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Adab al-Ikhtilaf
One Faith - Many Voices
Why differences of opinion
make us stronger
at Friends House, London on 7th February 2006 with
Shaykh Abdallah bin Bayyah | Imam Zaid Shakir |
Shaykh Hamza Yusuf
Positive feedback from you
All I can
say is Mashallah. Alhamdulillah I love all of these events that take
place and thank Allah to have been able to hear the beautiful words
of all of the scholars. I'd like to thank Q-News especially
as you all do a fantastic job in bringing these events to us. Jazak
Allah.
I went to
this talk in London on Tuesday and the cartoons issue came up.
Here's a brief summary of what the speakers said:
- Muslims should be angry. Anger is natural, especially regarding
the Prophet (saw) whom we should love more than our own selves.
- The cartoons are in themselves an act of aggression. Muslims have
a duty to condemn what it wrong.
- We should demonstrate our concern peacefully and under no
circumstances disrupt social order. They all kept emphasising the
importance of social order in Islam and said there was no
justification for aggressive reactionary behaviour.
- We should be strategic in our response and not get 'played' by
others.
- The Prophet (saw) respected ambassadors. Burning embassies is
against his Sunnah.
- We should work to remove ignorance. We should educate the West
that whilst blasphemy laws have been relaxed in the West, this is
not the case for Muslims and we still have a strong sense of what is
sacred.
- There are great issues facing humanity that we have to unite on,
like poverty and environmental decline. In the grander scheme of
things our differences are not that great. For the sake of these
bigger issues we should be sensitive to each others cultures and
beliefs and try to come together, not polarise ourselves.
- The need to make the Prophet (saw) known to the West. In the past
there were many Westerners who were not Muslim but had utmost
respect for him. If they knew who he was they would know that so
many of the benefits they are reaping today are because of him.
- There is no greater way to honour the Prophet (saw) than to follow
his Sunnah and behave with his akhlaq.
Note - the above notes are summarised in my own words so please
don't quote them!
Brilliant!
Wonderful speakers, fantastically relevant topic and perfect timing!
This was my
first meeting of this kind. Mashallah very good. I really will
benefit inshallah from future events.
It put into
perspective the responsibility we the MUSLIMS have to project our
faith in a responsible and Friendly way, so the NON MUSLIMS can
appreciate that ISLAM is a Faith of PEACE-TOLERANCE-and of CIVIL
Society where DIALOGUE is encouraged and IGNORANCE is to be
eliminated. WE SHOULD REALLY PROJECT the WAY OUR PROPHET would have
behaved.
First
lecture was a revelation and relief to hear someone speak logically
with great faith. Fantastic to see so much time and effort gone to
put together such a huge event.
In present
climate such debate from the foremost of Islamic scholars is much
needed. its a shame time was lost by the late start. Also the topic
was too focused, when such luminaries as those come to talk they
should be given a broad a topic as possible, one from which they can
inspire those who listen, in particular the non Muslims and those
Muslims who require re-inspiration.
I am very delightful that such events are organised for brothers and
sisters I hope that this continues further in the future.
It gives a
sense of community feeling and enforces that my beliefs are common
with most of the Muslims in the world.
Thank you to
the organisers for organising yet another wonderful event with three
amazingly amazing Scholars. I really enjoyed it, and I even enjoyed
the over-crowding, there was barakah and blessings in it!
Alhamdulillah. I've made some notes on the event on my blog -
read here.
Venue was
excellent. Speakers were fantastic. Ticket prices reasonable.
Volunteers were very helpful. Last time I attended (Just
Enough Religion to Hate) there was a break. I think it
worked better without one, with people getting up and leaving when
they wanted. Having the sign interpreters was an excellent idea.
