THE BLESSED SUMMIT 2021 RACISM

RACISMTHE BLESSED SUMMIT 2021 ON

HIJAZ COMMUNITY PRESENTS

The Blessed Summit is a time to contemplate, evaluate and realise. It is an occasion in the year where you come to

a spiritual recluse, an environment that is tranquil and away from the busyness of your usual life. In this peaceful

setting you can ponder upon yourself and your relationship and connection with Allah Almighty and His Holy

Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم.

Hijaz has continued to develop as a site of great spirituality since its inception thirty years ago. The vision of the

founders of Hijaz continues to grow, in the manner which is hoped that Allah Almighty will be pleased with. The spirit

and the vision of the founding pioneer, the Principal Blessed Guide His Eminence Shaykh Muhammad Abdul Wahab

Siddiqi (may Allah Almighty be pleased with him) continues to flourish and expand into new horizons. The inclusion of

Blessed Summit Guides and English speeches by the official speakers in the program facilitates current generations,

and it is hoped that this event will be attractive for forthcoming generations.

The feelings that are generated amongst the participants of this blessed event should be replicated in their normal

day-to-day life, and passed on to those that could not be present at this auspicious occasion. I would like to emphasise

that the Blessed Summit is an opportunity for change based on reflection, contemplation, meditation and a sincere

effort to connect with Allah Almighty. I hope that the participants in coming to this Summit will make the most of this

opportunity.

Hijaz Community has grown from strength to strength in recent years. There are a huge number of fresh faces who I’ve

been fortunate to meet, who are devoted to bettering themselves, each other and serving their communities.

Your participating is a source of great blessing for all those permanently resident on this Blessed Seat. We ask you for

your sincere supplication to Allah Almighty for the continued success of this mission, through the intercession of His

beloved Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم.

A humble servant of Allah Almighty,

FAIZUL AQTAB SIDDIQI

PrincipAL Blessed Guide of the Naqshbandi Qadri Hijazi Spiritual Order

Greeting and Welcome by Hazrat Shaykh Faizul Aqtab Siddiqi

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UNESCO states that racism is deemed the ‘social

cancer of our time’ as it invades society and can

end in violence and death. Unfortunately, this is no

exaggeration; prejudice against races and nationality

based approach does not remain a thing of the past.

Statistics and recent events around the world tell of an

unjustifiable disparity between different people based

on their skin colour, nationality, religion, country of

origin.

Over the decades the modern world has seen changes

to law and policies, but the statistics tell us progress is

very slow and in many ways little has changed.

We also have the challenges of discrimination within

our own communities.

Tackling the Global Social Virus through Islamic Solutions

an introduction to Hijaz Community’s Exploration of RACISM

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Communities have the problem of Muslims discriminating

against other Muslims on differences such as:

• Nationality• Social classes• Clan based societal structures (e.g. caste system)• Colourism

These prejudices not only undermine the way societies

work, but also hold back progress and community

development as people hark back to earlier times of social

ways of organising and interaction.

It is clear that a fresh perspective is necessary without

the baggage of problems from previous approaches.

The Blessed Summit will present on the following topics in

an attempt to find meaningful and practical solutions to

the challenges discussed above.

Traditionally, the Blessed Summit is termed the ‘Urs’ which is an annual occasion that commemorates the life

and teachings of a Friend of Allah Almighty who has moved on to the Hereafter. The Blessed Summit is the

commemoration of the original founder of Hijaz, UK, His Eminence Hazrat Shaykh Muhammad Abdul Wahab

Siddiqi (RA) and Hazrat Munazir-E-Azam, Muhammad Umar Icharvi (RA).

The Blessed Summit is an auspicious three day event, offering a unique opportunity in the year to gain blessings and

connect to the Divine. The Blessed Summit is a sacred time in which prayers are more likely to be accepted by Allah

Almighty, and the culmination of divine blessings are found in the final dua by His Eminence Hazrat Faizul Aqtab

Siddiqi, the Principal Blessed Guide and Head of Hijaz Community.

You can find out more about the founder of Hijaz and the Principal Blessed Guide and their vision on the following link:

https://hijaz.org/our-history/

The Blessed Summit has moved to an online forum allowing for a broader audience, and everyone is welcome to

join in and reap the benefits of the event.

What is the Blessed Summit?

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The sacred centre of the Hijaz grounds is the Mausoleum, where His Eminence Hazrat Shaykh Muhammad Abdul

Wahab Siddiqi (RA) is laid to rest. This is the heart of the Hijaz Retreat. The Arabic word for a mausoleum is Mizaar

which means a ‘place of the manifestation of Allah’s mercy’ on earth. In order to commemorate Hazrat Saheb (RA)

during the Blessed Summit, a special congregational remembrance of Allah Almighty ceremony takes place within

the Mausoleum. This ceremony is referred to as the Pagri Shareef changing.

