UK-Bahrain Islamic Finance Summit in London

UK-Bahrain Islamic Finance Summit in London

 Dr. Mozammel Haque

The UK-Bahrain Islamic Summit was held at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), London on Tuesday, 8^th of April, 2014. The Summit forges partnership to uncover new trade and investment opportunities in both countries. UK and Bahrain also agreed a joint framework to enhance collaboration on Islamic finance at the Summit held in London and also working together to promote Islamic Finance.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed by Senior Foreign Office Minister Baroness Warsi and His Excellency the Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain Mr. Rasheed Mohammed Al Maraj, set out plans to boost cooperation through an education and skills programme and the establishment of a working group devoted to the development of Islamic finance-driven trade and investment between the two countries, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office press release said.

Islamic finance is currently growing 50% faster than conventional banking and is worth £1.3 trillion globally reaching an expanding market of over 2 billion people. It accounts for over 25% of banking in the Gulf.

Over the last six months, the UK has successfully hosted two major Islamic finance events; the World Islamic Economic Forum and the Global Islamic Finance and Investment Conference.

Baroness Sayeeda Warsi

In her UK keynote speech, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, the senior Foreign Minister, welcomed the Baroness Morris of Bolton, Baroness Symons and ambassadors to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office while hosting the UK-Bahrain Islamic Finance Summit here in London. She said, “I am delighted to host today’s UK-Bahrain Islamic Finance Summit. It is an honour to welcome so many prominent experts from both countries at this first bilateral Islamic Finance sovereign summit of its kind in the UK.”

While referring to the deep-rooted relationship between the two countries going back nearly 200 years, Baroness Warsi mentioned, “This year we celebrate the 200th anniversary of UK-Bahrain relations. As well as the close and longstanding relationship enjoyed by our two countries, Bahrain is considered an established innovator in Islamic Finance. It issued the first international Sovereign Sukuk in 2001, which drove the Gulf Corporation Council Islamic capital market. And with the largest concentration of Islamic finance institutions in the region, Bahrain is one of the pre-eminent Islamic Finance centres in the Gulf.”

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Baroness Warsi raised the question: “Why is this Islamic Finance important?” and immediately said, “Every minister in this government is a trade minister; we are constantly finding ways out to set up business.”

“Islamic Finance is growing at a remarkable pace; 50% faster than traditional banking. It is estimated that the global Islamic finance investment would be worth about 1.8 trillion and it is expected to grow at 10-15% per annum reaching at an expanding market of over 2 billion people. 5% of Bahrain,” she mentioned.

The Senior Foreign Minister also said, “Bahrain is a natural partner for the UK on Islamic Finance and as you will hear today, Bahrain is an established innovator having issued the first international Sukuk in which drove the Gulf Corporation Council Islamic capital market. Bahrain has also the biggest and one of the pre eminent Islamic finance centre in the Gulf.”

Mentioning about Islamic finance in the UK, Baroness Warsi said, “As a leading global financial centre, the UK has a great track record on Islamic Finance. We have more than twenty institutions offering Islamic finance and six wholly Shari’ah- compliant banks. We also have over twelve Universities offering related specialist courses and qualifications. It is not just in words; it is in the vein of that ambition that the Prime Minister announced at the World Islamic Economic Forum.”

South Africa and Luxemburg are already there. “So therefore the race is on. And for that reason, I am proud to say that less then this financial year. It is anticipated that this will be an Ijara structure backed by government property and growing an open competition up already appointed on this project,” said Baroness Warsi.

Baroness Warsi also mentioned, “Since the World Islamic Economic Forum we introduced Shari’ah-compliant Sukuk. Why? Because the Prime Minister fundamentally belief that religion should never be a barrier. I would add in a Shari’ah-compliant model which are very successful; part of long scheme loan more your entrepreneur are able to settle. Why we will introduce Shari’ah-compliant finance? This February we extended our scheme providers of home mortgages which are consisted of Islamic Finance. And just last month the UK regulatory body, the Bank of England and the PRA published a operating in the United Kingdom.”

Baroness Warsi expressed her ambition, “My ambition is to go further and to go a bigger role in developing Islamic finance. My vision is to create Islamic finance global club; why we will establish the global Islamic Finance and investment group which recognise the Bank of England from around the world.”

In addition to the trade relationship between UK and Bahrain, Baroness Warsi was delighted to welcome “a new agreement and a new collaboration which will be held” and “will continue following the success of the global Islamic financing investment group.”

Baroness Warsi also expressed her hope that this meeting will “develop new partnership between the private sector and the academia world”.

“We have much to share about how to grow the industry successfully. To underscore this ambition, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the Summit, which gives the UK and Bahrain a strong framework on which to develop our ongoing collaboration,” mentioned Baroness Warsi.

His Excellency the Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain

Mr. Rasheed Mohammed Al-Maraj

Earlier, the Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain, His Excellency Mr. Rasheed Mohammed Al-Maraj, addressed the delegation and said in his Bahrain keynote speech, “I would like first to express my appreciation to Baroness Symons, Baroness Warsi, for her pro-active initiative for Islamic Finance and taking the lead in organising this Summit. I would also like to thank His Excellency the UK Ambassador to Bahrain and his team for their hard work in co-organising Islamic Finance Summit. Last but not least I also like to thank the members of both the UK-and Bahrain delegation for their support and being here today.”

Speaking about Islamic Finance, Mr. Rasheed Mohammed Al-Miraj mentioned, “The Islamic Finance industry is currently valued at US$1.6 trillion dollars. It is growing at 15% per annum, and is active in almost all of the major financial centres.  More than 500 institutions worldwide practice Islamic finance in banking, insurance and asset management or private equity. It is active in 75 countries. Tailored counting standards have been implemented, and a tailored risk management framework is in place to reflect the risks arising out of the unique product structure which forms heart of the industry.”

Tracing the origin of the modern Islamic Finance, Mr. Al-Maraj said, “The modern Islamic finance industry was born some forty years ago, primarily to fulfil the needs of those customers who wanted to conduct their financial affairs in accordance with the requirements of their faith. However, Islamic finance is available to all, no one is excluded from benefitting from it. The ethical foundation of Islamic finance and its emphasis on fairness for both parties dovetails nicely with contemporary thinking in relation to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and socially responsible investing (SRI). Moreover, the overriding principle of Islamic finance; namely the prohibition of debt trading, trade speculations and the selling of what you don’t own have all proven during the financial crisis that the Islamic finance business model is more resilient than its conventional counterpart.”

