal Christmas Message broadcasted to the Commonwealth in 2000, when she spoke about the theological significance of the millennium marking the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ:

“To many of us, our beliefs are of fundamental importance. For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life. I, like so many of you, have drawn great comfort in difficult times from Christ’s words and example”

Shaykh Muhammad Nazim Adil, World Leader of the Naqshbandi Sufi Order is another such luminous figure. He infused in to the community and the world, love of God and love for the lovers of God. Shaykh Nazim has travelled throughout the world, over many years working to build bridges of inter-racial, inter-ethnic and cross-cultural understanding.

Shaykh Nazim had a vision of creating a “community”. He has sought to establish the infrastructure that, in modern parlance, would be termed privatised social welfare. It is through institutions designed not only to serve the destitute, the homeless and the ill, but whose overall purpose is to redirect the society as a whole to the goal of uplifting the people spiritually, psychologically, morally and physically. He has had an immense impact on the societies in which his teachings continue today.

Shaykh Kabbani, Chairman of the CSCA and Deputy leader of the Naqshbandi Sufi Order, praised Shaykh Nazim and Her Majesty the Queen stating that both are a symbol of hope and service to humanity.

Light upon Light welcomed people of all faiths or no faith to come and join in the celebrations, which included music and nasheeds dedicated to Shaykh Nazim and Her Majesty the Queen from the very talented Pearls of Islam, Red Soulphur and CSCA’s very own choir, who sang Britain’s national anthem with grace and eloquence.
Everybody enjoyed plenty of food, sweets and cake!!! It was a thoroughly enjoyable event and gave people an opportunity to be part of something special that symbolised a global message of love and unity.
 

 
On the 23rd March to the 25th March 2012 The European Foundation for Democracy facilitated a networking conference in Berlin at the NH Berlin Friedrichstrasse Hotel. The purpose of this conference was to empower activists and leaders from countries who are working with Muslim communities in Europe to counter radical extremists and advocate liberal-democratic principles of individual freedom and pluralism. Farzana Kosar, member of CSCA also participated in this conference and spoke of the social and community cohesion work the CSCA is involved in, which helps Muslims within British society reconsile their religious and national identity in a way that repsects religious freedom and combats radicalization.

The conference was attended by over 20 participants from different European countries including; such notable individuals as Bakary Sambe. Bakary is a French-Senegalese Muslim scholar who conducts research on the spread of Wahabism in Africa and more generally on movements and ideologies within Islam and their compatibility with democratic values and principles. He is a member of ASMEA (The Association for the Study of the Middle East and Africa). He is fluent in French, English and Arabic. Bakary spoke about the importance of countering radical narratives and enhancing the voice of many mainstream Muslims throughout the world. He also recommends that schools and college should increase socialisation and allow open debate. Many children have adopted views from parents and thus may have misleading information. Many of these children have never had such discussions and some are on the border line of becoming radicalised.

According to EFD’S Executive Director, Roberta Bonazzi factors contributing to radicalisation are manifold, complex and often not completely understood.

The conference was also attended by Maqsood Ahmed OBE, senior faith advisor for Department for Central and Local Government. He spoke about the importance of empowering the Muslim youths from low social and economic back grounds to help them achieve and have a better start in life and not become exposed to extremist ideologies. Radical preachers focus on Muslim youths who are not doing well and blame the system in the country.

The conference included many round the table discussions between the participants seeking to learn from each other’s knowledge, experience and problems / issues facing them in their respective countries. This has opened opportunities for collaborations on projects, seminar or activities between countries.

The second part of the conference gave all the participants an opportunity to have a one to one with other participants, to get to know each other better as well as ask more in depth questions and answer any queries anyone has. This was a fantastic opportunity for participants to speak with other participants who share the same aims and goals and seek advice on approaches.

Other issues mentioned by Farzana Kosar was how the CSCA deals with issues of extremism, including violent offenders, through its affiliate organisations in the UK and at its central base in London, Feltham. She further spoke about the importance of interfaith social action and about the recent programme ‘A year in a service’ celebrating different faiths the CSCA is a part of and is a supporting organisation. Farzana also spoke about the CSCA’s belief that interfaith action will help build capacity of the community to take practical steps to reject division amongst one another and feel part of a wider united British Society.