The Pagri Shareef is a white turban wrapped around the pillar standing at the head of the tomb of Hazrat Saheb (RA).

This turban symbolises the accomplished status of the Friend of Allah Almighty. Each year, during the Blessed Summit,

the Pagri Shareef cloth is replaced. The ceremony involves unwrapping the previous cloth, washing the tomb, adorning

the tomb with a newly embroidered shawl (chaddar) and wrapping the new turban around the pillar. This is an

auspicious part of the event and throughout this ceremony, dhikr shareef is recited by the congregation.

The sanctified ceremony is a chance for attendees to honour and pray for the Shuyukh of the spiritual lineage of the Qadiri

Naqshbandi Hijazi Spiritual Order. In return, the participants may gain the blessings of being present during this blessed time.

The Changing of the Pagri Shareef in the Mausoleum

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Hijaz Community gives individuals the opportunity to step outside their box and

embark on an objective, introspective questioning process in order to build a better

understanding of themselves and the world around them. Having undergone this

profound realisation process, individuals are equipped to make positive changes in

themselves and become protagonists of change in the community.

Hijaz Community promotes instilling a sense of spiritual awareness in the lives of its

members as part of its vision to return spirituality to the heart of society. This spiritual

awareness comes about as a result of a clear, practical and relevant understanding of

spirituality and successful self-realisation.

Hijaz Community was set up with the view to implement a dynamic programme of

societal change. Hijaz Community believes that the establishment of a successful society is

dependent upon the positive development of its members. It is committed to empowering

communities to solve their own problems instead of being in a state of dependency upon

the State. Hijaz Community is particularly concerned with bridge building between various

ethnic groups and promoting positive interaction between them.

The values and principles of Hijaz Community emanate from the universal moral

principles of Islam. One of these principles is the inclusion of all people regardless of

their background including their denomination. Therefore, Hijaz Community is open to

all members of society and is working towards social betterment for all. Hijaz Community

believes that it is only by working together the different social groups can safeguard their

common destiny.

Hijaz Community

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Surgery is a unique opportunity for you to have a

confidential, one to one meeting with His Eminence

Hazrat Shaykh Faizul Aqtab Siddiqi Saheb (Hazrat

Saheb) for personal and spiritual guidance. Hazrat

Saheb offers surgery as an opportunity to provide

personal and spiritual advice to those who attend

the summit.

You are encouraged to arrange an appointment

for surgery with Hazrat Saheb to ask questions

and seek guidance, especially about your personal

development, in order to derive the benefit of their

experience, insight and wisdom. This service is

extremely popular, therefore it is wise to maximise

the limited time that you may have with them. If you

would like to organise a surgery appointment with

Hazrat Saheb, please contact:

[email protected]

OPPORTUNITY FOR A ONE TO ONE MEETING WITH SHAYKH Faizul Aqtab Siddiqi Saheb

Surgery

Profiles of the Blessed Summit Speakers

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Shaykh NoorulAqtab SiddiqiIslamic Scholar & Senior Partner at Artis Legal

Shaykh Zainul Aqtab SiddiqiIslamic Scholar & Solicitor

Dr Saiqah AzadGeneral Practitioner

Hajj Ahmad ThomsonBarrister & Founding Trustee at IFEES

Dr Abdul Qadr SiddiqiGP Partner & Director of eHarleyStreet

Dr Munnaza Hana AliGP Partner, GP Trainer & Lecturer for Bradford University

Dr Jalil AhmedGP Partner & Director of eHarleyStreet

Sister Najeeha Al Azkah SiddiqiMedical Student, University College London

Dr Nabeela SiddiqiMedical Doctor, MBChb, BSc Hons

Dr Safwan TayyabGP Partner, Stapenhill Medical Centre

Dr Abid IqbalPortfolio GP, GP Trainer & Programme Director

Dr Samina KhalilGP and National Lead for Muslim Health Service

Imran KhanPharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs Consultant

Maulana Asim AwanIslamic Scholar & Senior Partner at Green & Olive Solicitors

Syed Hassan Ali ShahTrustee at Hijaz

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Mohammed Ibrar HussainDirector, Solutions Architect, IT Roadway Ltd