Mr. Al-Maraj gave a brief overview of the Islamic Finance industry today. He said, “There is a paradigm shift happening before our eyes. In a number of countries Islamic banking, for the first time, has crossed the 25% threshold. This means that a quarter or more of total banking assets in many countries undertaken within the Islamic banking framework is at or close to the critical mass required to provide the impetus for the next phase of growth - to achieve a majority market share - which could be attained more quickly than the time it took to achieve the first 25%. This is because the initial hiccups of an evolving industry have been overcome, including the implementation of robust necessary regulatory frameworks, and an exponential increase in public awareness about Islamic finance. Future growth will be more a function of supply side issues than demand side ones.”

“On the other side of the spectrum, a number of countries are opening up to Islamic finance for the first time - in Africa, Europe, Asia Pacific and Central Asia. Islamic Development Bank, a multilateral institution, dedicated to promote Islamic finance worldwide, has approved technical assistance grant requests from 8 countries to enable changes in their legal and regulatory frameworks over the next two years. Uganda, Tunisia, Mozambique, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan are included among them. Islamic finance is resurging in major economies such as Turkey and Indonesia where the current market share of Islamic finance assets is less than 5%, but with renewed government commitment the pace of growth is likely to accelerate in the near future. China, India, Russia and other emerging countries have not opened up to Islamic finance formally as yet, but they are watching with keen interest and may enter the market in the foreseeable future,” mentioned the Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain.

Mr. Al-Maraj also said, “The recent inclusion of South Korea as a member of the Islamic Financial Services Board and the change of regulations in Hong Kong to enable Sukuk issuance are very healthy indicators of the progress of Islamic finance,  and they are important indicators which are likely to uniform the decision-making process in these markets. I believe we are in the critical stage of the evolution of the Islamic finance industry based on the paradigm shift in Muslim majority markets and in new markets opening up to Islamic finance.”

Speaking about the advantage of London offering, Mr. Al-Maraj said, “Clearly, the UK Government understands the significant opportunity Islamic finance offers. Its decision to make London the leading western hub for Islamic finance reflects this. London already enjoys the reputation as the global financial centre; the addition of Islamic finance will help it attract issuers and investors from the Middle East, Far East and elsewhere to take advantage of London’s offerings.”

Mr. Al-Maraj then turned to recent events in his homeland Bahrain. He mentioned, “Bahrain was voted top in several of the international development initiatives in Islamic finance; a recognition that it remains proactive and creative in identifying and implementing initiatives”. By way of example, he said, “We recently introduced an innovative approach to the measurement of solvency for Takaful business, we are re-engineering the current market practice of Sharia-compliance, and we are currently working with a first class consultant and AAOIFI to significantly enhance the Certified Islamic Professional Accountant qualification which will make it equivalent to the conventional counterpart accreditations.”

Speaking about the future prospect of Islamic Finance, Mr. Al-Maraj said, “Let me share with you the perspective we have of what needs to be done to secure a sound and prosperous future for the Islamic finance industry globally. The excellent track- records of, and the promising opportunity in, Islamic finance provide a solid and robust foundation for this industry to advance further as a mainstream global industry.”

“I wish therefore to utilize this Summit, and our cooperative efforts thereafter, to implant the seeds of cooperation with the City of London to achieve this objective. More specifically, the City of London can play a role in the globalisation of standards issued by AAOIFI, IFSB and IIFM,” said Mr. Al-Maraj and added, “The industry needs more accomplished leadership at all levels; people who are committed to Islamic finance, understand its principles and differentiated structures and who are also good professional bankers, insurance specialists, asset managers, etc.”

 Speaking about the challenges and opportunities, Mr. Al-Maraj said, “It is perhaps the biggest challenge for all of us but also the biggest opportunity if we can do it right. In addition to our joint efforts in the development of financial services and its regulation, both countries benefitted from our longstanding relationship in training and education. This partnership can be further enhanced to achieve world leading qualifications, linked with a cross-offering of vocational training and academic programme in Islamic finance. Both Bahrain and the UK have some outstanding educational and vocational institutions which are doing a great job in this space, and significant progress can be achieved through increased cooperation in this area.”

The Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain also said, “As the financial sector is a highly regulated industry, a key component for the acceptance of Islamic finance at the regulatory and the government level. The experience of the last forty years suggests a strong correlation between regulatory clarity and the rate of growth of Islamic finance in a market. Recognising the unique aspects of Islamic finance and making necessary adjustment to the legal and regulatory frameworks is the correct approach to adopt. We are ready, able and willing to assist the City of London in its efforts in this domain.”

The FCO press release said, “Today marks an important day in the long history of Bahrain-UK relations as the two countries will be extending significant cooperation to each other to promote Islamic banking and finance. A joint committee has been formed for this purpose and a MoU has been signed. Both the UK and Bahrain have their strengths in Islamic finance education, training and practice, and their cooperation will open new opportunities for the Islamic finance industry.”

Welcome address by

Mr. Edward Oakden

Earlier, Mr. Edward Oakden, Director, Middle East and North Africa, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, gave a very warm welcome particularly to the Guest of Honour Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain Mr. Rasheed Mohammad Al-Maraj, to the Bahraini Ambassador to the City of London, Baroness Symons and to the others distinguished guests who attended the Summit.

This is the first bilateral Islamic Finance Summit and the UK and Bahrain have had for nearly 200 years now a very strong relationship, Mr. Oakden said.

Mr. Oakden said, “Islamic finance is growing at a remarkable pace, 50% faster than traditional banking; growing 10% to /15% a year. Given the base rate is lower nonetheless it already comprises 25% of the banking in the Gulf.”

He also said, Britain is a natural partner for you in that area and even Bahrain is already an established innovatory in the field. “You have the biggest concentration of Islamic financial institutions in the region,” he said. .

As regards, UK, Mr. Oakden mentioned, “In London, here in UK, we are first nation outside the Islamic world to issue a Sovereign Sukuk; we are working hard to develop our own Islamic financial standard; already we have more than 20 institutions; wholly Shari’ah-compliant and banks. Well we have 12 Universities offering specialised courses and qualifications in Islamic finance. We tried to adjust our financial legislation to bring advantages to those who wanted to take Islamic Finance free; so we remove the double taxation from Islamic mortgages; extended tax relief on Islamic mortgages to companies and individuals.”

Programme

Besides the welcome address, the Bahrain keynote speech and the UK keynote speech, there were three sessions; the session 1 was on Investment opportunities in the UK and Bahrain, the role of Islamic finance and new innovation in investing, chaired by Sir Michael Bear, CEO, Regeneration Investment Organisation. The session 2 was on Co-operating to build excellence in Islamic finance education and training, chaired by the Baroness Morris of Bolton, OBE DL. The session 3 was on Getting the regulatory and legal environment right, chaired by Mel Beaman, Head Overseas Banks Department, Bank of England. 

