CLARWorld Islamic discourse and research activities PuBLISHED BY THE TAIBAH FOUNDATTION Y SUMMER 2011
A GREAT LOSS Profile of a Tabah Senior Scholar PAGE 10
Tabah Intellectual Tent / People at Tabah / News At Tabah / Latest Research Papers In the name of God, the Compassionate the Merciful
raise be to God Lord of the and righteous people and how great they worlds May blessings and are as companions. peace be upon our master Mohammad the trustwor- This second issue of ‘Clarity’ also has an thy prophet and his pure article on ‘the Tabah Intellectual Tent’ righteous household and his illumined and the cultural and intellectual events companions. which have taken place there since its P foundation. The issue also has a profile on This issue of ‘Clarity’ is honoured to one of the members of the Tabah team, include a section dedicated to the life covering important areas of his life, and of the Godly Scholar Sheikh Nuh Ali the nature of his relation and work with Salman al-Qudat – may God have mercy the foundation. on him – (who was member of the foun- dation’s Senior Scholars Council, and The issue also includes some news on a the Mufti of the Hashemite Kingdom number of important guests and their of Jordan) and his lifelong contributions visits to the foundation, as well as some to the community of the Prophet . The of the activities in which the foundation Sheikh’s departure has left a vacuum has been engaged both inside and outside which cannot be easily filled, we ask God the UAE. The last section covers the Majestic – Majestic is He in His Exalt- latest publications from the foundation’s edness – to cover him in His mercy and research department. forgiveness and to allow him entry into the abodes of the people of Divine Love, Ali Zain al-Abideen al-Jifri among the Prophets, true saints, martyrs, General Director Tabah Foundation
Tabah Newsletter Issue 2 Summer 2011 Published by the Office of Communications & External Relations Copyright 2010 Tabah Foundation, Abu Dhabi, UAE
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any manner without the express written consent of the Tabah Foundation, except in the case of brief quotations with full and accurate citations in critical articles or reviews.
Tabah Foundation Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971-2-558-9541 Fax +971-2-558-9540 www.tabahfoundation.org
2 CLARITY SUMMER 2011 CONTENTS Issue #2, Summer 2011
Tabah Intellectual Tent 4 Shaykh Hamza Yusuf Hanson “Islam in the West: challenges and opportunities” “Traditional teaching: the ability of the past to enlighten the present”
Shaykh Abdullah bin Bayyah “Muslims and the economic crisis”
Alonzo L. McDonald “Character and integrity” Shaykh Mohamed El Mokhtar Ould M’balah “Scholars’ dialogue with al-Qaeda in Mauritania” Dr. Umar Faruq Abd-Allah “Humanist philosophy in Islam and the West” “Islam and the question of modernity”
People at Tabah 8 Interview with Ameinoellah Abderoef, Research Coordinator
Obituary of Dr Nuh al-Qudat 10 Tabah mourns Shaykh Dr. Nuh Al Qudat
News at Tabah 11 • Tabah Foundation mourns Shaykh Dr. Nuh Al Qudat. • Executive Director and co-founder of IMAN visits Tabah. • Representatives from Japan’s Reimei Islamic Society visit Tabah. • Habib Umar, Dean of Dar Al-Mustafa, Tarim addresses Tabah staff. • Tabah’s General Director’s tour of France. • Deen Tight screened in Copenhagen and Kuala Lumpur. • Tabah’s General Director addresses the European Academy of Brussels. • Islamic reference website is launched. • Zayed House collaboration completed. • A new role for Shaykh Jihad Brown. • CNN interviews Tabah’s Senior Academic Advisor. • New computer system keeps Tabah connected. • Tabah collaborates on an iconic book about Makkah. Conferences and Seminars 13 • Muslims and Christians: 15 Centuries of Love & Affection • Islamic moderation and sobriety : the Hadhramout school model • Tabah’s General Director’s trip to Canada • Tabah delegates attend Mardin Conference, Turkey • Tabah’s General Director takes part in the Hashemite Scientific Councils in Jordan Latest Research Papers 16 • Beyond Flak Attack: A New Engagement with the Newsroom [Nazim Baksh] • Islamic Discourse: Between the Conclusive and the Variable [Sh. Abdullah Bin Bayyah] • Language Matters: A Dialogue on Language and Logic [Dr. Taha Abderrahman] • Islam-West Dialogue: A Critical Analysis of the Davos Report [Irfana Hashemi] SUMMER 2011 CLARITY 3 H.H Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Al Habib Ali Al Jifri Sheikh Hamzah Yousef in one of Tabah tent Lectures
Part of the Audience in one of the lectures Part of the Audience in one of the lectures Tabah Intellectual Tent Where thinkers meet and ideas exchange
The Tabah Intellectual Tent provides a unique setting in which a series of lectures, seminars, workshops and other events are facilitated. Located at Tabah’s Headquarters in Abu Dhabi, the venue hosts a selection of distinguished scholars and influential personalities in order that they may engage in intellectual discussion and debate surrounding philosophical topics and cur- rent events occurring at local, regional and international levels. Among other issues, notions of the role of Islam in society and the impact of modernisation are explored, whilst ties amongst scholars, researchers and decision makers from different countries are strengthened.
