http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=160172
Islamic unity is the lesson of Ghadir: Leader
Tehran Times Political Desk
TEHRAN -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said here on Saturday that the important lesson from the Ghadir event is to avoid division in the Islamic world.
“Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) was the Prophet’s appointee, but when he noticed that realizing this right might harm Islam and cause discord, he not only did not make any claims but cooperated with those who ruled the Islamic society… because Islam needed unity,” the Supreme Leader told thousands of well-wishers in remarks made on the occasion of the Eid al-Qadir holiday.
By following Imam Ali (AS), today the Iranian nation is the standard-bearer of Islamic unity in the world, the Leader noted.
Stressing the need for vigilance in the face of enemy plots to spread the “virus of discord” between followers of various Islamic schools of thought, the Leader added, “The great lesson of Ghadir is to fight against discord and to put this important lesson into practice, the followers of Islam should avoid insulting each other’s sanctities and stop bringing up provocative and sensitive issues.”
“And, as it was expressed in the hajj message, through their vigilance and unity, they should disappoint the plan by the (global) arrogance (imperialist forces) to create religious divisions and a Shia-Sunni clash.”
Eid al-Ghadir is the anniversary commemorating the last sermon of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his household) at Ghadir Khumm on Dhul Hijjah 18, in the year 10 AH. It is celebrated mainly by Shias, who regard it as confirmation that Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) was to succeed Prophet Muhammad (S).
The sermon was given before an audience of tens of thousands (some estimates range up to 120,000 believers) of Muslims performing hajj.
In his sermon, the Prophet stated: “For whomsoever I am his master, Ali (AS) is his master, too. He is my caliph (successor) over you after me.”
“O Lord, support whoever supports Ali (AS) and oppose whoever opposes him.
Showing posts with label Intrafaith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Intrafaith. Show all posts
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Islamic conference in a couple of weeks in St. Louis
The Moslem Group of the United States & Canada will be holding its annual conference this year in St. Louis, MO. The MGUSAC is a Shi'i organization that focuses on empowering Muslim youth and young adults to maintain their Islamic values while being good citizens of America and Canada.
I am scheduled to speak at this conference about the importance of bridge building as well as the importance of being proactive in combating Islamophobia and Anti-Muslim bigotry.
For more info about registration, see http://mgusac.org/
Monday, November 05, 2007
Walid facilitates discussion at Muslim Matters Conference at U of M
This past Saturday, the Department of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA) at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor held conference on "Muslim Matters," which contained a series of conversations surrounding the topics of inclusion of Muslims in campus life as well as social cohesion of Muslims on campus.
The audio below is of a discussion regarding Muslim cohesion on campus:
http://www.twango.com/media/DawudWalid.public/DawudWalid.10033
The audio below is of a discussion regarding Muslim cohesion on campus:
http://www.twango.com/media/DawudWalid.public/DawudWalid.10033
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Walid speaks about importance of cultivating mutual understanding in Islam
Last night's speech was given at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor regarding the need for cultural exchange among Muslims.
Cut & paste to listen:
http://www.twango.com/media/DawudWalid.public/DawudWalid.10022
Cut & paste to listen:
http://www.twango.com/media/DawudWalid.public/DawudWalid.10022
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Sunni - Shi'i cooperation in Michigan
The above picture is of a meeting organized by the Council of Islamic Organizations of Michigan (CIOM) regarding increasing cooperation and brotherhood between the Sunni and Shi'i schools of thought. Can you tell who are the Sunnis and who are the Shi'is in this picture?
Historically in Michigan going back to the 1930's, there has never been a major issue between Sunni and Shi'i relating to a void in cooperation and dialogue. In fact among the Syrians, whose families have been in Metro Detroit for approximately a centurty, there has always been intermarriages between Sunnis and Shi'is. Many Syrians and Lebanese have families that are half and half.
Furthermore, there has been interchanging of ideas and joint programs taking place between Sunni and Shi'i leaders going back to the Islamic Center of America's founding Imam and the founding Imam of the Albanian Islamic Center. We're talking about the 1960's here, not yesterday.
Sunni leaders have given lectures and led prayers in Shi'i majority centers and Shi'is have done similiar. In fact, I'm not a Shi'i, yet I've led prayers and have lectured in 6 Shi'i majority mosques in Metro Detroit.