Maulana Arif AwanSolicitor & Partner, Green & Olive Solicitors

Sister Razia Sultana ShabnamMA, PGCE: Primary School Teacher

Maulana Mohammed ShabazIslamic Scholar, Director of Education, Hijaz World

Yusra MohabbatAnimation and Illustration student/ Freelancer

Ammarah HannanEnglish Tutor and Senior Mentor for Hijaz Community

Tazkiyya MohabbatFull-time Student

Naqeeb ul Aqtab SiddiqiLLB, Law Graduate, Property Development

Jamal RikowskiVolunteer at Hijaz Community

Sophia HussainMSc Nurse & Home Educator

Hannan Mohammed TabassumMaster Data Controller, Pharmaceutical Industry

Brother Burhaan SiddiqiDentistry Student, Barts London

Maulana Teyub ButtSolicitor & Partner, Green & Olive Solicitors

Faiha SirajData Controller and Administration

Farzana HannanEducation Consultant & Trustee at Hijaz

Haji Annes FatehmahomedConsultant Accounts Manager, Senior Hijaz Mentor

Ulfa FatehmahomedFull-time Student, University of Birmingham

The following matters should be taken into account when attending the Blessed Summit:

1. Read your obligatory prayers, in congregation (Jamat) preferably.

a. Pray Surah Fatiha at the Blessed Mausoleum (Mizaar Sharif).

b. Recite Divine Remembrance and Invocations (Dhikr) or Spiritual Litanies (Wazaif) at the Blessed

Mausoleum according to what you desire or follow the instructions of the

Blessed Guides.

2. Listen to the spiritual songs (Music/Naat), Quranic recitation and speeches of the Learned Scholars (Ulema)

and the Summit Speakers with appropriate respect. Please remain quiet whilst these are going on, to allow

fellow attendees to enjoy the benefits without disturbing the programme.

3. Eat from the Blessed Provisions (Langhar Sharif).

4. Join in the Final Dua of the main proceedings. This is the highlight of the Blessed Summit as the spiritual

aura is at its zenith.

The Etiquettes oF Participating in the Blessed Summit

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5. Keep your children supervised and allow them to play in

the especially designated play area.

6. Please respect the boundaries established between sisters’

areas and brothers’ areas.

7. Please use your time effectively and avoid activities which

distract you from the purpose of this event. Otherwise it

may lead to the result where a thirsty man came to the

well and failed to quench his thirst.

8. It is encouraged for all guests to participate in all

congregational activities.

9. Please feel free to perform your own personal

contemplation, meditation, worship (Ibadah) or Divine

Remembrance and Invocations (Dhikr) if you are not

participating in Group Divine Remembrance and

Invocation (Dhikr) sessions.

If you are participating from the online platform, you can still

adhere to the etiquettes and worship remotely and gain from

the auspices of the event.

Divine Remembrance and Invocations (Dhikr)

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The purpose of Dhikr is to cleanse the heart in order to establish a spiritual connection with Allah Almighty. Dhikr consists

of the remembrance of Allah Almighty in a prescribed format, where a Blessed Spiritual Guide leads the Dhikr session,

and the members of the congregation follow his lead. The performance of regular Dhikr helps to nourish the heart and

therefore maintain its spiritual equilibrium. Many of the mental and psychological problems faced by people in society are

related to the spiritual condition of their hearts. The purification of the heart enables Muslims to attain a sense of inner

peace which allows them to deal successfully with all of life’s challenges. There is a robust legal basis within traditional

Islamic scholarship which establishes that Dhikr is an encouraged and recommended practice. Reading prescribed

invocations for a set number, individually or congregationally, is a practice which took place at the time of the beloved

Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم.

Salawaatullahi wa Malaa-i-katihi wa Ambiyaa-i-hi wa Rasulihi wa Hamalati Arshihi wa Jamee-i-Khalqihi Alaa Sayyidinaa Muhammadin wa Aalihee wa Sahbihee wa Sallam

Laa Hawla wala Quwwata Illa Billa hil Aliyyil Azeem

Yaa Allahu Yaa Rahmaanu Yaa Raheemu Yaa Hayyu Yaa Qayyum; Yaa Hayyu Yaa Qayyum

Subhaanallahi wa Bihamdihi Subhaanallahiel Azeem

Laa Ma’bood Ilallah; Laa Maqsood Ilallah; Laa Mawjood Ilallah

AllahusSamad; Annahul Haq; LaaIlahaIlallah; Illallahu Illallah; Allahu

Breathing in and hold breath and recite only Allah with the tongue silently and then breath out

and think of the word Hu.

Congregational Dhikr Shareef

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Every person who wishes to attain a greater level of purity

and closeness with the Almighty Allah should wake up at

least once a week for “Qiyamul Lail”. This is part of the

Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم. Every night he

used to establish “Qiyamul Lail” and after intense worship

of Nafl (optional worship) and Dhikr, He صلى الله عليه وسلم used to ask for

the forgiveness of the sins of His صلى الله عليه وسلم Ummah. This mode of

prayer became so intense in worshipping all night that the

Prophet’s صلى الله عليه وسلم feet used to start bleeding. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم

would continue standing in remembrance of Allah all night

and exerting upon himself صلى الله عليه وسلم a higher mode of prayer.