4 CLARITY SUMMER 2011 LECTURES
Shaykh Hamza Yusuf Hanson Ranked among the 50 most influen- by Morocco) and the importance of actively involved in several organi- tial Muslims in the world in 2009, peace for the continuation of suc- sations dedicated to the study and Shaykh Hamza Yusuf has spent over cessful and prosperous transactions analysis of contemporary challenges thirty years studying and teach- between the two parties. confronting Muslims, and the formu- ing classical Islamic disciplines. The talk was attended by H.H. lation of solutions to resolve them. Shaykh Hamza is a co-founder and Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Na- Chairman of the Board of Trustees hyan, H.H. Sheikh Muhammad Bin of Zaytuna College, America’s first Nahyan Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh accredited Muslim institution of Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, higher learning in Berkeley, Califor- H.H. Sheikh Muhammad Bin Khalifa nia, which is dedicated to the revival Bin Hamdan and H.H. Sheikh Diab of traditional study methods and the Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, as well sciences of Islam. He has travelled as Dr. Farooq Hamada, Advisor to around the world delivering talks on the Crown Prince and other public Islam. figures. “Traditional Teaching: The Abil- ity of the Past to Enlighten the Present”
Shaykh Hamza Yusuf began his ad- dress with an overview of the origins of Arabs and their tribal genealogy, the workings of Arab society and cul- ture before and after Islam, and the many skills they acquired through dealing with their environment. “Arabic is an endless sea [and the] Quran is the source of all sciences,” H.E. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Bayyah said Shaykh Hamza, describing the richness of the Arabic language and its importance to society, and the way “Muslims and the Economic in which Arabs, as connoisseurs of Crisis” Sheikh Hamzah Yousef language and rhetoric, received the Quran as a unique lit erary monu- Shaykh Abdullah Bin Bayyah opened “Islam in the West: ment. his lecture with a reflection on Islam Challenges and Opportunities” and the holistic compassion Muslims The lecture was attended by H.H. could bring to the world, before ex- Shaykh Hamza examined evidence Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minis- amining the causes of the economic supporting the prevalence of Islam ter of Higher Education and Scientific crisis, primarily the absence of ethics in the West hundreds of years ago, Research, and H.E. Dr. Hamdan Al- within the modern economy. Shaykh demonstrating the ways in which Mazrouei, Chairman of the General Bin Bayyah proposed ways in which Islamic principles had influenced Authority of Islamic Affairs and Muslims were able to contribute English philosopher John Locke’s Endowments, among others. towards the resolution of the crisis, theories of religious tolerance. He including the role Islamic banking showed how Islam had had an effect could play in improving systems of on the establishment of the funda- banking. mentals of the American constitution, Sheikh Abdallah bin Bayyah which is rooted in the preservation of The lecture was attended by H.H. human rights and tolerance. He also One of the greatest living authorities Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak, considered the strong relationship on Islamic Jurisprudence and legal Minister of Higher Education and that existed between Muslim coun- theory as well as Arabic language, Scientific Research, among other tries and the then newly established Shaykh bin Bayyah was ranked prominent personalities, scholars, States of America (which was first amongst the world’s 50 most influen- businessmen and members of the recognised as an independent nation tial Muslims in 2009. The Shaykh is media.
SUMMER 2011 CLARITY 5 Al Habib Ali Al Jifri , H.E. Dr. Hamdan Al Mazroui
Alonzo L. McDonald by our own individual decisions and “Dialogue with al-Qaeda in Mau- Founder and Chairman of The Trin- thinking.” ritania” ity Forum, a former Assistant to the President of the United States and He explained the importance of White House Staff Director of the integrity as “one of the cornerstones Carter Administration, Alonzo L. of our character” and the basis of our McDonald is a renowned personal- partnerships and human relation- ity who has enjoyed a distinguished ships. Ambassador McDonald raised career in business, government and questions concerning the role that academia. “our one and true God gave to us so that we would have a [meaningful] life”, and provided several examples from his long experience in the fields of government, academia and busi- ness. In conclusion, the Ambassador emphasised the importance of self- Sheikh Mohamed El Mokhtar Ould M’balah knowledge: “We have to continue to examine ourselves and say: What Shaykh Ould M’balah detailed his are we? What identifies us? What experience in heading the team distinguishes us from everyone else responsible for the negotiations in terms of character?” between traditional Islamic scholars The lecture was attended by H.H. and those imprisoned for terrorism- Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minis- related offences at correctional The Honorable Alonzo L. McDonald ter of Higher Education and Scientific institutions in Mauritania. Shaykh Research, as well as other leading Ould M’balah shed light on the mis- “Character and Integrity” figures. interpretations of Islam that led these groups to extremism and violence, Alonzo McDonald explored the ways Sheikh Mohamed El Mokhtar and the ways in which the teachings in which a combination of character of Islam have been manipulated to traits can direct one’s path to leader- Ould M’balah justify the killings of innocent people. ship: “[Character dimension] is the most important single factor from Shaykh Ould M’balah is a well- The lecture was attended by H.H. a professional standpoint that can known Islamic scholar and advisor Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, H.E influence those who rise to the top,” to the president of Mauritania. He Hmida Ould Ahmed Taleb and the he said. Ambassador McDonald facilitated talks between the Mau- Ambassador of Mauritania in the added that while we may inherit a ritanian government and the Salafi UAE among other scholars and dip- lot of things, “character comes about extremists. lomats.