Cut & paste to listen to a lecture that I gave about Sunni-Shi'i relations in November 2003:
http://www.ymaaudio.com/ram/Ramadan11162003_02.ram
After a rash of vandalism, which took place after the execution of Saddam Hussein, conspiracy theories flew around that perhaps Sunnis vandalized Shi'i centers like what's going on in Iraq.
That extrapolation, however, is only conjecture, not fact.
One theory is that so-called Yemeni Wahhabis aka Salafis were behind the vandalisms because of their love for Saddam. The fact of the matter is that Salafis are anti-nationalism and did not support Saddam's Ba'athist/Socialist government, which was far from a theocracy. Those outside of Iraq, such as some in Yemen, who were Pro-Saddam, are the same people who were or would have been Pro-Gamal Abdel Nasser, the deceased Arab Nationalist, who repressed Islamic movements in Egypt. Ironically, Abdel Nasser did give seed money, which helped the Islamic Center of America (Shi'i majority mosque) to get built.
Anyway, hardcore Ba'athists were and are primarily secular minded, not religious - the Ba'ath party was started by an Arab Christian by the way. Many of the top Ba'athists were also Shi'i such as the 1st Iraqi Prime Minister after the invasion, Ayad Al-Allawi. Tariq Aziz, Iraqi's Deputy Prime Minister under Saddam, is Christian.
Domestically speaking, the Iraqi Sunni population in Metro Detroit is miniscule. The portion of the Iraqi American population that benefitted the most from Saddam were Chaldeans, Iraqi Catholics. Saddam donated approximately half of a million dollars for the construction of a Chaldean Church and the Chaldean Community Center off of E. 7 Mile in Detroit.
SEE:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/03/26/iraq/main546287.shtml
In fact due to his generous donations to the Chaldeans, Saddam received the Key to the City of Detroit while Mayor Coleman Young was in office.
This is not an assertion that a Chaldean or Arab Christian was behind the vandalisms. This is simply providing information to broaden the horizons of those who read about one belligerent call to an Iraqi-American restaurant in Arabic, which was vandalized or vandalism to the Karabala Islamic Educational Center in Dearborn that was stenciled grafitti in Arabic not to jump to conclusions. The FBI, Dearborn Police and Detroit Police have caught no one, and the acts of vandalism that increased in January 2007 appear to be unrelated.
There is no major Sunni - Shi'i split here.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Walid meets with Iraqi leader
http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070703/NEWS06/70703004/1023
Iraqi MP tells of post-Saddam Iraq
By Stacy Jenkins
Staff writer
Conditions for the Turkmen people in northern Iraq are worse now than before the fall of Saddam Hussein.
That was the message from Dr. Sadettin Ergeç, a member of the Iraqi Parliament, who visited Farmington Hills Monday as part of his U.S. trip to raise awareness about the conditions the Turkmen ethnic group in northern Iraq is facing.
Ergeç also met with U.S. government officials at the State Department and the National Security Council in Washington D.C. and with United Nations officials in New York.
He was brought to speak at the Farmington Hills Manor by the International Visitors Council of Metropolitan Detroit board member John Akouri, of Farmington Hills, the Assembly of Turkish American Associations and Farmington Hills resident Nurten Ural, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Turkey.
“We thought the Americans needed to hear this,” said Ural. “Many people do not know this. This type of news isn’t out there too much. There’s so much going on in Iraq that we don’t know about.”
Ergeç, who has survived five assassination attempts, said the Turkmen in northern Iraq are being over-taken by the Kurds, who have moved into the oil-rich Kirkuk area and destroyed the infrastructure. He said the Turkmen are not allowed to speak their language and their government buildings and documents have all been destroyed...
The Turkmen and other ethnic groups in Iraq will wait a long time, according to Dawud Walid, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, based in Southfield.
“Each group in Iraq claims to be the most oppressed,” said Walid. “And, each group has a grievance with another group — these are severe barriers to the healing process of the nation.”
Walid said the U.S. occupation in Iraq needs to end and the religious groups need to accept one another, for there to be a unified Iraq.
“Our nation’s occupation in Iraq is a catalyst for sectarian violence,” said Walid.