Then Allah Almighty in His mercy upon the Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم

revealed the verse of the Qur’an (surah 73 ayat 1 – 3)

The effect of this Verse was that Allah will grant victory to the

Ummah of the Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم by allowing them to conquer

their sins and become close to Allah Almighty. However

on many nights the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم continued the intensity of

His صلى الله عليه وسلم worship. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was asked why are you

continuing to worship Allah and establish Qiyamul Lail, even

though the Verse of Victory has been revealed. The Prophet

replied, “Shall I not continue to establish Qiyamul Lail to صلى الله عليه وسلم

show that I am a grateful servant of Allah for forgiving the

sins of my Ummah.”

The prescribed method as deemed appropriate by The

Principal Blessed Guide, His Eminence Hazrat Shaykh Faizul

Aqtab Siddiqi for “QiyamulLail” is to start off by recitation of

12 rakat nafl for Tahajjud. These should be read 2 rakats at

a time. In the first rakat, one should recite 12 times Surah

Ikhlas and then in the second rakat 11 times Surah Ikhlas. In

this manner in each rakat Surah Ikhlas should be recited by

decreasing one number, so that on the 12th rakat one would

be reading Sura Ikhlas only one time. After the completion of

the 12 rakats then go into Sujood again and instead of placing

your hands downwards on the floor, place them upwards,

same as in the form of dua (supplication) and then ask Allah

what your heart’s desire. This optional form of Sujood is an

extension of the manner in which one conducts dua, for one

is asking of his Lord, whilst totally submitting to Him.

Salatul Tahajjud can take the form of 8 rakats instead of 12,

and in each of the 8 rakats, the same manner of reciting Surah

Ikhlas should be undertaken. This means reciting Surah Ikhlas

8 times in the first rakat and decreasing it in every rakat by one,

so in the last rakat one would read Surah Ikhlas once. There

should be approximately one hour between the Salatul Tahajjud

and the beginning of the time for Fajr prayer. In this period it is

prescribed that the following tasbeehs should be read:

Sallallahu Alaa Habibihee Sayyidina Muhammadin Waalihee Wasallam (313 x)

Sura Fateha (101 x); Sura Ikhlas (101 x)

Subhanallahi WalHamduLillahi WalaaIlaahaIllallahu Wallahu Akbar Walaa Hawla Walaa Quwwata IllaBilla hil Aliyyil Azeem (111 x)

Hasbunnallahu Wa Nimal Wakeel Nimal Mawla Wa Niman Naseer (313 x)

LaaIllahaIllallah (111 x); Illallah (111 x); Allah (111 x); YaaHayy (111 x); Huu (111 x)

Sallallahu Alaa Habibihee Sayyidina Muhammadin Waalihee Wasallam (100 x)

Divine Remembrance and Invocations and the Night Vigil (Qiyamul Lail - Secluded Night Prayer)Directed by the Principal Blessed Guide

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After this recitation of tasbeeh, one should be ready for Salatul Fajr. If there is any time left then one should continue

to read the Darood Sharif at the end of the list until Fajr time. It should be noted that during the course of reading the

Tasbeehs above, if the person is in danger of running over and loosing the right time for Fajr, then the Wazeefah should be

cut short to allow to read Salatul Fajr. In this case the items number 4, 5 and 10 should be missed.

During Salatul Fajr, when praying the two rakat sunnah, some people hurry through it with great speed. This should

be avoided for two reasons. Firstly, the Prophet fdfa has said that the time a person takes to recite these sunnah, that

same time is spent in the construction of a house for that person in paradise. This Hadith is said in this form for our

understanding. Allah Almighty neither requires time nor resources to construct anything, He wills anything, it happens

from nothing. We are told in this way to extend our contact with Allah Almighty and also to ensure that we may have some

prospective of a tangible deed from which we are attaining some thing in the hereafter.

Secondly the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said that if a person conducts his prayer in such a manner that he has not fully recited the words

of the prayer and has undertaken prayer to only fulfil a ritual, then Allah orders the Angels to return the prayer back to

him/her, unanswered and unaccepted. This is because prayer is not a ritual; it is a process through which we communicate

with our Creator. As in another Hadith the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said “Pray to your Lord as if you are seeing him, even though you

cannot see Him, indeed He is seeing you”.

As an additional aspect to the above prescription for Qiyamul Lail, it is advised that every effort should be made to pray

Salatul Fajr in the Masjid. This is because:-

(I) We live in a busy industrious world, based upon our continuous desire to prosper materially. This inherently

detracts from the required focus that should be on our Creator and the real purpose behind His creation.