One
important point that Sh. Abdullah made was that it was important to
get angry when provoked. The analogy he gave was that a donkey is an
animal that does not react if provoked. However all the scholars
were clear about the need for not reacting out of that anger, not
being violent etc. Imam Zaid gave an excellent speech on having
lofty goals. It focussed on things like global warming, AIDS and
other threats to humanity as a whole. As one people on this planet
he urged us all to work together, Muslim and non-Muslim, to tackle
these larger global threats.
Alhamdulillah another great event and enormous blessing to hear and
see Shaykh Abdullah bin Bayyah along with Shaykh Hamza and Imam
Zaid. I felt it was a reminder of how important people of knowledge
are in our time, truly like lights among darkness. It's one of the
reasons I believe these events are so vital since they give us the
chance to witness them. Just seeing Shaykh bin Bayyah walk into the
hall had such an effect on me, without a word he had delivered his
dawah.
Thank you so so much to all involved who work tirelessly and
sincerely to make these opportunities possible. JazakAllah. I wanted
to add briefly some points made; If we are to defend the Prophet we
have to behave like him. He should be more beloved to you than
yourself so an attack on him is greater than attack on you, despite
that your response has to be within the confines of the Shariah.
I'm glad I'm
not the only one who saw the over-crowding and smiled with
appreciation of seeing so many young people eagerly waiting/wishing
to see and hear the scholars. Alhamdulillah. Shaykh Hamza related a
very funny story about a newly convert talking to a muslim friend.
Here's what I can remember if the story: A new muslim goes to his
Muslim friend for some advice about seeking knowledge and the reply
he gets is as follows: 'Brother there is so much corruption and
lying in this world that there is only one country that you can go
to in order to learn proper Islam, MY country. But still cause of
the increase in corruption you can't go to just any province, you
have to go to my province and even then you can't go to any mosque,
you must go to my mosque; But still, again due to corruption
you can't just learn from anyone but my Imam and me;
However my friend, watch out for the Imam!'
I just
wanted to say I thoroughly enjoyed the event, it was very serene,
peaceful, I loved the fact that the doors were screaming with people
trying there best just to get a glimpse of our beloved Shayuk….
Looking for any piece of the floor they could stand or sit on…
everyone just wanted to be there, they were physically or
spiritually Alhamdulillah…
I noticed something which I thought was rather special, When
Sayyidina Shaykh Abdallah Bin Bayyah stood up to delivery his
speech, everybody stood up out respect for him, what I thought was
beautiful. The non-Muslims found this quite special, they looked
shocked but pleasantly surprised and they found it really very
respectful.
That was a great moment for me, to see the power of a simple
movement from our body reflected in the heart, eyes and soul of a
potential Muslim to be.
I also found… What was very special about this event was the
different communities that gathered to utter the same words, even
though the title was… One Faith Many Voices… It felt that night it
was One Faith and One Voice!
Our dear beloved Shaykh Hamza spoke about having an opinion, and how
really when you think your opinion is better then others and you
want it heard above others is when your really in trouble. He has
said previously to have an opinion is one of the signs of the end of
time…
I found Imam Zaid very powerful, he had real concerns about
everything that is going on in the world, and how we really have a
lot to do, some of the above points were mentioned by Sidi Usman
Tufail I think…
What always strikes me about the way Shaykh Hamza delivers his
speeches is, he quotes a lot from non Muslims, and I find this
Mashallah amazing, like he mentioned three 19th century writers who
all praised our beloved Prophet, peace be upon him. That really
touched me…
‘So what did
we learn’ - I think I speak on behalf of everyone, we learnt what
already knew, to be tolerant of common folk, to be open to other
opinions, to show the real reality of Islam to the wider community,
to realize what’s really going on the world and how as Muslims we
should be making a difference, rather then being different… (Like
Imam Zaid said wouldn’t it be nice if the Muslims did something),
world affairs, we learnt about that one hadith when a man came to
the Prophet (saw) and asked for naseeha (advice)… and he said don’t
get angry… don’t get angry… don’t get angry … La tagdab … La tagdab…
La tagdab… that’s what I learnt sis… but do get angry at the right
time and right place, Shaykh Hamza said an attack on the Prophet
(saw) is like an attack on you, but deal with that anger the right
way, there is a way of being diplomatic… the middle way ...