“It’s more than just a political situation, it’s a spiritual, psychological situation that needs to be addressed. The religious leadership in Iraq needs to come together, because spiritual healing needs to take place first.”(MORE)
Iraqi MP tells of post-Saddam Iraq
By Stacy Jenkins
Staff writer
Conditions for the Turkmen people in northern Iraq are worse now than before the fall of Saddam Hussein.
That was the message from Dr. Sadettin Ergeç, a member of the Iraqi Parliament, who visited Farmington Hills Monday as part of his U.S. trip to raise awareness about the conditions the Turkmen ethnic group in northern Iraq is facing.
Ergeç also met with U.S. government officials at the State Department and the National Security Council in Washington D.C. and with United Nations officials in New York.
He was brought to speak at the Farmington Hills Manor by the International Visitors Council of Metropolitan Detroit board member John Akouri, of Farmington Hills, the Assembly of Turkish American Associations and Farmington Hills resident Nurten Ural, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Turkey.
“We thought the Americans needed to hear this,” said Ural. “Many people do not know this. This type of news isn’t out there too much. There’s so much going on in Iraq that we don’t know about.”
Ergeç, who has survived five assassination attempts, said the Turkmen in northern Iraq are being over-taken by the Kurds, who have moved into the oil-rich Kirkuk area and destroyed the infrastructure. He said the Turkmen are not allowed to speak their language and their government buildings and documents have all been destroyed...
The Turkmen and other ethnic groups in Iraq will wait a long time, according to Dawud Walid, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, based in Southfield.
“Each group in Iraq claims to be the most oppressed,” said Walid. “And, each group has a grievance with another group — these are severe barriers to the healing process of the nation.”
Walid said the U.S. occupation in Iraq needs to end and the religious groups need to accept one another, for there to be a unified Iraq.
“Our nation’s occupation in Iraq is a catalyst for sectarian violence,” said Walid.
“It’s more than just a political situation, it’s a spiritual, psychological situation that needs to be addressed. The religious leadership in Iraq needs to come together, because spiritual healing needs to take place first.”(MORE)
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Sunni & Shi'i imams speak out against terror bombing of mosque in Iraq
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/michigan/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1097755
Detroit-Area Clerics Condemn
Mosque Bombing
Sarah Hulett
DEARBORN, MICH.
(2007-06-13)
Islamic clerics from the Detroit area are condemning the bombing of the Askaria Mosque in Samarra today. And they're urging southeast Michigan's Muslim community to stay calm in the wake of the destruction of a one of the holiest Shi'ite shrines.
Dawud Walid directs the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Michigan. He says there needs to be a thorough investigation into who's responsible for the explosions."We also call on the Muslim community and the Muslim scholars both in Iraq and here and to remind their followers to be calm," says Walid.
"We should not jump to any conclusions as to who was behind this crime.
"Imam Mohammad Musa is with the Muslim Unity Center in Bloomfield Hills. He says it's critical for Sunni and Shi'ite leaders to come together.
"Our community is worried about what's happening there like disease," says Musa. "And they don't like the disease to come here."(MORE)
Detroit-Area Clerics Condemn
Mosque Bombing
Sarah Hulett
DEARBORN, MICH.
(2007-06-13)
Islamic clerics from the Detroit area are condemning the bombing of the Askaria Mosque in Samarra today. And they're urging southeast Michigan's Muslim community to stay calm in the wake of the destruction of a one of the holiest Shi'ite shrines.
Dawud Walid directs the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Michigan. He says there needs to be a thorough investigation into who's responsible for the explosions."We also call on the Muslim community and the Muslim scholars both in Iraq and here and to remind their followers to be calm," says Walid.
"We should not jump to any conclusions as to who was behind this crime.
"Imam Mohammad Musa is with the Muslim Unity Center in Bloomfield Hills. He says it's critical for Sunni and Shi'ite leaders to come together.
"Our community is worried about what's happening there like disease," says Musa. "And they don't like the disease to come here."(MORE)
Walid urges unity after attack on shrine in Iraq
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070613/NEWS02/70613030
Muslim leaders to hold unity rally today in Dearborn
June 13, 2007
By NIRAJ WARIKOO
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
Muslims are planning to gather in Dearborn this afternoon to call for unity in the aftermath of the bombing of one of the most important mosques for Shi’ite Muslims in Iraq.