6 CLARITY SUMMER 2011 Shaykh Jihad shares a word with the Honorable Alonzo McDonald after his presentation
Dr. Umar Faruq Abd-Allah One of the foremost Muslim schol- “Islam and the Question of Mo- “Humanist Philosophy in Islam ars in the West and Chairman and dernity” and the West” Scholar-in-Residence of the Nawawi Foundation, Dr. Umar Faruq Abd- In his second lecture, Dr. Umar Faruq Using a mind map, Dr. Umar Faruq Allah previously taught Islamic focused on the advent of modernity took his audience back in time to the studies and comparative religions as a post-agrarian system which, Renaissance, tracing the impact of while bringing human beings to- Islam and Islamic philosophers like gether as never before in history, also Ibn Rushd (Averroes) on Western generated radical social, political and civilization, with reference to the religious change that now “requires emergence of Scholasticism and Hu- [fleshing] out in all terms of human manism. Dr. Umar Faruq illustrated culture” and should be embraced “…the common spirit that hovered “in all of its aspects to give meaning over two worlds: Islam and Human- to our [lives]”. He explained that “a ism, in the history of the East and secular modernity, meaning one that West,” explaining the tremendous Tracing the impact of Islam and Islamic philosophers like Ibn Rushd on western civilization
does not have adequate space for common roots and history shared by religiosity, spirituality, human values, Islam and Christianity, along with family values … is a system which the notion of influence and conflict is not going to last.” Dr. Umar Faruq characteristic of that era. explained Toynbee’s view, that “great civilizations should provide the most The lecture was attended by al-Sayed meaningful religious worldview Ali al-Hashemi, Advisor to the UAE Dr. Umar Faruq Abd-Allah for humanity,” and that Islam had a President on Judicial and Religious great deal of potential to do so de- Affairs, H.E. Ibrahim Al Saad Al Bra- at King Abdul-Aziz University in pending on the capacity of Muslims. him, Saudi Ambassador to the UAE, Saudi Arabia. He now teaches in and Among the attendees were Gilles H.E. Al Haj Al Faki Hashem, Am- around Chicago while conducting re- Arnout Beschoor Plug, Ambassador bassador of Sudan to the UAE, H.E. search in the field of Islamic studies. of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Abdullah Hussain Mohammad Al He recently authored a book entitled in Abu Dhabi and Professor Amir Dafei and the Ambassador of Yemen A Muslim in Victorian America: The Al-Islam, lecturer at Zayed Univer- to the UAE, among others. Story of Alexander Russell Webb, sity, Dr. Jeffrey Belnap, Director Abu and is completing a second work, Dhabi Campus, Zayed University Roots of Islam in America. along with other dignitaries.
SUMMER 2011 CLARITY 7 The Tabah Team
Amienoellah Abderoef, Research Coordinator
Q: Please tell us a little about yourself.
A: I am from South Africa but my ancestors hail from the Moluc- cas Islands in Indonesia. In 1780, the Dutch banished Tuan Guru, an Islamic scholar and religious leader, from the Islands to the Cape of Good Hope. It is from him whom my family descends. Tuan Guru was instrumental in establishing the strong legacy of knowledge and piety that provided the bedrock of Islamic life in Cape Town and which is present even until today.
My professional career has ranged from working in the teaching, research and translation domains. In addition, I have often been assigned to do reviewing and editing of English-Arabic translations.