Lifetime Achievement Award given to Professor Dawud Noibi

Prime Minister joins Muslims to recognise the

very best of British Muslims achievement

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Professor Dawud Noibi, the spiritual leader of the Muslim Association of Nigeria (MAN) UK, was given The Editor’s Lifetime Achievement Award at The Muslim News Award for Excellence Annual Ceremony, held at London’s Grosvenor House.

British Prime Minister David Cameron, M.P. joined some 800 people to celebrate the 12^th The Muslim News Awards of Excellence at London’s Grosvenor House on Monday, the 31^st of March 2014. The coveted award ceremony recognises the very best of Muslim contribution to British society.

The Guest of Honour, British Prime Minister, David Cameron, presenting the Enterprise award to Shabir Randeree, Executive Chairman of DCD Group, said, “I’m delighted to have taken part in this year’s Muslim News Awards for Excellence, where we are able to champion and celebrate the huge contribution British Muslims make to our country. I was truly impressed hearing about the extraordinary work of the nominees and winners, and it was great to have been able to meet some of them tonight.”

The special Judges Award went to Ola Lawal, an active volunteer working to improve the lives of young and disabled people, as well as the local community around her.

Amongst the other 15 winners were, in sport, Mo Farah, Olympic gold medallist, who is also involved in various philanthropic initiatives; in the media, Roohi Hasan, a senior producer at ITV News; Children’s award went to 10-year-old, Ahmed Saleh, who has won numerous kickboxing and freestyle karate titles at national, European and global levels.

Cameron said, “I see for myself on a daily basis the massive contribution of British Muslims. From my own colleagues, such as Sayeeda Warsi, Sajid Javid and Tariq Ahmad on the Government benches to the Muslim businesses and enterprises that are bringing growth back to Britain. And of course I frequently see the outstanding achievements of Muslim sportsmen and women, public servants, entertainers and community leaders. The list goes on and on.”

 “Tonight we celebrate an entire community – one that is vibrant, hard working and proud. My message to British Muslims is that this Government is here for you. We are backing hard working families who want to get on and do the right thing; we are reforming the education system, giving parents more say and delivering the schools and skills that our young people need to succeed; we are reforming the welfare system so it rewards those who want to work; we are cutting taxes, so that people get to keep more of their hard earned money, and we are creating jobs, so people can provide for their families and feel secure. This is all part of our long term plan to build a stronger economy and I know that British Muslims will play a vital part in helping to achieve future prosperity and security for our country,” said British prime minister.

Special guests included Attorney General, Dominic Grieve, Shadow Justice Secretary, Sadiq Khan, Minister of State at Ministry of Justice, Simon Hughes.

They were joined by civic and religious leaders, as well as representatives from the worlds of politics, business, sport and the arts, to honour unsung heroes and heroines of the community.

Now in its 12^th year, the ceremony has distinguished itself for pioneering an initiative that finds the very best in British Muslims. The Editor of The Muslim News, Ahmed J. Versi, said, “We began this event twelve years ago because we wanted to acknowledge the noble accomplishments and displays of distinction within the British Muslim community and showcase the tremendous contributions British Muslims make to Britain. We wanted also to identify and highlight Muslim role models for the younger generation.”

Lifetime Achievement Award to

Professor Dawud Noibi

Professor Dawud Noibi, the spiritual leader of the Muslim Association of Nigeria (MAN) UK, was given The Editor’s Lifetime Achievement Award at The Muslim News Award for Excellence Annual Ceremony, held at London’s Grosvenor House.

Prime Minister, David Cameron, MP

Earlier, the Guest of Honour, Prime Minister, David Cameron, MP, paid warm tribute to British Muslims’ achievements, especially in helping their communities and the society at large. The event is recognised as the best for highlighting the Muslim contribution to the British society, Versi said.

Cameron, the guest of honour, while presenting the main award, “the Enterprise Award” to Shabir Randeree, a leading businessman from the Muslim community, said that he was delighted to take part in this year’s awards, where “we were able to champion and celebrate the huge contribution British Muslims make to this country.”

He said he was truly impressed of hearing about the extraordinary work of nominees and winners and expressed delight to have been able to meet them.

Prime Minister paid tribute to a number of British Ministers who are from Muslim origin, including Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, a senior minister at the Foreign Office.

Equally, he recognised the important contribution of British Muslim businessmen, sportsmen and women, public servants and other community leaders.

David Cameron has also said he will keep Halal meat “safe in Britain” and would never impose restrictions on religious slaughter as long as he is Prime Minister.

He also said he was concern by “intolerance” towards Muslims in some, and pledged to “stamp out once and for all the intolerance that blights people’s lives,” the Huffington Post reported.

He told the audience at the Muslim News event: “Really tackling Islamophobia means making absolutely sure that no Muslim is held back from living their life or reaching their goals, simply because of the faith they follow.

“Soon the food will arrive and you will be able to eat. Let me make it absolutely clear, that while I am Prime Minister of this country, halal is safe in Britain.”

Editor of The Muslim News, Ahmed Versi

Now in its 12^th year, the ceremony has distinguished itself for pioneering an initiative that finds the very best in British Muslims. Earlier, while welcoming the distinguished guests, ministers, religious leaders and community leaders, The Editor of The Muslim News , Ahmed J. Versi, said, “We began this event twelve years ago because we wanted to acknowledge the noble accomplishments and displays of distinction within the British Muslim community and showcase the tremendous contributions British Muslims make to Britain. We wanted also to identify and highlight Muslim role models for the younger generation.”

Addressing the guests, the nominees and winners of the Awards, the host of the event, Mr. Versi said in his welcoming address, “These awards are all about you. You are the reason we are here tonight. Your creativity, dynamism and enthusiasm to make a difference, is what we are here to celebrate tonight. As in previous years, we have been humbled by the quality and the quantity of entries for each award category. Indeed, this year has set a new record for the number of nominations received.”

“Given the disproportionate focus on bad news reporting when it comes to Islam and British Muslims, it is all the more important that we should honour good practice, and celebrate the exemplary work of the illustrious men, women and children present among us tonight. There are countless individuals and organisations striving to make a difference to the way Muslims are perceived and portrayed in our society. This award ceremony is one way to ensure that their contributions are not marginalised or overlooked,” he mentioned.