Sunni and Shi’ite leaders are expected to hold a 4 p.m. news conference at the Karbalaa Islamic Education Center in Dearborn, a Shi’ite mosque headed by Imam Husham Al-Husainy.
“We want to affirm our unity as Shi’ites and Sunnis,” said Dawud Walid, head of the Michigan branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. “We should be an example of how all Muslims can work together.”
Muslim leaders to hold unity rally today in Dearborn
June 13, 2007
By NIRAJ WARIKOO
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
Muslims are planning to gather in Dearborn this afternoon to call for unity in the aftermath of the bombing of one of the most important mosques for Shi’ite Muslims in Iraq.
Sunni and Shi’ite leaders are expected to hold a 4 p.m. news conference at the Karbalaa Islamic Education Center in Dearborn, a Shi’ite mosque headed by Imam Husham Al-Husainy.
“We want to affirm our unity as Shi’ites and Sunnis,” said Dawud Walid, head of the Michigan branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. “We should be an example of how all Muslims can work together.”
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Walid addresses Muslim unity
The following lecture was given this past Thursday night during a special commemoration of Fatimah Az-Zahra (SA), the daughter of Prophet Muhammad (SAAS) at the American Muslim Community Center in Madison Heights, Michigan. http://ulifeonline.org/home/
Cut & paste the following link to listen:
http://www.zshare.net/audio/220628506019de/
Cut & paste the following link to listen:
http://www.zshare.net/audio/220628506019de/
Monday, May 21, 2007
Islamic scholar helps draft unity code
http://www.mlive.com/news/aanews/index.ssf?/base/news-22/1179758402317560.xml&coll=2&thispage=1
Islamic scholar helps draft code of honor Mutual respect called for among sects
Monday, May 21, 2007
BY ART AISNER
Staff Reporter
Sherman Jackson has little use for decorative wall art.
There isn't much need when nearly every inch of wall space in his corner office at the University of Michigan's Thayer Building is covered with volumes of religious texts, Islamic law, and commentaries on theology.
On the wall just inside the door frame hangs a document representing what some are calling a watershed moment in Muslim American history, a reference that draws a reflective and immediate smile from Jackson.
Jackson was among 20 Muslim activists, academics, and spiritual leaders from around the state to recently sign a code of honor. They have pledged to promote unity and mutual respect among the religion's different sects here while the bloody conflict between Sunni and Shiite Muslims continues to take its toll abroad.
"This is a wonderful achievement,'' said Jackson, a Philadelphia native who converted from Christianity to Islam in the late 1970s. He is now an Islamic scholar and professor of East Asian studies at U-M.
"It's just a start, but there was this sense of a growing need now for something like this, given what is going on in Iraq, to ensure that whatever happens in the Muslim world does not spill over into the American space in such a way that it would divide the Muslim community in America.''
Similar codes have been signed recently in California and other Muslim communities across the country.
Leaders from Muslim communities in southeast Michigan were already trying to foster better relations and interaction between Sunnis and Shiites locally when the sectarian tensions ignited more than a year ago into deadly violence nearly every day in Iraq.
The local tension was exacerbated when six Detroit-area Shiite-owned businesses and mosques were vandalized shortly after many Shiites celebrated Saddam Hussein's execution by taking to the streets of Dearborn in January, said Dawud Walid, executive director of the Michigan branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.(MORE)
Islamic scholar helps draft code of honor Mutual respect called for among sects
Monday, May 21, 2007
BY ART AISNER
Staff Reporter
Sherman Jackson has little use for decorative wall art.
There isn't much need when nearly every inch of wall space in his corner office at the University of Michigan's Thayer Building is covered with volumes of religious texts, Islamic law, and commentaries on theology.
On the wall just inside the door frame hangs a document representing what some are calling a watershed moment in Muslim American history, a reference that draws a reflective and immediate smile from Jackson.
Jackson was among 20 Muslim activists, academics, and spiritual leaders from around the state to recently sign a code of honor. They have pledged to promote unity and mutual respect among the religion's different sects here while the bloody conflict between Sunni and Shiite Muslims continues to take its toll abroad.