Just to be
in the presence of an outstanding and phenomenal scholar and awliya
such as Shaykh Abdullah without having to travel to his country.
Good
location - easy to find and to get to, venue was good (except for
the hard seats!)
Location-wise, the venue was satisfactory (transport links, etc) but
probably a larger hall would be better to accommodate the many
people who came. It is quite difficult to say which speaker I liked
the most, as I liked them all! Mashallah, I think it is great that a
scholar of the stature of Sheikh Abdullah is made accessible to the
wider public, which I think is very much needed in these times.
More, please! I also liked the fact that effort was made to
accommodate non-hearing members of the public. The topic discussed
is hugely relevant. Perhaps recordings should be made available
freely (Deenport?) so that people who couldn't make it will also
benefit from the wisdom.
The
atmosphere was amazing.
Once again
bringing great shuyukh and asatidh to these shores. May Allah reward
you. The topic was relevant though more focus could have been given
on the events of the past week, especially how Muslims should react
rather than how they shouldn't.
May Allah
bless you for your good works. I think we are in real need for
people that have a deep understanding of both Islam and the
difficulties we're presented with in the West. The talks are very
useful. Have the presenters thought about going through topics in
greater detail and/or making them available via a CD or online?
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatu, Alhamdulillah, the event
was well organised. The seating was appropriate. JazakAllah khairan
for all that you have done by the Will of Allah (swt).
I was in the
audience at the Friends' House last night to see Shaykh Abdallah bin
Bayyah and Shaykh Hamza Yusuf speak. Thank you very much for
organizing the event! I am not Muslim, but I found it very
interesting and edifying.
The speakers
were the best I've heard in a long time.
The list of
speakers was impressive!
To be in the
presence of such scholars was awe inspiring. The topic was very
relevant. My non-muslim friends were very impressed. Organisation
was good. All the hosts and hostesses were cordial and courteous. It
is said that 'if a man is courteous to strangers he is a citizen of
the world'. Yesterday I was exceptionally proud to be a Muslim.
Please have more of these events!
The topic
was very good it was very informative and the service was efficient
staff was helpful
As a new
Muslim I found the whole evening very interesting, especially
getting the varying viewpoints from each speaker. The subject matter
was very relevant and current.
The event
was brilliant many thanks for organising it!! I would have however
wanted a little more time from Hamza Yusuf, may be next time
Q-News are
extremely welcoming to all. It was nice to see such a young crowd
interested in such a topic. Inspiring speakers.
This event
was organised at a right time, as we know the present situation of
the Muslims. The shaykhs you invited are by far the best in the
west. The venue for this event was perfect, and the brothers/sisters
volunteers were very helpful and patient. I have to thank you on
behalf of Bedford for organising this event, and I know the 15
brothers from Bedford didn’t leave empty handed. P.S Can you email
me to let me know of any events organised in the future, I'm regular
on DeenPort but am not member, I would really like to know if Q-News
is organising a mawlid this year like the one in Wembley last year?
Really enjoyed that one to and again thank you for that event as
well.
The
speakers, the QnA and the good atmosphere.
Wonderful
venue, great speakers, important topic.
The speakers
were highly charismatic and I found it to be a very engaging event.
The discussion of tolerating diversity within the ummah is something
that I really appreciated because though most Muslims agree about
this in theory there are numerous occasion when we fail to do this
practically. However, listening to Shaykh Abdallah Bin Bayyah was a
great honour and a once in a lifetime experience.
The topic
was good and the speakers were exceptional. Mashallah.
This event
had two amazing Shaykhs and their Shaykh Abdullah bin Bayyah.