Once more, The Muslim News Awards for Excellence has brought together over 800 people of all ages, backgrounds and disciplines, from around the country as far as Scotland, to demonstrate to all – and to young Muslims in particular – that vitality, dynamism, diligence, creativity, inspiration, progress and reward are all alive and kicking in the British Muslim community. It is represented here in abundance.

Versi lamented, “Yet, in the face of our many visible successes, there are those who refuse to relent and insist that Muslims are ‘disloyal’ to our country and in ‘need of integration’. A decade ago Muslims were, in the main, observed and viewed through the lens of fundamentalism. A decade on they’ve come to be observed and seen through the prism of violent extremism and terrorism. The preoccupation with the actions of a tiny violent minority and a small though vocal provocative fringe, has come to eclipse the everyday achievements of the British Muslim majority.”

“The media bears a degree of responsibility for this state of affairs and it is worth remarking on the recommendations of the Leveson Inquiry established by the Prime Minister,” he said and added, “It is our hope that the sealing of the Royal Charter will usher in an era of a fairer portrayal of British Muslims in our media; devoid of distortion and bias.”

As for The Conservative Party, Versi mentioned, “William Hague when Leader of the Party, made significant efforts to turn the Party around and began to demonstrate a greater understanding of Britain’s diverse communities. It was under William Hague’s leadership of the Party that we saw Britain’s first Muslim member of the European Parliament, Bashir Khanbhai. Now we have two British Muslims in the European Parliament, both from Conservative Party, Sajjad Karim and Syed Kamall.”

Speaking about the changes brought under the leadership of David Cameron, Versi mentioned, “There are now two Conservative peers of the Muslim faith and one of them, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, was the first Muslim cabinet Minister. During the last elections, for the first time, two Muslim standing for the Conservative Party were elected in the House of Commons, Sajid Javid and Rehman Chisti. There are also six Muslim MPs from the Labour Party. The visibility of British Muslims in our political and public institutions is transforming, in small but significant ways, the negative stereotyping we have all witnessed in recent years.”

Versi also mentioned about their contribution and their faithful service. “Their contributions, their presence and their faithful service is a matter of deep pride in our community. Let us recognise that too here tonight.”

Versi also mentioned about a few interventions we have seen under the leadership of our Prime Minister. He said, “The Prime Minister welcomed the World Islamic Economic Forum to the UK last October. For first time the Forum has been held outside a Muslim majority country. At the Forum, the Prime Minister announced the issuing of the UK’s first ever Sukuk, to the value of 200 million pounds.”

“The Prime Minister also outlined plans for the development of Shari’ah compliant student loans, to ensure that British Muslim students are able to take full advantage of the UK’s world-class Higher Education Institutions. The Prime Minister further announced funds for seed capital for Muslim entrepreneurs, recognising the potential for growth in Islamic finance and industry. An industry that is set to grow to £1.3 trillion this year,” Versi mentioned.

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Speaking about the Help to Buy Mortgage scheme, Versi said, “The Government’s, Help to Buy mortgage scheme, has now been extended to include a Shari’a compliant alternative to mortgages, the Home Purchase Plans. The development of Islamic finance has been covered by The Muslim News since the paper’s inception 25 years ago.”

Winners and Presenters of Award for Excellence

This Awards ceremony is about recognising those individuals who aspire to attain their very best as members of the British Muslim society. It is those British Muslims and non-Muslims that have proven themselves worthy of recognition for their contribution to Britain that we are here to honour this evening.

Ummul Mu'minin Khadijah Award for Excellence in Enterprise was awarded to Shabir Randeree. This Award was presented by Prime Minister David Cameron, M.P. Ibn Battuta Award for Excellence in Media was awarded to Roohi Hasan. This Award was presented by Attorney General Dominic Grieve, QC., M.P. Annemarie Schimmel Award for Championing a Muslim Cause was given to Charlotte Fischer.  This Award was presented by Mahmood Al-Najar, Chairman, The Prestige Group, main sponsor for the evening.

Alhambra Award for Excellence in Arts was awarded to Hatiq Mohammed. This Award was presented to him by Mahmood Al-Najar, Chairman, The Prestige Group. Malcolm X Young Person’s Award for Excellence was given to Ahsan Raza Choudhury. This Award was presented by Dr. Nizar Merali, Trustee, Al-Salaam Centre.

Alija Izetbegovic Award for Good Citizenship was given to Dr. Kaneez Shaid. This Award was presented by Simon Hughes, M.P., Minister of State at the Ministry of Justice. Uthman Dan Fodio Award for Excellence in Community Development was awarded to QED. The Award was presented by Zaid Al-Rawni, Head of Communications, Islamic Relief.

Al Biruni Award for Excellence in Community Relations was awarded to Zulfi Karim. This Award was presented by Judge Khurshid Drabu, Professor of Law at Middlesex University and Judge at Upper Tribunal. Sankore University Award for Excellence in Education was given to Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School. This Award was presented by Sadiq Khan, MP., Shadow Justice Secretary and Shadow Lord Chancellor. He is also Shadow Minister for London.

Ibn Sina Award for Health was awarded to Dr. Rawan Abdulla Khwalleh. This Award was presented by Gareth Thomas, MP, Shadow Minister for Europe. Fazlur Rahman Khan for Excellence in Engineering, Science or Technology was awarded to Dr Farid Khan.  This Award was presented by Abdirashid Duale, CEO, Dhabshiil.

Faezeh Hashemi Award for Excellence in Sport was given to Mo Farah. Imams Hasan and Husayn Children's Award for Excellence was awarded to Ahmad Saleh. This Award was presented by Dr. Manazir Ahsan, Chairman, Muslim Aid.

Imam wa Amal Special Award was given to Ola Lawal, Afro-Caribbean. This Award was presented to her by Professor Dr Haifa Takruri-Rizk, chair of the Independent Panel of Judges.

The Editor’s Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Professor Dawud Olatokunbo Shittu Noibi. This award was presented to him by Ahmed J. Versi, Editor The Muslim News.

The Muslim News continues to be the largest circulating, not only Muslim newspaper but ethnic paper too, reaching over 150,000 people in the UK and the website receives up to 1.5 million hits a month.

David Cameron at the Muslim News event

Violent Sectarianism is anti-Islamic, says Baroness Warsi

Violent sectarianism isn't just un-Islamic,

it is anti-Islamic, says.Baroness Warsi

 @British Embassy Muscat

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Hostile and violent sectarianism is not just un-Islamic; it is anti-Islamic, said Baroness Warsi, British Foreign Office Minister, at her speech at Muscat on religious tolerance and highlighted the example that Oman provides for other countries.

