In my short life, I have witnessed too many meetings that were more talk than resulting action. However, having seen and been involved in well-facilitated seminars that are more action and resolutions rather than endless discussions, I was under no doubt that the MTP Mini Conference should follow the same format with short, pertinent presentations and facilitated round table discussions.
The aim of the mini conference was simple: to bring together the worldwide MTP team and to discuss and define each other's roles, challenges, solutions and support from the wider team. By the grace of Allah (SWT), we were able to bring together the key personnel involved in the MTP face to face for the first time. A total of 15 people attended the conference from Canada, USA, UK, Syria, Tanzania and Switzerland.
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| Participants included Vice Presidents of the regional federations |
The proceedings on the evening of 26 August 2007 started with my reflection from the Holy Quran. 2 verses aptly sum up the entire MTP ethos. I began by mentioning verse 121 of Sura Tawbah which encourages the pursuit of knowledge and thereafter the spreading of that knowledge to one's own community. This forms the outer form of the MTP - an opportunity to study the Islamic sciences with the firm intention to spread the teachings in one's own community.
However, Allah also mentions a particularly special type of knowledge that is not quantifiable, nor is it contained in any textbook - it is His knowledge that He chooses to bestow upon the recipient if there is the prerequisite - Taqwa: 'Be aware of Allah; and Allah teaches you’ (2:282)
The inner dimension of the MTP is piety and spiritual awakening. These 2 elements will form the core MTP Ethos.
We were then given the opportunity of hearing the thoughts of three key speakers:
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Al - Hajj Jaffer Dharamsi welcomed the participants and spoke about the importance of the project in shaping the guidance of the community over the next generations. He strongly emphasised the need to redress the negative western impression of the eastern hawza teachings and the need to portray true Islam |
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Al - Hajj Dr Ahmed Hassam traced the start of the MTP to the Strategic Plan and the message of the community to the leadership at that time was that the guidance from our Muballigheen was not meeting community needs. Dr Hassam outlined how the MTP has been tailored to fit these needs and also emphasised the importance of unity and trust throughout the community in the delivery of this project |
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Professor Chris Turner, the Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic) of Winchester University then gave an enlightening talk on the history of the University. The University enjoys its broad range of courses and working with other communities throughout the world. Professor Turner summarised the current trend of Western academia and provided thought provoking questions to the participants on various educational approaches |
The attendees then spent the evening debating and networking well into the night. The debate was lively and engaging, and paved the way for the discussions the next day.
The day of the 27th was very much different. Participants worked from 8.20am to 8.20pm. Each participant gave a short presentation on their roles and responsibilities and also touched upon potential challenges they may face. These challenges were then debated in round-table discussions until solutions were established.
Amongst the topics debated, the key areas were:
- The role and recruitment of the curriculum committee became much clearer
- The role and responsibilities of each of the regional federations was expanded and crystallised
- The MTP organisational structure was re-thought
- A robust and encouraging presentation by Winchester University on validation was well received
- An engaging debate on the curriculum structure of Hawza and Western Academic subjects was both challenging and interesting
By the grace of Allah (SWT), many of the challenges were resolved and the participants walked away with a sense of clarity and a better understanding of the path ahead. A solidified team is emerging and the MTP is on track as envisaged.
Dr Ahmed Hassam commented, “From the output of the discussions it is clear that the team now has a much clearer direction of travel. Each role has been defined and pieced together. I am very pleased that the regions gave excellent attendance via the Vice Presidents and have agreed to firm commitments in both the short and long term. Thank you to all the attendees, especially those from overseas. Well done to the team once again for organising such an important event”.
The Muballigheen Training Coordinator, Jaffer bhai Dharamsi, stated, “This was a very fruitful meeting and I feel that we achieved a lot. I would like to thank all the participants for their time and efforts. However, this is by no means the last of such meetings - this is an ongoing process of achieving excellence and I am heartened that all parties have agreed to perform their unique roles with such enthusiasm and dedication”.
From my own side, I would like to think that this weekend proved to be an eye opener for many of the participants. I feel it offered a realisation of what has been achieved so far and what still needs to be done. All parties will now appreciate how fundamental their roles are and how they fit into a dynamic team.
Sheikh Abbas Ismail
Assistant Secretary General, Islamic Education
The World Federation of KSIMC
7 September 2007