Also... maybe there were possibly too many people crammed into such
a tight spot. But as Shaykh Hamza Yusuf said, Friends House is a
special place, the Topic at hand was appropriate for its venue. As
the Venue is there for dialogue and discussion; understanding &
celebration of differences. Plus, a lot of people’s questions about
many things, ranging from obviously differences of opinion,
differences of schools and understanding, plus tackling current
events according to Sunnah, were all answered in FULL! My friend who
came along said that this was an event that EVERBODY should have
been at and everybody should have heard. Inshallah there will be CD
recordings to be sold, as indeed, many more need to have heard this,
as Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad said so in his eloquence.
Topical,
much appreciated guidance during this embarrassing/upsetting
"cartoon" fiasco. Truly inspiring, as ever.
This event
was held at a suitable place (Euston) in a suitable venue although
it could have been a bit larger. I liked that there were hijabs,
books and tapes on sale. The topics were relevant and the question
and answer session was a brilliant idea.
All speakers
were really informative and the talk was inspirational. May Allah
reward all those who were involved in arranging the event.
I enjoyed
the whole event. All the speakers were clear and concise in their
delivery of message. The event was well-organised and the issuing of
tickets in the queue facilitated a speedy entry at the doors. The
display of books, audio items and other relevant material was an
interesting idea.
Seeing the
Muslim community and high rank speakers
The topic
was very much appreciated...considering how Muslims are so divided
about such small issues. The scholars were able to talk in depth and
answer questions... and they didn’t speak with an accent!! (well,
apart from Shaykh bin Bayyah but he’s in a league of his own).
The topic
was very relevant with regards to recent events and much needed.
I thought
the topic was very relevant for the present day situation Muslims
are in, with so many different types of Muslims claiming they are
the only ones following the exact path. For those who have been
practising for many years it may not be such an issue as to which
particular scholars they follow, for those (like myself) who are
attempting to become practising Muslims it is extremely confusing
and frustrating when we are given conflicting views on how one
should practice. Therefore, it was so refreshing to hear the
speakers emphasise on how differences in opinion are natural and we
should not viciously criticise those who we may disagree with.
The subject
was very relevant to us all as. The tone of all the speakers was
very inspiring and they were great, great role models for us all to
be proud of and to follow. The venue was convenient although it was
quite warm.
I
appreciated the fact that there are people out there (Muslims) who
are concerned about the state of our ummah who are trying to
encourage young Muslims to hold true to the essence of our faith and
not get caught up amongst the current chaos that prevails. Our Iman
fluctuates and it helps to listen to people who are clear in the
beliefs and who have good advice to offer and I think all the
speakers demonstrated this throughout the talks.
The speakers
were great.
The topic
was so relevant to current issues.
The speakers
were fabulous.
The quality
of the talks and the speakers were great.
Excellent
speakers... great stalls and food bar outside! More of these please!
Having these three wonderful scholars on the platform at the same
time was a very good idea, but I think the topic was a bit too
technical for the general public and Muslims, as the issue and adaab
of ikhtilaaf is quite an academic and challenging topic to cover in
a public talk for the duration of time that we had.
The outcome of the event was very
good. It was wonderful to see to see so many muslim brothers and
sisters coming together to hear the great scholars speak about Islam
and the world. Great scholars!
Imam Zaid Shakir spoke more at my level and also brought up real
world issues that Muslims should work in. But the opportunity to
hear Shaykh Hamza and Shaykh Abdallah were truly such a wonderful
blessing. Jazakallah khairan.
Good quality
of speakers, the signing was very important, good tone of
discussion. Nice simple introductions, once it started you kept
things moving. Good mix of people, gender, and age. Good publicity
and the email the day of were very helpful. Jazakamullah khairan.
Excellent
speakers dealt with topical issues in a most elegant and articulate
way.
The speakers
were great. Masha'Allah, we need more true scholars like Shaykh
Abdallah blessing us with their wisdom. I really appreciated Imam
Zaid and felt humbled by what he said.