While speaking at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat, on 18 February, 2014, she mentioned about rising tide of anti-Muslim sentiment in Europe. Baronesss Warsi said, “I said that we would tackle head on, the tough issues like the rising tide of anti-Muslim sentiment in Europe. In the UK I felt the bigotry of Islamophobia had increased, so much so that sentiment against Muslims had become acceptable even in the most civilised of settings.”

“I felt that it was time for government to respond. I'm delighted that this government has done so, including through working with partners such as the OIC. I said that we would reach out to new faith communities as well as revive and restore some of our oldest relationships,” she said.

Religious persecutions against Christians

Denouncing the religious persecution of Christians, Baroness Warsi said, “I said that we would not shirk from our responsibility as a staunch defender of religious freedom. And it was right that last year, when I spoke at Georgetown University in Washington, I warned about religious persecution, especially against Christian minorities in parts of the Middle East. That is a tragic global crisis and it demands an international response.”

Hostile and violent sectarianism is anti-Islamic

Baroness Warsi argued that hostile and violent sectarianism is not just un-Islamic; it is anti-Islamic. Today I want to speak from a very personal perspective, in relation to my personal faith, Islam, and argue that hostile and violent sectarianism is not just un-Islamic: it is anti-Islamic.

“It has no roots in the practice of our faith – indeed; I believe it is condemned in the founding tenets. It is tragically the cause of tension, turmoil and terrorism. It should have no place in our world today, and is something we all have a duty to condemn and tackle,” she said.

Baroness Warsi also maintained, “But whilst people have always defined themselves by a whole series of characteristics - I describe myself as British, as working class, as Muslim, as a mum - today, sadly, one's sect is becoming the dominant identifier. With the faithful not only increasingly identifying themselves by sect, but also defining themselves in comparison and in superiority to others.”

“The hatred that can exist between sects – between people who follow the same God and share the same holy book – disturbs and saddens me,” said Baroness Warsi..

Sectarian differences used justifying religious extremism

Referring about sectarianism or sectarian differences in Britain, Baroness Warsi mentioned, “And even in Britain we are not immune from this. With division being preached by some, and belittling another’s faith or denomination being used as a way of reaffirming one’s own faith. Often the strongest condemnation seems to be reserved for your brother or sister in faith.”

Baroness Warsi said, “The fact that their version of their faith does not replicate yours is no longer seen as an inevitable, healthy difference of opinion, but is seen as an insurmountable difference - to the point where sectarian difference is used as a way of justifying acts of religious extremism. Around the world such violence is reaching an all-time high. In Iraq, according to the UN, at the height of the sectarian conflict, more than 50,000 Iraqis were killed as a result of terrorist violence. More than 8,000 Iraqis died in such violence last year alone.”

Sectarian violence in the world

Baroness Warsi mentioned how this sectarian violence spreads world wide. She said, “In Pakistan, in the past two years, more than 1000 people have died in sectarian violence. Sectarian violence continues to blight in Lebanon. It takes place in Somalia, between al Shabaab and its opponents, and in Yemen, with the targeting of Shia Houthi Muslims.”

“Now I accept that not all of these deaths were necessarily motivated by sectarianism alone. Some attacks were simply an attempt by terrorists to destabilise a community or a country,” she said.

Terrorists use sectarianism as a basis of their action

Baroness Warsi said, “But the fact that terrorists use sectarianism as a basis for their actions shows how deep and dangerous this problem has become.  It reflects an attitude that underpins a worldview that states you are only acceptable if you follow my version of my faith.”

Takfiri worldview

This Takfiri worldview, said Baroness Warsi, rejects the longstanding Islamic tradition of ikhtilaf – of difference – where the faithful appear far more concerned with others' faithfulness than with their own.

Baroness Warsi argued, “I have always been taught that faith is at its strongest when people find their own way to the Almighty. And as Oman's Religious Tolerance website so wisely states: "everyone must answer for himself before God".”

She also maintained, “But there's a deeply disturbing political element to sectarianism when negative political forces exploit these differences. And this approach takes on an even more sinister tone when sect is equated with nationality or loyalty to a particular country. Where Shia Muslims in Sunni majority countries are seen as loyal to another country, and vice versa. I've spoken about this previously, in relation to the tensions between different faiths, such as when Christians are persecuted in Muslim-majority countries because they are seen as agents of the west, and where Muslims in the west are held responsible for the actions of their co-religionists in the east.”

Violent Sectarianism is not peculiar to Islam only

Baroness Warsi also said, “Of course violent sectarianism isn’t peculiar to Islam.” She mentioned, “The United Kingdom knows all too well what happens when religious differences and divisions are used as a proxy for political problems. Over decades the divisions in the historic struggle in Northern Ireland were aligned with religious difference – that of Protestants and Catholics. Many lives were lost. The Troubles, and the scars remain.”

Historic clashes within Christianity

Baroness Warsi also maintained, “Indeed, the course of our history - in the UK but more so elsewhere in Europe - has been shaped by the bitter and historic clashes within Christianity. One only has to recall during the Crusades the cry of Christians against fellow Christians "kill them all, God will know his own."”

After elaborating sectarianism and sectarian violence worldwide and within the Muslim and Christian communities, Baroness Warsi said it is an incredibly complex problem and there are no easy solution.

Belief in God and Muhammad (peace be

upon him) as His Prophet

Baroness Warsi said, “Let me go back to basics. The universal Islamic definition of what constitutes a believer in Islam is extremely simple: la ilaha illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah: a belief in God and Muhammad as his Prophet (peace be upon him). There are no other stipulations or conditions at all for belief. Even at the time of the Prophet, there were differences of opinion between his Companions over his religious instructions that were interpreted in different ways, even over sacred duties such as prayers. The Prophet viewed those differences of opinions as healthy, as an inevitable diversity, and even as a blessing of, the faith.”

Rejectionist sectarianism goes against the very

foundation of the Muslim faith

“Therefore any notion of rejectionist sectarianism goes against the very foundation of the Muslim faith. Political and religious leaders must repeat this message, loudly and clearly, far and wide,” said Baroness Warsi. We need to point to history to show violent sectarianism is not inevitable.

Different sects within Islam worked together

Citing examples from Islamic history where violent sectarianism is not inevitable, Baroness Warsi said, “We must look to times when different sects within Islam worked together and worshipped together. They must look to the fact that Imam Jafar, a key figure in Shia Islam, was actually a teacher of Imam Malik and Imam Abu Hanifa, founders of two of the most widely followed Sunni Schools of Thought throughout the world today.”