"This is a wonderful achievement,'' said Jackson, a Philadelphia native who converted from Christianity to Islam in the late 1970s. He is now an Islamic scholar and professor of East Asian studies at U-M.
"It's just a start, but there was this sense of a growing need now for something like this, given what is going on in Iraq, to ensure that whatever happens in the Muslim world does not spill over into the American space in such a way that it would divide the Muslim community in America.''
Similar codes have been signed recently in California and other Muslim communities across the country.
Leaders from Muslim communities in southeast Michigan were already trying to foster better relations and interaction between Sunnis and Shiites locally when the sectarian tensions ignited more than a year ago into deadly violence nearly every day in Iraq.
The local tension was exacerbated when six Detroit-area Shiite-owned businesses and mosques were vandalized shortly after many Shiites celebrated Saddam Hussein's execution by taking to the streets of Dearborn in January, said Dawud Walid, executive director of the Michigan branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.(MORE)
Saturday, May 12, 2007
No evidence of sectarian violence or vandalism among Muslims in Metro Detroit
Michigan Muslim leaders sign pactBy: Tarek M. Baydoun / The Arab American News
2007-05-12
DEARBORN - Over two dozen local Muslim leaders met in Dearborn Heights this week to sign the "Muslim Code of Honor," widely touted as an unprecedented proactive statement of unity between American Shi’a and Sunni Muslims. The signing and press conference were organized by the Council of Islamic Organizations of Michigan (CIOM) and hosted at the Islamic House of Wisdom by . A similar event was recently held by California’s American Muslim population and similar signings are planned across the country.
The signing built upon recent efforts in the community after tragic events in the Middle East were perceived to have strained relationships between local American Muslims. After the bombing of the Askari mosque in Samaraa last February, several local Sunni and Shi’a imams issued a unified condemnation of the sectarian violence and a press conference was held at the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn. After the execution of Saddam Hussein in January of this year, several acts of vandalism occurred to Shi’a owned centers and businesses on Warren Avenue in Dearborn.
It was widely reported that this was likely a reaction by some Sunnis to the festivities in the local Shi’a community celebrated the execution. According to Dawud Walid of the Council on American Islamic Relations, Michigan (CAIR-MI) law enforcement agencies have not identified the perpetrators and there is no proof that the vandals had a sectarian motive.(MORE)
Friday, May 11, 2007
Muslims agree to peace
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070511/NEWS05/705110433
Metro Detroit harmony sought
May 11, 2007
BY NIRAJ WARIKOO
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
In what they called a historic agreement, Muslims from across Michigan signed a document Thursday that calls for unity between Sunnis and Shi'ites, the two main sects of Islam whose metro Detroit relations have been strained in recent months.
About 30 Muslim leaders gathered at the Islamic House of Wisdom, a Shi'ite mosque in Dearborn Heights, to sign the Muslim Code of Honor. It calls on Muslims to refrain from insulting each other and using foreign literature that promotes hatred of Muslim sects.
The one-page document bans takfir, a part of Islamic law in which Muslims say that other Muslims are not true believers. Some Sunnis don't consider Shi'ites to be true Muslims.
"People shouldn't have the fear that Detroit is going to turn into Baghdad," said Dawud Walid, a Sunni who heads the Council on American-Islamic Relations' Michigan branch.(MORE)
Metro Detroit harmony sought
May 11, 2007
BY NIRAJ WARIKOO
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
In what they called a historic agreement, Muslims from across Michigan signed a document Thursday that calls for unity between Sunnis and Shi'ites, the two main sects of Islam whose metro Detroit relations have been strained in recent months.
About 30 Muslim leaders gathered at the Islamic House of Wisdom, a Shi'ite mosque in Dearborn Heights, to sign the Muslim Code of Honor. It calls on Muslims to refrain from insulting each other and using foreign literature that promotes hatred of Muslim sects.
The one-page document bans takfir, a part of Islamic law in which Muslims say that other Muslims are not true believers. Some Sunnis don't consider Shi'ites to be true Muslims.