Apart from
the high quality of the speakers (which I almost a guarantee with
Q-News events) I was particularly touched by the effort made to
have sign language translation. I hope we can make this more
systematic... But I was even more touched to learn that the
translators were non-Muslims volunteering for a Muslim event, May
Allah rewards them for such generosity. I appreciated the fact that
not too much time was wasted doing introductions and that the
evening concentrated on the speakers. I also appreciated the fact
that mixed space was available, allowing couples and families to sit
together. Overall I felt the organisation of the event was
excellent, well advertised thanks to your partnership with the City
Circle allowing access to a wider audience than if the event had
been advertised to Q-News readers only. Thank you for
organising these events, please don't stop!
The subject
matter, so relevant, in this day and age, the amazing levels of
knowledge, so eloquently articulated. This was perhaps the most
amazing series of talks I've ever attended. Imam Zaid was powerful,
Shaykh Abdullah bin Bayyah was amazing and Shaykh Hamza's 'one for
road' was inspirational. I don't think any reasonable person could
disagree with anything that was said.
The subject
matter and the teachers. May Allah preserve them.
Shaykh
Abdullah Bin Bayyah was inspirational and it was very helpful to
have Shaykh Hamza as the Arabic interpreter. I also appreciated the
interaction with the deaf community
The level of
the speakers and the relevance of the issues they addressed.
Appreciated
the topic, I think that was very much needed. Another problem I see
widespread amongst Muslims when they start practising is that they
don’t have high ambitions in education, to become leaders, striving
for excellence in every field. I know it’s a generalisation but it
would be good if a talk could be organised on ambition, talking
about successful people and what we should be striving for, for
people like Shaykh Hamza, Imam Zaid Shakir, and Shaykh Bun Bayyah
are well read and we need to encourage more of this. I think that
will really boost up the Muslims!
The
non-apologetic, open, and honest approach of the speakers with
regards to being Muslim and Western. It was fantastic, and should be
a given, that the event was accessible to the deaf and hard of
hearing.
I never been
to a talk on the topic of differences so it was very useful, Shaykh
Abdullah bin Bayyah was excellent. Mashallah I hope all those that
were present go away and act on the guidance given. Thank you Q-News
for giving us this opportunity to listen to such an important
discussion by such amazing speakers.
The topic was very relevant. Timing was good and it was great to
have the question and answer session.
The topic and speakers were very good.
All the topics were so useful and even though some parts were hard
to understand, I loved being in the company of these amazing
shaykhs. Mashallah!!! It was such a blessing.
Wristbands were much more convenient than tickets. The speakers were
awesome Mashallah, the topic was really good and I really liked how
they split the topic between the two speakers.
I can't really pick a favourite speaker as I thought they were all
really good. The topic was very relevant to us and more people who
are ignorant about Islam should listen to talks like this as it
gives you so much understanding and it opens your eyes to so much
that sometimes goes unnoticed. It's so good to listen to learned
people who know so much and who can pass on their knowledge to those
that seek it.
It was very insightful with an array of concepts being dealt with
under the umbrella of the initial topic. I do feel that as a
community we have to stand up and be counted but in the right way
and for the right reason i.e. to be associated as a community that
is beneficial to society and social standings. I feel that the
Islamic Society needs guidance and talks such as these address this
situation and give the community the knowledge to act within the
laws of society and Islam without relinquishing our rights to be
Muslims and practice Islam freely in this country. In short we need
to dictate unto ourselves our reactions and realise the
repercussions of these reactions to the outlook of Islam unto rest
of civilisation.
Just fantastic to hear such eminent scholars talk. And great that
deaf Muslims are being accommodated for.
Shaykh Abdallah bin Bayyah was amazing.
Just the presence of Shaykh Abdallah bin Bayyah and a wonderful talk
by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf and Imam Zaid Shakir.