Baroness Warsi urged, “All of us, believers and leaders alike, must reclaim the true meaning of Islam, and focus on the things that unite us, rather than those that divide us.  And in reclaiming the true meaning of Islam we must also reclaim the language of Islam, much of which has been distorted and usurped for political ends.”

Defining the concept of Ummah

Baroness Warsi then defined the concept of Ummah. She said, “Ummah is, by its very nature, a definition of community, one that includes difference, not excludes it. The Prophet's 'Ummah' in Medina was multi-faith and multi-ethnic. It was an Ummah of Conscience.”

She also reminded the people, “Let's not forget: the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is constantly referred to as "Rahmat lil Alameen" – mercy for the worlds. There could not be a more clear statement than that of the inclusive concept of Ummah in Islam.  So, we must reclaim the faith, and the language of the faith. But we must go beyond that.”

“We must highlight great living examples that show how violent sectarianism is not inevitable,” said Baroness Warsi.

Oman: an oasis of tolerance in a desert of division

Giving an example of the Ummah, Baroness Warsi said, “It (Oman) is an oasis of tolerance in a desert of division – proving that, right in the geographical centre of a troubled region, different sects can and do live side by side. This is testament to His Majesty the Sultan’s wise leadership and the character of the Omani people.”

“The warm encounters between Ibadhi and Shia Muslims at the Al Lawati Wall; the praying side-by-side of Sunni and Ibadhi Muslims in mosques like this one,” said Baroness Warsi.

Bloodshed due to theological differences is shameful

Baroness Warsi argued, “The humility and openness seamlessly extended to other faiths; the welcome given to the new Christian church in Ruwi by the Omani authorities. These are principles on which Oman thrives and I couldn't put it better than the Omani Ministry for Religious Affairs, when it states: “Bloodshed due to theological differences is shameful. Prayers in the mosques throughout the country are conducted with Sunnis and Shiites at the sides of the Ibadhis. The communal prayer to God knows no theological disputes. Everyone must answer for himself before God.”

A wedding between a Shia bride and Sunni groom

Baroness Warsi witnessed a greater symbolism of this co-existence when His Eminence, the Grand Mufti of Oman, an Ibadhi, conducting a wedding between a Shia bride and Sunni groom. She had this privilege of experiencing social harmony which she would like to recur over and over again. “To share, to provide, to demonstrate the benefits of such co-existence. To highlight the benefits of pluralism, and warn of the stifling impact of sectarianism.”

Baroness Warsi makes a case against violent sectarianism

Baroness Warsi said, “In previous speeches I have made the case that Islam - by it's very nature - is moderate. Today, I hope I have made the case that violent sectarianism isn't just un-Islamic, it is anti-Islamic. It is at odds with Islam's principles and perspective and it jeopardises the future of the faith.”

Baroness Warsi at the Sultan Qaboos

Grand Mosque, Muscat

Baroness Warsi delivered the above speech in Muscat on religious tolerance and highlighted the example that Oman provides for other countries.

Baroness Warsi is the first ever Minister of Faith in the British government. In 2010, she became the first Muslim to serve as British Cabinet Minister alongside her responsibility for South Asia, Central Asia, and the United Nations. She said, “….my remit covers faith at home and religious freedom abroad. In both cases, I have made religious freedom my personal priority: promoting and protecting people’s right to hold a faith, to manifest their faith, or indeed to change their faith. This is something which I believe is not only integral to personal identity but also leads to fairer, more secure and more progressive communities.”

Speaking about her personal life, Baroness Warsi mentioned, “My own faith - Islam - has been shaped by my upbringing, coloured by the country I was born in, shaped by my experiences as a lawyer, a campaigner and a politician and my personal experience as a daughter, a wife and a mother.  In my country, for a politician to talk honestly and openly about faith, especially one's own faith, is not particularly fashionable.”

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): Mercy to the Worlds

The Prophet (peace be upon him) Mercy to the Worlds

Dr. Mozammel Haque

This is the month of Rabi al-Awwal, when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the last and the final Prophet of Almighty Allah, was born in Makkah. The Holy Qur’an, the Final Revealed Book, was revealed to him through Angel Gabriel. I was reading a book: The Messenger: The Meanings of the Life of Muhammad, (peace be upon him by Tariq Ramadan and I am presenting some of his thoughts and ideas through this column. “He (The Prophet) received and transmitted the last revealed book, the Qur’an, which repeatedly insists on the eminent and singular position of the Messenger of God, all at once a prophet, a bearer of news, a model, and a guide. He was but a man, yet he acted to transform the world in the light of Revelation and inspirations he received from God, but also fully accepted his own humanity in what makes Muhammad an example and a guide for the Muslim faithful.” (page ix)

Intimate relationship of trust and love

While pointing out the intimate relationship of love and trust, Professor Ramadan wrote: The essence of the Islamic message is wholly expressed in this intimate relationship of trust and love with the Most High, establishing a direct link between the individual and his or her Creator, Who has chosen to demonstrate exemplary behaviour through a messenger, a human being, whom He has set as a model. Three verses were later to synthesize the exact substance of this teaching: “When My servants as you concerning Me; I am indeed close [to them]: I respond to the prayer of every supplicant when he or she calls on Me.” (Al-Qur’an; 2:186)

“Say [O Messenger]: If you love God, follow me:

God will love you and forgive you your sins (Al-Qur’an)

The Prophet (peace be upon him), at the heart of this intimate relationship, opens the way. The Messenger taught his Companions to love God, and the Qur’an taught them in return: “Say [O Messenger]: If you love God, follow me: God will love you and forgive you your sins.” (Al-Qur’an; 3:31)

The Prophet is the epitome of the human being aspiring to the divine beyond the finitude of life: Al-Qur’an says: “You have indeed in the Messenger of God an excellent example for the person who hopes in [aspires to get close to] God and the final Day and who remembers God intensely.” (Al-Qur’an; 33:21)

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him):

Mercy to the Worlds

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is called “Rahmatul lil aalimeen” The famous commentator of the Qur’an, Allama Mahmud Alloosi used a metaphor to explain the meaning and said, “He is the root and the world is the branch.” This metaphor emphasizes the eminent position of the Messenger of God. Dr. Musharraf Hussain in his article, “The Benefactor of Mankind” mentioned about this metaphor and said, “The root not only provides an anchor and stability to the plant but the nourishment needed by the trunk, the branches, leaves, buds, flowers and the fruits. All these need the root. Without the root they would wither and die.”

