Thafakkur: Monthly Talks
Tafakkur in Islam is considered by scholars to be an act of worship. It literally means to think on a subject deeply, systematically, and in great detail. In Islam, it signifies reflection, which is the human heart’s light, the spirit’s nourishment, the essence of knowledge, and the heart and light of the Islamic way of life. Carrying on with this tradition, we organize regular Tafakkur talks and events that inspire intellectual discussions and spiritual nourishment.
The Uyghur Genocide
Brother Arsalan Hidayat, General Secretary of the Uyghur Revival Association speaks to us.
Every description of genocide is usually in past tense. We sadly live the lie of such a thing not possible during our civilised times. To be silent and to be ignorant about genocide happening as you read this note - makes us complicit in the most shameful chapters of our history. Yet again commerce and business has silenced most sovereign state leaders. As conscientious citizens and Muslims we must not shy away from calling it what it is, understand it better and raise our voice against this inhuman tragedy.
Brother Arsalan Hidayat opens our eyes to the cruel world that our Uyghur brethren live in today - and continue to live due to the worlds deafening silence and our unforgivable inaction.
Muslim Communities in Britain
& Remembering Srebrenica
‼️Remembering the Srebrenica Genocide Webinar‼️
In remembrance of the victims of genocides around the world - we hear from those who were persecuted and led the fight against it
To mark the 25th anniversary of Srebrenica MABY will be hosting an exclusive webinar hear from survivors of Srebrenica and the Bosnian war along with Imam's. This year marks 25 years since 8,372 Bosnian Muslims were murdered in the span of a few days. We must remember the thousands of women brutally raped, the millions displaced and the tens of thousands killed.
Session 1: “Muslim Communities in Britain: Challenges and Future” – Dr Farooq Murad , Director General – The Islamic Foundation, UK.
Session 2: “Remembering Srebrenica” – Mersad Krnjic - Imam of the Birmingham Bosnian Community.
British Muslim History
Did the Muslim history in the UK begin with migration? Or does it have much older roots?
Let's find out the British Muslims history includes Stories of early Victorian converts, the first mosque in Liverpool, UK and much more.
Dr Sariya Cheruvallil-Contractor speaks to us about the topic. Dr Sariya is an assistant professor at Coventry University leading the Faith and Peaceful Relations research group. Her research interests include British Islam, women’s experiences of religion and inter-religious relations.
Hajj: The Call of Prophet Ibrahim (AS)
“And publicly announce the pilgrimage to all people – they will come to you, on foot and on every lean-camel, coming from every far distant journey.” (Surah Hajj verse 27). Every year Muslims across the world respond to this call made by Ibrahim(عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) as instructed by Allah. Despite the pandemic’s impact on numbers this year, the sublime message and relevance of this spiritual journey still remain strong as ever.
Sheikh Ajmal Masroor is a well known British Imam, broadcaster and author. He is a member of the Muslim Council of Britain, the Central Working Committee member of the Islamic Society of Britain. He is Chairman and Director of Communities in Action. Imam Masroor is a well-known television presenter on various TV channels in the UK. On Channel 4, he presented a programme called 'Make Me a Muslim' and was also part of a panel in a programme named 'Sharia TV'. He has also appeared on major news channels such as the BBC, CNN and many other channels as a commentator on social, political and religious issues.
Challenging Islamophobia
Discussion on identifying and defining Islamophobia and the need to effectively combat it.
Strive UK in association with UKIM was pleased to conduct this event of THAFAKKUR – Bimonthly Family Meet. We had two very engaging sessions delivered by eminent scholars from the University of Leeds.
Session 1: "Understanding & Identifying Islamophobia" by Prof. Salman Sayyid (University of Leeds), author of "Thinking Through Islamophobia", European Islamophobia Report & the definition of Islamophobia endorsed by mainstream political parties, local governments and civil society groups.
Session 2: "Explanation of the Fatwa on Opposing & Challenging Islamophobia" by Mufti Dr. Tajul Islam (University of Leeds), Islamic scholar and co-author of Fatwa On The Necessity Of Opposing Islamophobia
The program included talks and interactive sessions.
United Against Racism
We need to identify, comprehend and more importantly take action against #RACISM now, more than ever.
Speakers and their topics:
Dr Fatima Rajina – Institutional Racism in the UK
Dr Ismail Patel – Islamophobia & Racism
Sheikh Danjuma Bihari– Black Muslim History & Experience
1. Dr Fatima Rajina(https://twitter.com/DrFatimaRajina) is an Academic who specializes in the study of the British Bangladeshi community, especially focuses on Racism & Islamophobia.
2. Dr Ismail Patel(https://twitter.com/Ismailadampatel) is founder of Friends of Al-Aqsa(https://twitter.com/FriendsofAlAqsa) and an expert on the politics of the British Muslim Community and writes commentaries for The Guardian, The Independent and Al-Jazeera.
3. Sheikh Danjuma Bihari is a community scholar, historian, anthropologist and public speaker. A Windrush activist, a compulsive reader who is an advocate for cultural heritage awareness and education.
From Darkness into Light
A webinar on the topic "From Darkness into Light: My Journey to Islam" by Sister Muneera, Teens Counsellor, India.
Climate Change
&
Politics
Our key speakers Dr Anas Altikriti and Sheikh Haytham Tameem reinforced that as Muslims we are not be oblivious to current topics such as changes in politics and environment. They reminded us that our participation in these crucial matters can influence the shaping of a better society, our inevitable responsibility as Muslims.
Children aged 9 and above were invited to present a talk, song, poem, poster or any other kind of presentation about the topic 'A Muslims' responsibility to the environment'. We learnt a thing or two from the amazing presentations the kids delivered on the very relevant topic.
Session 1 : British Muslims Amid a Changing Political Landscape – Dr. Anas Altikriti
Session 2 : Climate Change and Environment: An Islamic Perspective - Sheikh Haytham Tamim
Children’s Presentation on "A Muslim's responsibility to the environment"
Dr Anas is the Chief Executive and Founder of The Cordoba Foundation and President of the Muslim Association of Britain. He holds a PhD in Political Science and has lectured in several UK Universities. A candidate in the European Parliamentary elections in 2004, Dr. Altikriti is a Hostage Negotiator, media commentator (both Arabic and English) and a professional trainer in Media, Politics and Public Relations.
Shaykh Haytham Tamim is the founder and main teacher of the Utrujj Foundation. He has provided a leading vision for Islamic learning in the UK, which has influenced the way Islamic knowledge is disseminated. He recieved the 2015 BISCA award (British Imams & Scholars Contributions & Achievements Awards) for Outstanding Contribution to Education and Teaching and in 2019 he was chosen to be in the Emerald 100 List of inspiring Muslims