Updated 10 December 2012
On Sunday 2nd December 2012, Leaders from across Europe came together in Birmingham for the CoEJ Leaders Summit (called by the Office Bearers following the communiqué of 9th October 2012).
Following that communiqué regrettably the KSIMC of London (Hujjat, Stanmore), withdrew their membership from The Council of European Jamaats.
Therefore during this gathering of leaders, an openly facilitated session, minds were focused on one objective – “How to bring Hujjat back to CoEJ.”
Those present engaged in an afternoon of constructive dialogue; where they sought to present their respective positions in an open, honest and direct way as well as listen, explore and understand.
A key outcome of the discussion was a unanimous agreement that “our population of 15,000 needs to be united under one body”. The discussions then focused on the methodology and approach required to achieve the above.
Indeed the overall consensus in this regard, was that “doing nothing is not an option” and a proactive approach was therefore required. A number of ideas were subsequently explored by the leaders present, and these were then taken back to the Executive Council Meeting that followed for further discussion and debate, after which the following resolution was passed:
'The EC mandates a taskforce consisting of 5 people, whose remit will be to consult and engage with communities. They shall come up with recommendations and present these back to the Executive Council, with a view to ensuring that 100 percent of eligible communities become part of CoEJ.'
These sentiments are echoed by CoEJ President, Dr Husein Jiwa who says "I am very pleased with the support we received for the Leaders Summit and the level of engagement amongst those who attended. I am equally pleased with the outcome and am hopeful that this will pave the way to bring about unity within our community in Europe Insha’Allah.”
We are hopeful that all our community institutions and their respective grass root members will engage with this task force and work together to address concerns, look towards the future and Insha’Allah strengthen CoEJ. Indeed engaging with the grass roots and ensuring that everyone is heard is a critical part of this process. Equally both the regional leadership as well as the respective Jamaat leadership teams need to work towards convergence, in order to maintain our faith, culture and ultimate unity.
This is a challenging time for us as a region; and so it is critical that we come together and support one another during such a difficult period. We are confident that we can count on your support as we serve with the region’s best interests at heart and purely for the pleasure of Allah (SWT).
‘Hold fast to the rope of Allah, all of you, and do not be divided....’
The Holy Qur’an [3:103]