The Prophet (peace be upon him) is ‘the mercy to the worlds’ in this sense that through him everything derives sustenance and divine mercy. Rahmat means to do a favour to someone, to give benefits to others, to have pity and show kindness. In this context the implication is that Muhammad (peace be upon him) has enormously benefited not only the Arabs and Muslims but also the entire world, therefore he is the Benefactor of Mankind. Allah is “the Lord of all worlds” and He has made his beloved Messenger (peace be upon him) the “Mercy to all Worlds,” mentioned Dr. Hussain.

His Personality, Character and Behaviour

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born in a social situation of the pre-Islamic period where prostitution and indecency were rampant and in full operation. Drinking was another vice to which the whole of Arabia was hopelessly wedded. Gambling was another curse which had a firm hold on the Arab society. One writer summed up the situation in Arabia like this: “The Arabs of the pre-Islamic period were groping about in the dark and ignorance, entangled in a mesh of superstitions paralyzing their mind and driving them to lead an animal-like life. The woman was a marketable commodity and regarded as a piece of inanimate property. Inter-tribal relationships were fragile. Avarice for wealth and involvement in futile wars were the main objectives that governed their chiefs’ self-centred policies.” The Qur'an sums up succinctly this utter deterioration that embraced every phase of life in a single sentence: "You were on the brink of a pit of fire…" [The Qur'an, 3:103.]

Though Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born in such a demoralised society, he was not touched by all these vices. Rather in the course of a few years, the Noble Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) emancipated them from all these shackles of hereditary bondage and elevated them to the pinnacle of morality, learning and culture! The Holy Prophet (pbuh) raised this fallen humanity to the highest level of moral rectitude.

Writing about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) Dr. Ziauddin Sardar wrote in his book: Muhammad: “He was a man of integrity, with an innate modesty and warm personality. Despite being the centre of attention, the inescapable person of renown, he was devoid of all forms of pomposity or snobbery. Khadija’s servant, Maysara, who accompanied Muhammad (PBUH) on the trading mission to Syria, gave a glowing report not just of his conduct of business but also of how well he had treated him, a human detail that stands behind the more elaborate signs and portents that Maysara is said to have reported. And the same characteristic is found in the words of Anas bin Malik, Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) servant much later in his life: “He served me more than I served him. He was never angry with me. He never treated me badly”. And Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself said: “The dearest one in a society is the one who always serves others.’ If someone sent a servant to summon Muhammad (peace be upon him) he would follow behind rather than assume a dominant position insistent on leading the way; most often, he would walk hand in hand with the servant. This characteristic of humility and respect for others can be seen in Muhammad (peace be upon him) as a husband and father, friend, social reformer and community builder.” (Ziauddin Sardar, Muhammad, Hodder Education, page 126)

Top in List of 100 Most Noble and Influential

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as he grew up, he became known for his truthfulness, generosity and sincerity, so that he was sought after for his ability to arbitrate in disputes. The historians describe him as calm and meditative.

He was not only Prophet of God, but aside from that, he was one of the best leader in the “Top in List of 100 Most Noble and influential and successful person of history”. In recent times, a book has been published in America titled "The 100," or the Top One hundred, or the Greatest Hundred in History. A certain Michael H. Hart, described as a historian, mathematician and astronomer has written this novel book. He has searched history, seeking for men who had the greatest influence on mankind. In this book he gives us The hundred most influential men, including Ashoka, Aristotle, Buddha, Confucius, Hitler, Plato, and Zoroaster. He does not give us a mere chart of the topmost  "One Hundred" from the point of view of their influence on people, but he evaluates the degree of their influence and rates them in order of their excellence from No. 1, through to No. 100. The most amazing thing about his selection is that he has put our  Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as No. 1, the first of his "100!" Thus confirming, unknowingly, God's Own testimony in His Final Revelation to the World:

Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) has been favoured by God to all mankind as a blessing from Him.

“Indeed, Allah conferred a great favour on the believers when He sent among them a Messenger (Muhammad) from among themselves” (Aale ‘Imraan 3:164)

Whenever Muslims mention the name of Muhammad, they add peace be upon him. The ritual is based on a verse from the Qur’an, which states: “God and His Angels bless the Prophet – so, you who believe, bless him too and give him greetings of peace.” (Al-Qur’an 33:56).

Professor Tariq Ramadan in his book, mentioned earlier, spoke of three important lessons through three incidents; i) Not to compromise principles for wealth and power; ii) Begin every act invoking the name of Allah the Almighty and iii) Remember God’s Infinite Power and never pronounce final judgement on anybody.

Not to compromise principles for wealth and power

In the early years in Makkah when the situation was getting increasingly difficult for Muslims, when insults, rejection, and ill-treatment became the rule, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) began looking for a solution to alleviate the trials and suffering endured by the first Muslims. He was thought of approaching Walid, the chief of the Makhzum clan. Professor Ramadan wrote the story thus: “While he was setting forth his arguments and trying to win Walid’s support, the Prophet was interrupted by a blind man, poor and old, who had already converted to Islam and was asking him to recite some surahs from the Qur’an for him. Muhammad first turned aside calmly, but he soon became irritated by the insistence of this old man, who was preventing him from presenting his case to Walid. The chief, full of contempt, eventually refused even to hear the matter. A surah was to be revealed as a result of this incident, requiring Muslims to draw a lesson from it for eternity:

Commenting on this Professor Ramadan wrote: “No one must ever let power or social, economic, or political interests turn him or her away from other human beings, from the attention they deserve and the respect they are entitled to. Nothing must ever lead a person to compromise this principle of faith in favour of a political strategy aimed at saving or protecting a community from some peril. The freely offered, sincere heart of a poor, powerless individual is worth a thousand times more in the sight of God than the assiduously courted, self-interested heart of a rich one.” (page 48-49).

“History, with its many examples of how the thirst for power and wealth has led individuals to compromise their principles, has since taught us how true this intuition was. In this respect, another of the Prophet’s warnings echoes in our minds, addressing his spiritual community for the centuries to come: “For every [spiritual] community there is an object of discord, tension, and disorder [fitnah], and for my community, this object is money.”, quoted by Professor Ramadan (page 49).