"People shouldn't have the fear that Detroit is going to turn into Baghdad," said Dawud Walid, a Sunni who heads the Council on American-Islamic Relations' Michigan branch.(MORE)
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Muslims to sign anti-violence pledge
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070508/UPDATE/705080442/1003/METRO
Santiago Esparza / The Detroit News
DEARBORN HEIGHTS -- Muslim clerics from the Shi'a and Sunni communities on Thursday will sign a document, pledging to speak out against sectarian violence or division.
The 20 religious leaders will meet at 4 p.m. in the Islamic House of Wisdom at 22575 Ann Arbor Trail in Dearborn Heights. The clerics will sign the Code of Honor and hope it serves as a beacon for Muslims in other parts of the world.
Metro Detroit has the largest population of people of Middle Eastern descent outside of the Middle East. Much of that population is Muslim and that means leaders must be accountable, said Dawud Walid, executive director of the Michigan office of the Council on American Islamic Relations.
"We have a special position and with that position comes … responsibility," Walid said. "Perhaps it can be a sign for Muslims abroad."(MORE)
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6485202&nav=0Rce
Islamic leaders to sign pact to strengthen ties between sects
DETROIT -- Regional Islamic leaders are expected to sign an agreement this week to strengthen ties and ward off conflicts between the faith's two major sects.
About 20 Sunni and Shiite leaders from Detroit, Flint, Ann Arbor and Lansing plan to sign the one-page "Intra-faith Code of Conduct" during a meeting on Thursday at the Islamic House of Wisdom in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn Heights.
"It's a covenant of cooperation," Dawud Walid, executive director of the Michigan state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said Tuesday. "It affirms that each sect is legitimately within the fold of Islam. Each side should not say disparaging things about the other."
Islamic leaders in Detroit, home to one of the nation's largest Muslim populations, will follow leaders in Southern California, who recently signed a similar code. Muslims in Washington, D.C., also plan to sign a version of the agreement.
At the same time, intra-faith efforts can address the graver problem of anti-Muslim sentiment. Bias incidents against Muslims including harassment, violence and discrimination rose nearly one-third last year to a 12-year high, according to the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
Walid said it's important for Detroit-area Muslims to come together, given the area's status as a Muslim center.
"Metro Detroit typifies for many the Muslim sentiment and sensitivities in America," he said. "We believe that the signing of this code in Detroit can (have) influence internationally in Muslim world."(MORE)
Santiago Esparza / The Detroit News
DEARBORN HEIGHTS -- Muslim clerics from the Shi'a and Sunni communities on Thursday will sign a document, pledging to speak out against sectarian violence or division.
The 20 religious leaders will meet at 4 p.m. in the Islamic House of Wisdom at 22575 Ann Arbor Trail in Dearborn Heights. The clerics will sign the Code of Honor and hope it serves as a beacon for Muslims in other parts of the world.
Metro Detroit has the largest population of people of Middle Eastern descent outside of the Middle East. Much of that population is Muslim and that means leaders must be accountable, said Dawud Walid, executive director of the Michigan office of the Council on American Islamic Relations.
"We have a special position and with that position comes … responsibility," Walid said. "Perhaps it can be a sign for Muslims abroad."(MORE)
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6485202&nav=0Rce
Islamic leaders to sign pact to strengthen ties between sects
DETROIT -- Regional Islamic leaders are expected to sign an agreement this week to strengthen ties and ward off conflicts between the faith's two major sects.
About 20 Sunni and Shiite leaders from Detroit, Flint, Ann Arbor and Lansing plan to sign the one-page "Intra-faith Code of Conduct" during a meeting on Thursday at the Islamic House of Wisdom in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn Heights.
"It's a covenant of cooperation," Dawud Walid, executive director of the Michigan state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said Tuesday. "It affirms that each sect is legitimately within the fold of Islam. Each side should not say disparaging things about the other."
Islamic leaders in Detroit, home to one of the nation's largest Muslim populations, will follow leaders in Southern California, who recently signed a similar code. Muslims in Washington, D.C., also plan to sign a version of the agreement.
At the same time, intra-faith efforts can address the graver problem of anti-Muslim sentiment. Bias incidents against Muslims including harassment, violence and discrimination rose nearly one-third last year to a 12-year high, according to the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
Walid said it's important for Detroit-area Muslims to come together, given the area's status as a Muslim center.