Therefore the only real time we can have on a regular basis to visit the Masjid is the time of Salatul Fajr,

to call upon our Creator at the end of the night and the beginning of the day time.

(II) Although praying at home is permissible and encouraged, but it should become a preferred habit of all Muslims

to start their day from the Masjid and if possible to end their day at Isha Prayer in the Masjid. It is a Hadith of the

Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم that “where each journey begins and ends from the Masjid, should that traveller die within the course

of that journey, he will be given the status of a Shaheed (Martyr).

(III) The Masjid is a visual reminder of the House of Allah and as such it should become a regular point of call in

every Muslim’s life. The strength of the Sahabah (ra) and the pioneers of the Islamic movement was

their close connection with the Masjid on a daily basis.

(IV) The Masjid has today become a place of performing rituals. It was the social communal centre and ‘hub’ of the

Muslim community. There are separate community centres from the Masjid; these centres are not to be

preferred over the Masjid, as they weaken the ultimate strength of the Muslim community. The Muslims

used to be united in the glorious days of the Muslim Ummah not only in body but in spirit; around the

infrastructure built within the Masjid.

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It is advised by the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم that during the course of reading the two rakat farz of Salatul Fajr that a longer than normal

recitation of the Quran should be read i.e. more than the minimum of 3 verses after Surah Fatiha.

After Fajr one can continue reading Dhikr quietly or aloud. When the time arrives, one should read Salatul Ishraaq which is

four rakats, read in two rakats at a time. Once this practice is completed, one should feel more humble and full of humility,

as one should feel that Allah has rewarded that person with the ability to praise the Lord of the Universe and through the

supplicator’s humility, Allah will give him/her the honour of praising their Lord again.

After this form of Qiyamul Lail, one should find one’s heart becomes softer and the person becomes more patient. If the

opposite is true, in that the person feels more aggressive and harsh hearted, then this is the indication that Iblees (Satan) is

making him proud of his prayer and Qiyamul Lail. That person should focus more on his sins and supplicate to have them

forgiven, rather than feeling that he is above other people for praying to Allah Almighty.

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T h e B l e s s e d S u m m i t 2 0 2 1

Racism: Tackling the Global Social Virus through Islamic Solutions

Programme 2nd July – 4th July

FRIDAY 2ND JULY

Quran RecitationNaat Recitation

Why Does Racism Matter?Mohammed Ibrar Hussain, Director, Solutions Architect, IT Roadway Ltd

Racism in SocietyNaqeeb ul Aqtab Siddiqi LLB, Law Graduate, Property Development

Equal and Adequate Racial Representation: The Need for DiversitySophia Hussain, MSc Nurse & Home Educator

Naat

Education: How Education Colours our PrejudicesSister Razia Sultana Shabnam, MA, PGCE: Primary School Teacher

Cultural Appropriation VS Cultural AppreciationAmmarah Hannan, English Tutor and Senior Mentor for Hijaz Community

Muslims Standing Against RacismFaiha Siraj, Data Controller and Administration

Quran Recitation

How Responsible are People of Colour for Promoting the Narrative of Racism? Dr Munnaza Hana Ali, GP Partner, GP Trainer & Lecturer for Bradford

The Life and Example of Hazrat Bilal RA Maulana Teyub Butt, Solicitor & Partner, Green & Olive Solicitors

Congregational Dhikr & Maghrib Prayer

07.00pm

09.30pm

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SATURDAY 3RD JULY


KAHOOT QUIZ

Why is Extremist White Supremacist Ideology on the Rise? Yusra Mohabbat, Animation and Illustration student/ Freelancer

What is Racism? Dr Saiqah Azad, Sessional GP

Western Beauty Standards: How ‘Fair and Lovely’ are the Concepts of Beauty and Identity? Ulfa Fatehmahomed, Full-time Student, University of Birmingham

Quran Recitation

The Economy of Racism - Slavery and Exploitation of Different Nations Tazkiyya Mohabbat, Full-time Student

Islamophobia: The Trend to Demonise Muslims Throughout History Dr Safwan Tayyab, GP Partner, Stapenhill Medical Centre

Nationalism and Assimilation: Whose Culture is it Anyway? Farzana Hannan, Education Consultant & Trustee at Hijaz

Naat

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم Last Sermon Hannan Mohammed Tabassum, Master Data Controller, Otsuka Pharmaceuticals Europe

Media and the White Middle-Class Protagonist Jamal Rikowski, Volunteer at Hijaz Community

01.45pm

07.30pm

Pagri Shareef Commemoration Mizhaar Shareef05.00pm


Where Does Racism Come From? Dr Abid Iqbal, Portfolio GP, Trainer & Director for Health Education Yorkshire & Humber