Begin every act invoking the Name

of Allah the Almighty

While writing the biography of the Prophet (peace be upon him), Professor Ramadan mentioned another incident. The Quraysh were at a loss about how to prevent the Prophet’s message from spreading further. They decided to send a delegation to Yathrib to ask Jewish dignitaries. The Rabbis suggested the people of Makkah should ask him three key questions.  Back in Makkah, they went to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and asked him the three questions. The Prophet replied almost instantly: “I shall answer your questions tomorrow!” (page 57)

But the next day, the Angel Gabriel did not appear. There was no Revelation. Nor did the Angel come the day after. Professor Ramadan said, “Two weeks later, he received a Revelation and an explanation: “Never say of anything, “I shall do that tomorrow,” except: “If God so wills,” and remember your Lord [Rabb, “Educator”] when you forget, and say: “I hope that my Lord will guide me ever closer than this to the right course.” (Al-Qur’an; 18:23-24)

“This Revelation once again involved and a teaching: it reminded  the Prophet that his status, his knowledge, and his fate depended on his Rabb, on the One and Sovereign God, and that he must never forget it. This is how one should understand the meaning of the phrase Insha Allah, “if God so wills”: it expresses the awareness of limits, the feeling of humility of one who acts while knowing that beyond what he or she can do or say, God alone has the power to make things happen. This is by no means a fatalistic message: it implies not that one should not act but, on the contrary, that one should never stop acting while always being aware in one’s mind and heart of the real limits of human power. For the second time, the Prophet was called to account by the Transcendent. Whatever adversity one faces, one’s strength and freedom on earth consist in remaining constantly aware of one’s dependence on the Creator.” (page 57)

“Only later was the Prophet to receive the answers to the three questions he had been asked. The delay was paradoxically to strengthen the believers’ conviction and to baffle the Prophet’s interlocutors: his initial inability to answer and then the belated communication of Revelation proved that Muhammad (peace be upon him) was not the author of the Book that was being constituted and that he did actually depend on his Rabb’s will,” wrote Professor Ramadan (Page 58).

Remember God’s Infinite Power and never

pronounce final judgement on anybody

While narrating the story of Umar’s conversion, Professor Ramadan wrote: Umar had gone out of his home determined to kill the Prophet, blinded by his absolute negation of the One God; there he was, a few hours later, changed, transformed, as the result of a conversion induced by a text and the meaning of God. He was to become one of the most faithful Companions of the man he had wished dead.”

Commenting on Umar’s conversion, Professor Ramadan wrote: “This heart’s revolution was a sign, and it carried a twofold teaching: that nothing is impossible for God, and that one should not pronounce final judgements on anything or anybody. This was a reminder of the need of humility in all circumstances: for a human being, remembering God’s infinite power should mean healthy self-doubt as to oneself and suspending one’s judgement as to others. Thus, the more he moved forward with God, every day becoming more of a model for his Companions and for eternity, the more the Prophet was attaining humility and modesty as expressed in being, knowledge, and judgement.” (Page 65).

Key to Paradise

Last year, in 2013, during the month of Rabi al-Awwal, I read a book , Biography of the Prophet (peace be upon him) written by Shaikh Abdullah Ibn Al-Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahab, translated by Sameh Strauch and published by Darussalam, in 2006.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said to Mu’az, “Oh, Mu’az! You are going to People of the Scripture and they will ask you regarding the keys to Paradise; tell them that the keys to Paradise are the words: “La Ilaha Illallah” (None has the right to be worshipped except Allah). These words pass through everything until they reach Allah, and there is no barrier between Him and it. Whoever comes on the day of Resurrection with these words, sincerely, they will outweigh his sins.” (Vol. II, page 859)

Equality before law

During the Conquest of Makkah, a woman from Banu Makhzoom stole something and the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was informed of it and he ordered that her hand be cut off, as reported in the authentic Hadith. Her people hastened to Usamah Ibn Zaid Ibn Harithah to ask him to intercede for her with the Prophet (peace be upon him). When Usamah interceded for her with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), the colour of the face of Allah’s Messenger changed and he said, ‘Do you intercede with me in a matter involving one of the legal punishments prescribed by Allah?”

In the afternoon, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) got up and delivered a sermon to the people. He praised Allah as He deserves to be praised and then said; “Amma Badu (To proceed): The nations prior to you were destroyed because if a noble person amongst them stole, they used to excuse him, and if a poor person amongst them stole, they .would inflict the legal punishment on him. By Him in Whose Hand is Muhammad’s soul, if Fatimah, the daughter of Muhammad stole, I would cut off her hand.” (Vol. II, page 689).

Muhammad (peace be upon him) as a Prophet

This year, 2014, during Rabi al-Awaal, I was reading two books, one entitled Muhammad: Prophet for our Time by Karen Armstrong, published by Harper Books, London, 2006 and another Muhammad: Man and Prophet by Adil Salahi, published by The Islamic Foundation, Leicester, 2010. Long before the birth of Muhammad (peace be upon him), it was known to the people of the Revealed Books about his arrival. Learned theologians of both Christianity and Judaism were aware of the fact. The Jews in Madinah used to tell the polytheist Arabs there that a Prophet would soon be appearing in Arabia.

“That Christians and Jewish theologians should know in advance of the coming of the Prophet is not surprising, because both the Gospel and the Torah include references to Muhammad as the last of God’s messengers and Prophets,” mentioned Adil Salahi in his book Muhammad: Man and Prophet, page 60. Mr. Salahi also mentioned about a Jewish scholar, named Ibn Al-Hayyaban, who came to Madinah from Syria before the advent of Islam. He was a very devout person. Mr. Salahi explained that he came to Madinah only because it was time for a new Prophet to appear and that Madinah would be the place to which he would emigrate. “I hoped,” he said, “that he would appear before I died so that I could follow him. His appearance is very imminent, so let no one follow him ahead of you.”” (pages 621-62)

Prophet’s (peace be upon him) non-violent policy

When international community praised and acknowledged Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) for his personality, good moral character and non-violent policy, there is an animosity among some people who used all kinds of abuses against him as the people of Jahiliya used to do in the seventh century. Karen Armstrong wrote: “We have a long history of Islamophobia in Western Culture that dates back to the time of the Crusades. In the twelfth century, Christian monks in Europe insisted that Islam was a violent religion of the sword, and that Muhammad was a charlatan who imposed his religion on a reluctant world by force of arms; they called him a lecher and a sexual pervert. This distorted version of the Prophet’s life became one of the received ideas of the West, and Western people have always found it difficult to see Muhammad in a more objective light.” (pages 17-18).

Karen Armstrong also mentioned, “Western critics also persist in viewing the Prophet of Islam as a man of war, and fail to see that from the very first he was opposed to the jahili arrogance and egotism that not only fuelled the aggression of his time but is much in evidence in some leaders, Western and Muslims alike, today. The Prophet, whose aim was peace and practical compassion, is becoming a symbol of division and strife – a development that is not only tragic but also dangerous to the stability on which the future of our species depends.” (pages 22-213)