Q: What are your research interests? stirs up in them the same meanings and not the world. If this is where the world emotions that Madina stirs up. The very is tending towards then this is the place A: In general my research interests name of Tabah Foundation indicates our to be, especially for those Muslim think- revolve around traditional, modern, and commitment to the Prophetic message ers and workers who wish to see how contemporary Islamic, Western and Arab and model, as inspired by the Divine tradition is experiencing the full brunt thought, linguistics in general and Arabic discourse, and the rich and vast interpre- of a modern global encounter of gigantic linguistics in particular, education, peda- tive tradition that formed and developed proportions, and how to best express and gogics and didactics. Specifically I am around these two sources. It is Tabah represent tradition in such a context. The interested in: Foundation’s dedication and loyalty to UAE, therefore, makes for groundbreak- • Geo-historical aspects of the Islamic this Qur’anic and Prophetic discourse ing and pioneering work on the Islamic discourse, including it’s contemporary and the fourteen centuries long scholarly tradition and contemporary global world condition and its manifestation on the tradition that supports it that has been a front. local, regional and global levels. primary motivation for my raison d’être • The solid and liquid forms of here at Tabah. Lastly, as Muslims are making their way modernity in comparison with the through trying and tumultuous times – Islamic tradition. Tabah Foundation is based in the UAE, times of great upheaval and accelerated which in turn is part of the Middle East change - Tabah Foundation provides an Q: Why Tabah Foundation? and which in turn has a long and check- excellent platform for emerging Muslim ered history with the near and far West, researchers and scholars to develop, un- A: Tabah Foundation, as its name indi- or Europe and North America . A great der the care and guidance of competent cates, is an organisation that is directly deal of what accounts for the current senior researchers, a wide array of skills connected to the vision and mission of global situation is as a direct result of the that will serve them and the communi- the Prophet Muhammad (peace and dynamic that exists between East and ties and organisations in which they will blessings be upon him), who inhabited West (Northern Hemisphere Politics) be operating in. and resided in Tabah, which is also one historically and currently. of the names of Madina, the City of Q: What do you think Tabah Founda- Light. Tabah’s synonymity with Ma- The UAE represents the epicentre of tion’s publications contribute to the dina thus represents for the Muslim globalization, cosmopolitanism and Academic community as a whole, and everything that Madina represents, and multiculturalism in the Middle East if how are they different?
8 CLARITY SUMMER 2011 THE TABAH TEAM > continued from previous page
Sheikk Amienoellah in Tabah research Library
A: Firstly, as a Muslim organisation Tabah puts out high quality and timely research based on in-depth analyses, and critical assessments of current issues, events and scenarios. These analyses and assessments, if they are Tabah Foundation, as themselves not accompanied by a grounded and authentic Islamic response, often invite the Islamic scholarly com- its name indicates, is munity to come up with such a response by providing a thorough grounding and understanding of the particular an organisation that contemporary issue under scrutiny. So one can say that Tabah research publications attempt to be firmly grounded is directly connected in and fully conversant with both the contemporary analy- sis and assessment on the one hand and the traditional to the vision and Islamic response and perspective on other. Most contem- porary research of an Islamic nature falls short in one or mission of the Prophet both of these components; that is to say, a strong analysis and assessment coupled with a weak Islamic response, or a Muhammad (peace and strong Islamic response coupled with a weak analysis and assessment or both are weak. Also, you might find both blessings be upon him), elements to be strong but the Islamic response is not nec- essarily one that is grounded in tradition and traditional methodology couched in modern terms.
SUMMER 2011 CLARITY 9 Obituary of Dr. Nuh Al-Qudat Member of the Tabah Senior Scholars Council
It is with a great sadness that Tabah Foundation mourned the passing of Dr. Nuh Al-Qudat, Grand Mufti of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and a member of the Tabah Senior Scholars Council. Dr. Nuh passed away on the morning of December 19, 2010, in Amman, Jordan. He was a distinguished jurist of the Shafi’I school of law and an internationally recognized mufti, known for his keen insight, caution, piety, balanced understanding and deep knowledge.