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SATURDAY 3RD JULY

Racism in Healthcare Dr Jalil Ahmed, Executive Managing GP, Director of eHarley St

Live Spiritual Music performed by Haji Annes Fatehmahomed

The Science Behind Racism Dr Samina Khalil, Sessional GP and National Lead for Muslim Health Service

What Constitutes a Different Race. Are Racial Differences Biological or Sociological? Syed Hassan Ali Shah, Trustee at Hijaz

Naat

What Colour is my Islam? Dr Nabeela Siddiqi, Medical Doctor, MBChb, BSc Hons

What is the Quranic Teaching on Equality? Maulana Arif Awan, Solicitor & Partner, Green & Olive Solicitors

Congregational Dhikr & Maghrib Prayer09.30pm

SUNDAY 4TH JULY


Why has Allah Almighty Created Humans With ‘Racial’ Differences? Dr Abdul Qadr Siddiqi, Executive Managing GP, Director of eHarley St

Does Religious Prejudice Constitute Racism and How Does it Manifest Globally? Brother Burhaan Siddiqi, Dentistry Student, Barts London

Why has the Global Human Race Failed to Treat All Lives Equally? Imran Khan: Regulatory Affairs Consultant, Pharmaceuticals

Naat

The Roots of Racism in Colourism Sister Najeeha Al Azkah Siddiqi: Medical Student, University College London

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم for All Races Maulana Mohammed Shabaz, Islamic Scholar, Director of Education, Hijaz

01.30pm

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SUNDAY 4TH JULY

How Does Islam Eradicate Racism?Maulana Asim Awan, Islamic Scholar, Solicitor & Senior Partner, Green & Olive Solicitors

Live Spiritual Music performed by Haji Annes Fatehmahomed

Is Anyone Ever Exempt From Racism? Hajj Ahmad Thomson : Barrister & Founding Trustee at IFEES

How have Muslims Dealt with Racism in the UK? Shaykh Noorul Aqtab Siddiqi Islamic Scholar, Solicitor and Senior Partner, Artis Legal

Racism - an Islamic Perspective Shaykh Zainul Aqtab Siddiqi Islamic Scholar and Solicitor

Quran RecitationNaat

Dhikr and Final Dua

05.30pmKeynote Speech: Islam - A Melting Pot of Races Shaykh e Tareeqat Allama Faizul Aqtab Siddiqi, Barrister, Principal Blessed Guide of the Naqshbandi Qadri Hijazi Spiritual Order

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POINTS OF REFLECTION

The pages that follow include key points of reflection from each speech

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FRIDAY 2nd July

Why Does Racism Matter?Mohammed Ibrar Hussain, Director, Solutions Architect, IT Roadway Ltd

• Why mustn’t racism go unchallenged?

• What harm does it do?

• Do we treat it with the seriousness it deserves?

Racism in SocietyNaqeeb ul Aqtab Siddiqi LLB, Law Graduate, Property Development

• Are we aware of our own prejudices and racism?

• Any form of racism is from the ego or the nafs.

• Islam teaches tolerance and unity.

Equal and Adequate Racial Representation: The Need for DiversitySophia Hussain, MSc Nurse & Home Educator

• Increased racial representation needs to take place in a range of roles and at all levels to make a greater impact on rebalancing inequality and in turn helping society.

• We should use our roles and positions to inspire and support others and our future generations.

• Diversity has great importance to the way of life and can bring benefits if embraced.

Education: How Education Colours our Prejudices Sister Razia Sultana Shabnam, MA, PGCE: Primary School Teacher

• Education plays a vital role in educating and nurturing children to become upright citizens.

• The current curriculum favours a pro white view of history. It brushes over issues of racism and fails to deliver a balanced approach that encompasses the achievements of Muslims in the past.

• The system must be rehauled to include the achievements of all past peoples and recognise the current efforts of Muslims and other ethnic groups that have been side-lined for so long, to achieve an inclusive Great Britain that is multicultural.

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Cultural Appropriation VS Cultural Appreciation Ammarah Hannan, English Tutor and Senior Mentor for Hijaz Community

• What is the purpose and value of culture?

• Culture is a changing, man-made structure that every individual contributes to, so what responsibility do we each have towards it?

• When does cultural exchange and appreciation become cultural appropriation?

Muslims Standing Against RacismFaiha Siraj, Data Controller and Administration

• It is a Muslim’s duty to stand up to injustice in all forms - especially Racism.

• We must confront the prejudices that lie in our own hearts and communities.

• Our purpose as Muslims is to better humanity by spreading goodness and resisting evil.