"Metro Detroit typifies for many the Muslim sentiment and sensitivities in America," he said. "We believe that the signing of this code in Detroit can (have) influence internationally in Muslim world."(MORE)
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Walid speaks about Sunni & Shi`ah relations
Following audio is of an hour interview on WEMU 89.1 FM, NPR's affiliate in Ypsilanti, Michigan on the Lynn Rivers Show regarding Sunni & Shi`ah relations:
http://www.zshare.net/audio/sunni-shii-mp3.html
http://www.zshare.net/audio/sunni-shii-mp3.html
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Decreasing friction in the family - Sunni - Shi`i
DECREASING FRICTION IN THE FAMILY - SUNI SHIA
By Imam Abdullah El-Amin
In light of the friction between Suni and Shia factions of the Islamic family, it becomes apparent that we have the choice of focusing on a situation with negative eyes or with positive eyes. I believe everyone is aware of the fact that enemies of Islam have taken a centuries-old situation between Suni and Shia sects of Islam and exploited it for their own purposes. With the chaos going on in Iraq , it behooves their common enemy to create more conflict between them.
But there is a positive side to this story as there is to every situation that happens in life. It is a great blessing that ALLAH has equipped the human being with the ability to capitalize on situations and turn them into their favor. One such blessing occurred last week in Detroit-Dearborn , Michigan.
A great representation of religious leaders from our Suni and Shia families met to discuss a few vandalism incidents that happened in the community. It was a resounding success. Of course one of the reasons those who came were eager to show up was because we already knew there was no animosity between us any way. As a matter of fact, many years ago, under the banner of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Michigan, former chairman Syed Salman (may ALLAH bless his soul and grant him paradise) and yours truly, organized the first Suni-Shia Symposium to be held in this area. Syed Salman was my mentor in learning how to be a human being. To be truthful with you, I have not seen many better than Salman in exercising and enhancing the humanity of all people. He was a giant of a man and loved by all.
The planning stages of the symposium were filled with much optimism from the majority of the people, but a smattering of pessimism also showed its head from time to time. One such incident involved a member of my mosque who told me “if you knew what you were doing, you wouldn’t try to have this symposium.” I thought about that as I was listening to a recording Martin Luther King made after a knife attack by a deranged woman in New York . The doctors said the knife came so close to his aorta that if he had sneezed, it would have punctured it and he would have died. A little Caucasian girl wrote him a letter of convalescence and told him she was “glad he didn’t sneeze.”
In that same vein, I’m glad I “didn’t know what I was doing” because if I had known what I was doing, twenty or so scholars of both Suni and Shia wouldn’t have been on the same stage extolling the virtues of respect of your fellow Muslim brother. If I had “known” what I was doing, great and lasting friendships wouldn’t have been formed that day that have lasted to this day.
If I had “known” what I was doing, Salman and I would not have persevered among many challenges; and probably would have sat down because we “knew” of all the difficulty. I’m so glad I didn’t know what I was doing because the result made the coming together of the family last week so much easier and more productive.
So now that we know what we’re doing, let’s exercise that knowledge for the good of the ummah. Islamic knowledge and leadership is supposed to be the tool for unification, love, respect, and tolerance. If you really know what you are doing, you will use your intellect to kill separatist, mentalities that keep us weak.
This is instructing that morsel of flesh (the heart) to be whole and good so it can make the whole body (including the mind) whole, moral and good.
Yes, I’m glad I didn’t know what I was doing - or maybe… I did know.
By Imam Abdullah El-Amin
In light of the friction between Suni and Shia factions of the Islamic family, it becomes apparent that we have the choice of focusing on a situation with negative eyes or with positive eyes. I believe everyone is aware of the fact that enemies of Islam have taken a centuries-old situation between Suni and Shia sects of Islam and exploited it for their own purposes. With the chaos going on in Iraq , it behooves their common enemy to create more conflict between them.
But there is a positive side to this story as there is to every situation that happens in life. It is a great blessing that ALLAH has equipped the human being with the ability to capitalize on situations and turn them into their favor. One such blessing occurred last week in Detroit-Dearborn , Michigan.