haykh Dr. Nuh Al-Qudat was born Al-Azhar University. He studied mosque and the nearby University of in the Ain Djennah, Ajlun Dis- the theory of Islamic jurispru- Yarmuk and Jarash. trict, Jordan in 1939 to a family of dence (usul al-fiqh) with Shaykh academicsS and scholars. His late father, Dr. Abdul-Ghani Abdul-Khaliq In 1996, Dr. Nuh was appointed Ali Salman (may God have mercy on and comparative jurisprudence Ambassador of Jordan to Iran, and his soul), was also a scholar of the shafi’I with Shaykh Hassan Al-Shadhili. served this position until 2001. In school of law and authorised him with He also attended the lessons on 2004, he moved to the United Arab licences to transmit the knowledge he spirituality (tasawuff) of the Shaykh Emirates, where he worked as head had gained (Ijaza) and introduced him to of Al-Azhar, Abdul-Halim Mah- of the UAE’s Fatwa Authority as an some of the most prominent scholars in moud (may God have mercy on his advisor at the Ministry of Justice, the Levant region (Shaam). soul). He graudated in 1980 and Endowments and Islamic Affairs, then pursued a PhD at the Imam and as advisor to the Minister of Dr. Nuh completed his primary Muhammad bin Sa’ud Islamic Uni- Higher Education. In 2007 he was education in Jordan before travel- versity in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He appointed as Grand Mufti of The ling to Damascus in 1954. He spent graduated in 1986. Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. seven years seeking sacred knowl- edge at the Islamic Studies Institute Thereafter, Dr. Nuh served a tenure Dr. Nuh was an exemplary scholar founded by his father’s teacher, as the Mufti of the Armed Forces and an erudite master of Islamic Shaykh Ali Al-Daqr (may God have of Jordan, entering as lieutenant jurisprudence. He was known by his mercy on his soul), and then at- and finishing as a Major-General contemporaries as a “mufti’s mufti”, tended Damascus University, where in 1992. He was then appointed as alluding to his scrupulous approach he later attained his degree through the Chief Islamic Justice of Jordan in issuing religious edicts. He the Shari’a Department. (Qadi al-Qudat) in the same year. contributed many valuable written In 1977, he travelled to Cairo to He resigned from this position a works which include books, disserta- pursue his Masters degree in Com- year later and devoted his time to tions and lectures. parative Fiqh at the distinguished teaching sacred knowledge at his 10 CLARITY SUMMER 2011 News at Tabah
Michael J. Murray visits Tabah He also held a workshop with police involved in Islamic non-profit work in Foundation officials and members of the counter Japan. They met with Noureddin Harthi extremism task force in Cardiff on the organizational development Director, subject of religious extremism and the lo- wassim Khashoggi, External Relations cal community. He mentioned that social Director and Ebtihal Al Jifri General and economic deprivation contribute to Director Assistant and were given an Dr. Michael J. Murray from the John a culture of extremism as twell as the overview of the workings of Tabah’s Templeton Foundation paid a visit to lack of a balanced and moderate Islamic different departments and ongoing Tabah Foundation in Abu Dhabi where discourse in many Muslim communities projects. he was received by Habib Ali Al-Jifri and of the West. met with the Tabah team. Dr. Murray Habib Umar bin Hafiz, Dean was given an overview of the Founda- IMAN’s CEO and founder visits of Dar Al-Mustafa, Tarim tion, its vision and key goals and some Tabah Addresses the Tabah Team of the ongoing projects at the Research department. He expressed his interest in exploring collaborative opportunities between the two foundations.
Dr. Michael J. Murray is vice president of philosophy and theology at the Founda- tion and responsible for creating research initiatives that engage the Foundation’s “Big Questions” in a broad range of Al Habib Omar Bin Hafeez with some Tabah fields. members Rami Nashashibi giving a lecture in Washington D.C. The John Templeton Foundation was es- tablished in 1987 in Philadelphia, USA, Habib ‘Umar bin Hafiz, Dean of the and serves as a philanthropic catalyst for Rami Nashashibi, Executive Direc- Dar Al-Mustafa institute in Tarim, Ye- discoveries relating to the “Big Ques- tor of the Inner-City Muslim Action men, delivered a lecture for the Tabah tions” of human purpose and ultimate Network (IMAN) from Chicago, visited team at the Tabah Intellectual Tent. He reality. The Foundation supports research Tabah Foundation’s headquarters in Abu spoke about the ethical dimensions of on subjects ranging from complex- Dhabi. He was introduced to the work volunteering and how to maintain an ity, evolution, and infinity to creativity, of the foundation and discussed the role active role in the dissemination of the forgiveness, love, and free will through of Muslim organisations involved in faith. He also discussed volunteerism an endowment which reached $6 billion educational and cultural literacy, as well in Islamic work and the importance of in 2011. It encourages informed dialogue as the importance of building profes- commitment, hard work, perseverance among scientists, philosophers, and sional institutions that faithfully uphold and sacrifice in the pursuit of such noble theologians. core Islamic values. Rami talked about activities. the work of IMAN and pointed out the Shaykh Walead Mosaad talks need for cooperation between Muslim General Director’s Tour of about violence organisations to better leverage scarce France resources and talents. Tabah Foundation’s As part of a visit to France with Shaykh Shaykh Walead Representatives from Japan’s Dr. M. Saeed Ramadan al-Bouti, Tabah’s Mosaad addressed a Reimei Islamic Society visit General Director Al Habib Ali Aljifri diverse audience of Tabah conducted lectures and held meetings public officials, local and talks at the recently established as- law enforcement offi- Prof. Hasan Nakata ko, Director of sociation “Lumière d’Islam en Occident” cials and members of Japan’s Muslim Association and Head of (Light of Islam in the West) for serving Muslim as well as other faith communi- Translators at the Reimei Islamic Society, new Muslims in FRANCE. ties on the topic of domestic violence and together with Dr. Mohammad Jabasini, Al Habib Ali led the Al Jumua’a Prayer abuse in Cardiff, Wales. He specifically co-founder of the Reimei Islamic Society at the Grand Mosque of Evry where he spoke about the dangers of manipulating for the Promotion of Islamic Sciences delivered a lecture on the importance of religious texts to justify domestic violence and Culture called in at our Tabah of- following The Prophet’s values (peace be and abuse and clearly indicated that fices in Abu Dhabi. Dr. Mohammad upon him). domestic violence and abuse are unequiv- has published many research papers in Continued on page 12 ocally prohibited and not sanctioned by Human Genetics, in addition to several Islam. essays and Islamic studies and is actively SUMMER 2011 CLARITY 11 NEWS AT TABAH