How Responsible are People of Colour for Promoting the Narrative of Racism? Dr Munnaza Hana Ali, GP Partner, GP Trainer & Lecturer for Bradford University

• Racism typically marginalises a minority individual or ethnic group, distinguishing one as superior or inferior to another.

• The Prophet Muhammed صلى الله عليه وسلم was the model anti-racist figure as he promoted peace and equality.

• Reflect upon how different your life might have been or the wonderful experiences you might have had if people were more open minded towards different cultures.

The Life and Example of Hazrat Bilal RA Maulana Teyub Butt, Solicitor & Partner, Green & Olive Solicitors

• Conviction of Faith.

• Racial equality in Islam.

• The first call to prayer: Why Hazrat Bilal (RA).

How Responsible are People of Colour for Promoting the Narrative of Racism? Dr Munnaza Hana Ali, GP Partner, GP Trainer & Lecturer for Bradford University

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SATURDAY 3rd July

Why is Extremist White Supremacist Ideology on the Rise? Yusra Mohabbat, Animation and Illustration Student/Freelancer

• What is White Supremacy?

• Historical White Supremacy.

• Modern White Supremacy.

What is Racism? Dr Saiqah Azad, Sessional GP

• Racism is ingrained in our mind and communities to such an extent that we are unable to recognise and acknowledge this.

• Subtle/Aversive Racism is more severe with pernicious consequences.

• Changing the system at an institution level rather than the individual is required. Education and awareness is key to breaking down the barriers.

Western Beauty Standards: How ‘Fair and Lovely’ are the Concepts of Beauty and Identity? Ulfa Fatehmahomed, Full-time Student, University of Birmingham

• If our goal is to be accepted by society, yet societal standards are constantly changing, will we ever be happy?

• Who needs Instagram filters when you could have Allah Almighty’s Noor?

• Remember that outer beauty captures the eyes yet inner beauty captures the heart.

The Economy of Racism - Slavery and Exploitation of Different Nations Tazkiyya Mohabbat, Full-time student

• Educate yourself on early versions of slavery, not just the Africa Slave Trade but worldwide early slavery.

• Treat all people equally regardless of status, wealth, or social class. They do not contribute to a person’s character.

• It’s best to avoid stimulating and buying products that were made by the exploitation of people, and try to buy fair trade products instead.

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Islamophobia: The Trend to Demonise Muslims Throughout History Dr Safwan Tayyab, GP Partner, Stapenhill Medical Centre

• A brief look at historical examples of islamophobia.

• Influence on Islamophobia today.

• Islamophobia is not new, but by adhering to the good characteristics and values that Islam teaches us, we can change people’s perceptions of Muslims.

Nationalism and Assimilation: Whose Culture is it Anyway? Farzana Hannan, Education Consultant & Trustee at Hijaz

• White Nationalism is dangerous, misguided and Islamophobic.

• Nationalism amongst Muslims is disgraceful and destroying the Ummah.

• Service and Citizenship, rather than Assimilation, is needed by Muslims.


• How the diseases of the heart lead to Racism.

• The link between Racism and The Shaytan.

• The ideal community as explained by The Beloved Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم

Media and the White Middle-Class Protagonist Jamal Rikowski, Volunteer at Hijaz Community

• There’s a need for fairer representations of different races in films and in media.

• Muslims particularly need more humane representations.

• Media should portray more accurate depictions of Muslim history.

Where Does Racism Come From? Dr Abid Iqbal, Portfolio GP, Trainer & Director for Health Education

• Racial bias and discrimination has been used throughout history for money and power.

• Satan was the first racist in history.

• Racism is intolerable to Allah Almighty, so we need to follow the path of the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم and try our utmost to combat this disease within ourselves and our society.


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Racism in Healthcare Dr Jalil Ahmed, Executive Managing GP, Director of eHarley St

• There are undertones of racist discrimination in the healthcare system and those that regulate it e.g. the GMC and CQC.

• Health inequity and poor health care delivery to the BAME population is perpetuated by the failure to rectify discriminatory policies.

• The only solution is for all involved in the healthcare system to acknowledge the problem and implement concrete measures to ensure discriminatory attitudes are broken down by public policy.

The Science Behind Racism Dr Samina Khalil, Sessional GP and National Lead for Muslim Health Service

• Scientific evidence has often been misused to enact racist social policies. Race is a social construct, not a biological attribute.

• Human beings share 99.9% of their DNA with each other. There is only a 0.1% variation between us. We are more similar to each other than different.

• There are no genetic differences in levels of intelligence between people from different populations.

What Constitutes a Different Race. Are Racial Differences Biological or Sociological? Syed Hassan Ali Shah, Trustee at Hijaz

• Race and Ethnicity are mainly social and cultural classifications.

• Genetic Ancestry is a more accepted scientific approach.