Excellent guest speakers. Excellent Venue.
Imam Zaid Shakir - brilliant Mashallah. Wish he did more talks in
the United Kingdom.
The talk was absolutely brilliant, and each of the speakers was
insightful in their own right. The move to have sign language
interpreters was brilliant, something most of us have overlooked for
far too long. It amazed me the number of interpretations that were
taking place at one point; a deaf brother was signing to the
interpreter who orated in English to Shaykh Hamza, who then
translated to Arabic to Shaykh Bayyah, and then the whole process
was repeated in reverse. Something truly beautiful...
The fact it was relevant to today’s events and situations in the
world. Knowledge which the speakers have is beautiful to listen to
but will be advantageous to us if we practice it.
The topic was extremely applicable to the current political climate.
However, the subject had relevance on all levels - personal, work,
international etc. Great talk!
The excellent speakers, including the brother greeting and the host.
The very relevant topic. The wide mix of people from varying groups
and organisations that attended. The venue - perfect location, would
love to see more events here in the future.
The venue and the general organisation were excellent.
The honour & blessing to be able to see & hear speakers/scholars of
such high caliber and rank.
I appreciated the opportunity to hear Shaykh Abdallah bin Bayyah in
person speak on such a topical and necessary subject and his words
and explanation were a great comfort to me.
I appreciated the fact that it took place and dealt with core
diseases that we have within our community. I wish the venue were
bigger and more Muslims could come along to hear the scholars.
The atmosphere was great Masha'Allah. The main thing to appreciate
was the calibre of the speakers you brought to us - especially Sh
Abdullah.
Imam Zaid Shakir drawing us back to the fact that Allah is the
controller of all affairs. This is the key to solving our internal
problems in that our dependence must be only on Allah because all
that occurs or exists is due to Allah permitting it to be so. So
"relax" as he put it, Allah is the One running the show and when we
obey and serve Him then we will see His wisdom in all circumstances.
Zaid's clarity, high level of English and overall well rounded
knowledge of the world enhances his knowledge of Islam so he is able
to present his opinion in a way that really rejuvenates and inspires
one with a feeling of being proud to be a Muslim and be in the West.
As is also the case for Sheikh Hamza Yusuf who additionally acts as
a crucial link with the 'old school' type of scholar like Sheikh
Abdallah Ibn Bayyah. We need their sagacity and their reminding us
of and linking us to Islamic heritage. This combination is fantastic
and I really love it! Like finding your lost house keys when you had
given up hope of finding them. As Oliver Twist said, “Please Sir,
can I have some more?"
The speakers were first and foremost, my sole reason for attending.
Not having a break was relatively good as this would have caused
immense disruption and time waste.
The opportunity to hear such brilliant minds. And the feeling of
brotherhood and sisterhood that one feels at such an event with like
minded people.
Thank you very much for organising this event. May Allah reward you
all. Please thank the sign language interpretators. I am sure all
the deaf people must have appreciated it (this is the first time I
have seen this in a Muslim event).
Arrangement of ticketing was good.
It was nice to have all three great shuyukh there. Jazakallah to all
those who arranged the event, all the hard work put into organising
such events is greatly appreciated. Keep up the good work and may
Allah (swt) reward you all for such great efforts.
Sign language, interpretation. Topic was very much relevant and
interesting especially with current situation of Muslims against the
West. This event represented Islam truly and emphasised that Islam
is not as the media has come to represent it due to the actions some
Muslims chose to take to defend the Prophet (pbuh). I do wish more
non-Muslims had come because this kind of event is the beginning of
dialogue between people with differences of opinion that will
actually have good consequences. And I hope that there is just as
much media coverage of this kind of positive dialogue as there is of
all the negativity surrounding Islam as a religion.
Just the fact that it was arranged and took place.
Very good speakers.
Organised by Q-News Magazine with support from
City Circle.
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