General Director’s Tour of France Zayed House Collaboration Continued from page 11 Completed
Al Habib Ali also called in at the “Aba’a wa Banoon” (Fathers and Sons) centre, established fifteen years ago by Arab Muslims in France in order to preserve their ties with Arabic Islamic culture. There, he delivered a talk stressing the role the new generation should play in fostering an Islamic French identity Habib Ali gives a lecture at the Eurpean Academy through positive interactions with others. in Brussels A three year collaboration between Tabah Foundation and Zayed House Deen Tight screened in for Islamic Culture has now been suc- Copenhagen and Kuala relations director, Wassim Khashoggi and cessfully concluded. In the past three Lumpur Shaykh Walead Mosaad, project manager years Tabah Foundation has produced for culture and education, both expressed the first phase of a new Muslim cur- Deen Tight, a film made by Tabah Foun- Tabah’s support towards the Academy’s riculum that adheres to the highest dation brings to the screen the untold efforts in disseminating traditional pedagogical standards. Additionally, story of American Muslims struggling Islamic knowledge to the European com- Tabah has contributed significantly to to find a balance between their culture munity. Attendees, including prominent the strategic development of Zayed and their religion. The story focuses on names from amongst Belgian society, House by assisting it in formalizing a the perceived conflict between traditional listened to a pre-recorded message sent comprehensive development plan for religious ideals and modernity. by Tabah’s General Director Habib Ali the next five years to establish Zayed Al-Jifri in which he conveyed his good House as a world leading cultural wishes and stressed the importance of center. Despite the conclusion of the Islamic schools adopting authentic meth- formal agreement, Tabah Foundation ods in preserving an Islamic identity. will continue providing support and of- fering its assistance to Zayed House as Prominent Website is the need arises. Launched A New Role for Shaykh Jihad Brown
After a number of years spent in critical devel- Director Mustafa Davis interviews Mutah Beale, a opmental service in the former member of Tupac Shakur’s rap group the position of Director Outlawz during the filming of “Dean Tight.” of Research, Shaykh Jihad Hashim Brown After a screening of the documentary has taken on the role of Senior Aca- in Copenhagen, Denmark, Muslim demic Advisor at Tabah Foundation. Homepage of the Naseem Al Sham Website American screenwriter Mustafa Davis In this capacity, Shaykh Jihad Brown was welcomed by US Embassy Cultural will concentrate more on research and Affairs Officer Nicholas Papp in Kuala Tabah Foundation’s web communications writing in areas such as law, theology Lumpur. A great number of engaging executive, Nehad Sherif, recently helped and contemporary issues and in the Muslim youth attended the screen- re-launch the Naseem Al Sham website. continuation of his higher studies at ing organised by Angkatan Belia Islam The site serves as an authentic reference Cambridge University in UK. Malaysia (ABIM), Young Muslim for students and Muslims in general who Projects and Arabic Academy Malaysia are seeking trusted sources of knowledge at the Annexe Gallery in Kuala Lumpur’s and research. It aims at highlighting and CNN interviews Tabah’s Senior Central Market. disseminating the vision of the erudite Academic Advisor scholar, Shaykh Dr. M. Saeed Ramadan Tabah’s General Director al-Bouti, through a copious library of Shaykh Jihad Hashim Brown was addresses the European sermons, lessons, lectures, research mate- interviewed by CNN at the Sheikh Academy of Brussels rial, studies and religious edicts (fatawa) Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. answered by the Shaykh and members The conversation focused on current Attending the 15th anniversary cel- of what is known as the “Fatwa Com- concerns and issues facing Muslim ebrations of the European Academy of mittee”, which is comprised of major youth today and the role of Islam in the Sciences and Islamic Culture in Brussels, scholars in Syria and other prominent promotion of peace and how Ramadan Tabah’s communications and external scholars. can be a chance to reflect on that. 12 CLARITY SUMMER 2011 NEWS AT TABAH CONTINUED Conferences and Seminars 15 Centuries of Love & Affection
New computer system keeps A symposium co-organised by Zayed University, the General Authority of Islamic Tabah connected Academic Affairs and Endowments and Tabah Foundation on Muslim and Coptic-Christian Advisor Relations in Egypt was held at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi. The event was initi- ated by H.E. Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al-Nahyan and the speakers included Pastor Ishaq El Anba Bishoy of the Saint Anthony Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Abu Dhabi and Habib Ali al-Jifri, General Director of Tabah Foundation.