• There is very little genetic difference between us as human beings, and we are vastly more similar than we are different.

What Colour is my Islam? Dr Nabeela Siddiqi, Medical Doctor, MBChb, BSc Hons

• Racism is a social pandemic that infiltrates societal structure, disintegrating all areas of life.

• We must free ourselves from these social bubbles of prejudice by taking initiative and educating ourselves.

• Islamic culture and values provide us with the best platform to colour our faith with positive and humane ideals, by following the perfect role model of all creation: the Holy Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم.

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What is the Quranic Teaching on Equality? Maulana Arif Awan, Solicitor & Partner, Green & Olive Solicitors

• There is no equal with Allah Almighty.

• Men & women as humans are equal.

• There is only inequality based on spiritual rank & duty.

Why has Allah Almighty Created Humans With ‘Racial’ Differences? Dr Abdul Qadr Siddiqi, Executive Managing GP, Director of eHarley St

• Race and language provide mankind a means of identifying between themselves for positive and beneficial reasons.

• The Variety within mankind is a display and reminder of the absolute and divine Power of Allah Almighty.

• The existence of variety within mankind serves as a test for mankind by which he will either become:

a. distracted from his true purpose by the superficial differences he observes from his neighbour or

b. he will be reminded of the fundamental commonality he has will his fellow man i.e. of sharing One source of origination and One ultimate destination.


• Believing your race to be superior and bandying against other races is a form of tribalism which is entirely against the ethos of Islam.

• The Nafs and ego drives us to treating others with prejudice.

• How do we try to justify our racism and discrimination.

SUNDAY 4TH July

Does Religious Prejudice Constitute Racism and How Does it Manifest Globally? Brother Burhaan Siddiqi, Dentistry Student, Barts London

• Religious prejudice constitutes racism as it is a social cultural phenomenon despite one’s skin colour or ethnicity.

• Religious prejudice manifests globally especially in the form of Islamophobia.

• Tackling religious prejudice within Muslims through Islamic values.


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The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم for All Races Maulana Mohammed Shabaz, Islamic Scholar, Director of Education, Hijaz World

• The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم for All Nations and All Time.

• How Muslims emulate the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم in dealing with people of different backgrounds.

• How Racism is a disease to the whole of mankind.

Is Anyone Ever Exempt From Racism? Hajj Ahmad Thomson: Barrister & Founding Trustee at IFEES

• All mankind is from Adam and Eve: There is no superior race, whether Arab or non-Arab, black or white, Aryan or Semitic.

• No-one is authorised by Allah to be racist: ‘My contract does not include the wrongdoers.’ (Qur’an: 2.124)

• Everyone is equal in the eyes of Allah except by having taqwa and good action: ‘The colouring of Allah – and what colouring could be better than Allah’s? It is Him we worship.’ (Qur’an 2.136-138).

The Roots of Racism in Colourism Sister Najeeha Al Azkah Siddiqi : Medical Student, University College London

• Colourism is defined by prejudice or discrimination against people of darker skin tone within the same ethnic group.

• It has led people to undergo practices such as skin bleaching which have been known to chemically burn the skin.

• The media and cosmetic companies in particular have now created a profitable industry based on colourist ideals.

How Does Islam Eradicate Racism? Maulana Asim Awan, Islamic Scholar, Solicitor & Senior Partner, Green & Olive Solicitors

• Islamic law and the justice system does not discriminate on the grounds of race in any way.

• Islam promotes meritocracy (distinction based on character).

• In Islam, a person’s success is based on internal purification and not external appearance.

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Keynote Speech: Islam - A Melting Pot of Races Shaykh e Tareeqat Allama Faizul Aqtab Siddiqi, Barrister, Principal Blessed Guide of the Naqshbandi Qadri Hijazi Spiritual Order

05.30pm

“If you look for the differences in people, you will not find anyone in the world who is exactly the same in the

human race, as the DNA for everyone is different. If you focus on differences, even two brothers will be found to

be worlds apart. If you focus on the commonality between people, you will find that every single human has the

same functional features. The intrinsic functionality of all humanity is not only similar, but the same.”

“Divisions amongst humanity are purely for identification purposes. Allah Almighty gave people ancestral,

genetic, and linguistic variations purely for ease of functionality. When people speak the same language and

culture, they easily understand the jokes.”

“In overcoming any form of racial differences, we must focus on being part of the Human Race. This is set out

in the holy Quran, where the use of the word ‘Al-Naas’ (people) is a reflection on the fact that Allah Almighty

deems people to be one race.”

“The global human race is like a garden filled with various types of flowers and plants. When someone prefers

one colour over another, this discrimination is meaningless and superfluous.”

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THE BLESSED SUMMIT 2021 RACISM