Tabah IT Manager Talibudeen Peeples
Tabah Foundation successfully implemented Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), an integrated com- puter-based system used to manage from right: H.E. the US ambassador to the UAE, Habib Ali AL Jifri, H.H. Sh. Nhayan bin mubarak Al internal and external resources. This Nhayan, and paster Ishaq El Anba Bishoy will facilitate the flow of information between all units within the Foun- Proceedings began with an introduction by H.E. Sheikh Nahyan who emphasized dation and consolidate all business the importance of such an occasion in the aftermath of tragic events that occurred in operations into a uniform, enterprise- Alexandria in December 2010. He said the event would honour and recall the long wide environment. history of love and affection governing Muslim-Coptic Christian relations in Egypt and how these principles of co-existence and tolerance were embodied by the late Sheikh Zayed (may God have mercy on his soul) and the UAE under H. H. Sheikh Tabah to Collaborate Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. on an Iconic Book About Makkah Pastor Ishaq opened his address saying that the Holy Books were not sent for the misfortune of people, but to enlighten humanity and help mankind attain felicity Tabah Foundation has in this life and the hereafter. He added that there was much in common between signed a strategic editorial Muslims and Coptic-Christians who had lived together as an example of tolerance partnership with Kraken in the Middle East. Opus Media, a major international publishing company The final word was delivered by Habib Ali al-Jifri, who praised Pastor Ishaq’s headquartered in London. sincerity and called for a more balanced understanding of the role of religion within Tabah Foundation and Kraken Opus societies. Theological differences between religions were not meant to be points of Media will work together on Jour- divergence and conflict, he said. Instead, religion can foster ties of mutual respect ney to Makkah Opus, a definitive and love. photographic and written account illustrating the annual pilgrimage where three million Muslims travel to the holy city of Makkah from all over the world.
Part of Tabah Foundation’s role as described by Ebtihal Al Jifri General Director Assistant and Opus project manager, will be the contribution of its expertise in providing essential first-hand accounts by historical and contemporary pilgrims, alongside chapters by world-renowned Islamic scholars and academics explain- ing the most important rituals and Tabah General Director Habib Ali Al Jifri addresses the audience at Zayed University next to Pastor aspects of Hajj. Ishaq El Anba Bishoy Continued on page 12
SUMMER 2011 CLARITY 13 Conferences and Seminars Continued
15 Centuries of Love ... tor Al Habib Ali Aljifri, Noureddine Affairs Manager, Al Habib Ali Al Jifri, ContinueD from page 13 Harthi, Organizational Division Direc- General Director of Tabah, delivered tor, Walead Mosaad, Project Manager the penultimate lecture of the 9th annual for Culture and Education, Abu Baker ‘Reviving the Islamic Spirit’ convention Bani Hashem, Public Relations Officer in Toronto in 2010. Considering the and Ahmed Al Saqqaf, Project Manager Ten Commandments from an Islamic participated in a conference held in Ye- scholarly perspective, he offered a practi- men entitled “Islamic moderation and cal account of the ways in which they sobriety: Hadhramout school model”. applied to modern life. Organized by Tabah Foundation, Islamic From right : H.E the US ambassador to the UAE, Education Centres and Dar Al Mustafa Habib Ali AL Jifri, and Al Sayyed Ali Al Hashmi for Islamic Studies in Tarim, Hadramout
Habib Ali explained the strong link between Muslims and Christians and that the infliction of harm to one another was prohibited because of it, adding that whoever inflicts harm on them shall never smell the fragrance of Paradise. He emphasised his belief that institu- tions such as Al-Azhar needed to reclaim their historical role as the ‘conscience of religion’ in Egypt, and that history had testified to the balance which perme- ated society when they were so. Habib Al Habib Abu Bakr Al Mashhour welcomes Sh. Al Habib Ali gives his lecture at RIS convention in Ali praised the efforts of the Shaykh of Bouti Canada Al-Azhar, Dr. Ahmad Tayyab, the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Dr. Ali Gomaa, and the between 21st and 23rd December, the Minister of Religious Affairs & Endow- conference was in line with the activities Al Habib Ali then addressed the hun- ments for their strong condemnation of of the city which was designated as the dreds of young convention volunteers the Alexandria incident. Capital of the Islamic Culture for 2010. together with Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, Dr. Umar Faruq Abd-Allah and Imam Zaid In conclusion, he affirmed that both The event hosted, in addition to promi- Shakir, expressing their appreciation and Christians and Muslims should assume nent scholars from all over the world hope for those who had offered their responsibility in standing against extrem- Shaykh Abdul Hakim Murad, a profes- time and efforts towards the success of ism arising from both sides, expressing sor of the University of Cambridge, Dr. the event. the need to implement the “A Common Fuad Nahdi, Advisor of Islamic Affairs Word” initiative in the Middle East to in the United Kingdom, as well as Dr. As part of the convention’s Knowledge serve interfaith dialogue. Mohammad Aqil Ali Mahdi, a professor Retreat programme, Al Habib Ali of religion and philosophy at the Faculty delivered his first lesson on “A Portrait Islamic Moderation and of Theology at the University of Human- of the Prophet, upon him be peace” Sobriety: The Hadramawt ism Qadah Darul-imaan in Malaysia. (al-Sham’ail), from the book “al-Shama’il School Model al-Muhammadiya” by Imam al-Tirmidhi. Discussion ranged from the histori- In the closing session, Al Habib Ali at- cal roles of religious schools in Tarim tributed his chain of transmission back to and the role of the Hadrami people in Imam al-Tirmidhi and offered a license proliferating Islam, to the historical (ijaza) to the participants to teach and relationship between Hadramout and the convey that which they had studied with rest of world, moderation and attitudes him. towards challenges such as terrorism, violence, fanaticism, extremism, aggres- Al Habib Ali met with Shaykh Hamza Sheikh Dr. Al Bouti gives the first lecture at the conference sion and poverty. Yusuf and Dr. Umar Faruq Abd-Allah to discuss a number of other pertinent Tabah’s General Director’s issues. He was also introduced to Chris Headed by the Guest of Honour Shaykh trip to Canada Hedges, author of Empires of Illusion, Al Bouti, Tabah’s Senior Scholars who shared with him some of the trau- Council member and Ex-Head of the Accompanied by Wassim Khashoggi, mas he witnessed as a war reporter and Religions Department at the University Communications and External Relations how this had led him towards his current of Damascus representatives from Tabah Director, Abaas Chaudhry, Associate work. Foundation including General Direc- Project Manager, Alawi Aljifri, Private 14 CLARITY SUMMER 2011 Tabah Delegates Attend the Mardin Conference Mardin, Turkey
H.E. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Bayyah & Sheikh Jihad Brown from Tabah
Led by Habib Ali Al-Jifri and Shaykh Jihad Brown, including Alawi al-Jifri, a delega- tion from Tabah Foundation participated in the Mardin Conference in March 2010. The event saw a prominent group of academics, scholars and theologians from across the Muslim world convene in the historical city of Mardin to specifically discuss the implications of the “Mardin” fatwa (legal edict) penned by Ibn Taymiyya, a classical scholar of the 13th century. and the rules for writing and understanding legal edicts. The conference closed with the signing of a New Mardin Declaration, which, amongst other things, urged the faithful to live up to Islam’s high moral and ethical values, condemning in the strongest terms the vigilantism of radicals and urging all to foster greater peace and conviviality.
Tabah’s General Director Takes Part in the Hashemite Scientific Councils, Jordan
Habib Ali Aljifri participated in the Hashemite Scientific Councils that were held under the high royal patronage by the Jordanian Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs. Several Jordanian and international scholars and well-known personalities participated in the event which took place at the King Abdullah I Mosque in Abdali. Habib Ali took part in the discussion on domestic violence, examining the causes of violence and ways in which to deal with it, with particular reference to the practice of da’wa. He noted that some aspects of da’wa had been overlooked and as a result, domestic violence was manifesting in many forms.
Al Habib Ali also delivered a lecture at the Palace of Culture entitled “Ramadan and the Nation” in which he highlighted the importance of the Holy Month for Muslims as a way to repent and return to Islamic values in their dealings with each other.
SUMMER 2011 CLARITY 15 Tabah’s Latest Research Papers
Beyond Flak Attack: A New Engagement with the Newsroom [Nazim Baksh]
This essay is written for Muslim activists and scholars who are alarmed at today’s headlines and would like to engage the mass media in the hope of balancing its pre- dominantly negative reporting with positive stories pertaining to Islam and Muslims.
Islamic Discourse: Between the Conclusive and the Variable [Sh. Abdullah Bin Bayyah]
Perhaps the most looming challenge before Islam today is to be understood. In the monograph that follows, the eminent jurist and thinker, Shaykh Bin Bayyah outlines the components of a sound and effective Islamic discourse, one that delivers on its purpose and fulfils its aims. He goes on to treat the qualities that must accompany a sound and grounded, yet engaged discourse, of tolerance, reconciliation, and facilita- tion.
Language Matters A Dialogue on Language and Logic [Dr. Taha Abderrahman]
The essay seeks to illuminate new perspectives and insights on linguistics and lan- guage-related topics as a significant component of the intellectual project of Dr. Taha Abderrahman. As one of the most eminent contemporary Muslim thinkers, selected questions raised by some of his foremost students and colleagues allow the author to dwell and expand on issues relating to logic and philosophy, touching briefly on mat- ters of politics, religion, and theology.
Islam-West Dialogue A Critical Analysis of the Davos Report [Irfana Hashemi]
This brief introduces the report, discusses its main findings, and offers suggestions on how Muslim scholars and opinion leaders can contribute to the dialogue in a meaningful way. This report is an opportunity for Muslim scholars to build on the dis- cussion already in progress, share best practices on how to further promote dialogue, and become better equipped to answer the needs of diverse Muslim communities.
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