A great representation of religious leaders from our Suni and Shia families met to discuss a few vandalism incidents that happened in the community. It was a resounding success. Of course one of the reasons those who came were eager to show up was because we already knew there was no animosity between us any way. As a matter of fact, many years ago, under the banner of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Michigan, former chairman Syed Salman (may ALLAH bless his soul and grant him paradise) and yours truly, organized the first Suni-Shia Symposium to be held in this area. Syed Salman was my mentor in learning how to be a human being. To be truthful with you, I have not seen many better than Salman in exercising and enhancing the humanity of all people. He was a giant of a man and loved by all.
The planning stages of the symposium were filled with much optimism from the majority of the people, but a smattering of pessimism also showed its head from time to time. One such incident involved a member of my mosque who told me “if you knew what you were doing, you wouldn’t try to have this symposium.” I thought about that as I was listening to a recording Martin Luther King made after a knife attack by a deranged woman in New York . The doctors said the knife came so close to his aorta that if he had sneezed, it would have punctured it and he would have died. A little Caucasian girl wrote him a letter of convalescence and told him she was “glad he didn’t sneeze.”
In that same vein, I’m glad I “didn’t know what I was doing” because if I had known what I was doing, twenty or so scholars of both Suni and Shia wouldn’t have been on the same stage extolling the virtues of respect of your fellow Muslim brother. If I had “known” what I was doing, great and lasting friendships wouldn’t have been formed that day that have lasted to this day.
If I had “known” what I was doing, Salman and I would not have persevered among many challenges; and probably would have sat down because we “knew” of all the difficulty. I’m so glad I didn’t know what I was doing because the result made the coming together of the family last week so much easier and more productive.
So now that we know what we’re doing, let’s exercise that knowledge for the good of the ummah. Islamic knowledge and leadership is supposed to be the tool for unification, love, respect, and tolerance. If you really know what you are doing, you will use your intellect to kill separatist, mentalities that keep us weak.
This is instructing that morsel of flesh (the heart) to be whole and good so it can make the whole body (including the mind) whole, moral and good.
Yes, I’m glad I didn’t know what I was doing - or maybe… I did know.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Walid speaks about Muslim demographics and Sunni-Shi`ah relations on NPR
The following was aired this morning on WDET 101.9 FM. The second portion of the interview is scheduled to be played tomorrow morning around 7:45 AM and 9:30 AM.
http://www.wdetfm.org/article.php?id=1500
http://www.wdetfm.org/audio/articles/walid1_2007.01.11.12.30.m3u
http://www.wdetfm.org/article.php?id=1500
http://www.wdetfm.org/audio/articles/walid1_2007.01.11.12.30.m3u
Message for Friday - Sunnis & Shi`is are brothers in faith, one community
إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ فَأَصْلِحُوا بَيْنَ أَخَوَيْكُمْ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ
G'd says in the Qur'an (49:10) - The beleivers are but a single brotherhood, so make peace between your brothers. And fear G'd that you may receive mercy.
In the context of this verse of the Qur'an, beleiver means more than just belief in G'd. It means those who beleive in G'd and the message that was given to the last prophet of Islam, Prophet Muhammad (SAAS). In this belief that he (SAAS) is the last prophet of G'd, who received the Qur'an, along with the belief in all of the books revealed before (Torah, Psalms & Gospels), angels, all of the prophets before him (SAAS), and the day of resurrection, there is no difference between Sunnis & Shi`is. Hence, these two groups have a special relationship as Muslims that is different than relationship with people of other faiths. The Muslims are a single nation.
The late Sunni scholar of Al-Azhar university, Mahmud Shaltut, issued a fatwa in 1959 to validate the legitimacy of the basis of jurisprudence of the Zaydi & Ja'fari schools within the Shi`i tradition.
SEE: http://www.shiachat.com/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t51716.html
G'd says in the Qur'an (49:10) - The beleivers are but a single brotherhood, so make peace between your brothers. And fear G'd that you may receive mercy.
In the context of this verse of the Qur'an, beleiver means more than just belief in G'd. It means those who beleive in G'd and the message that was given to the last prophet of Islam, Prophet Muhammad (SAAS). In this belief that he (SAAS) is the last prophet of G'd, who received the Qur'an, along with the belief in all of the books revealed before (Torah, Psalms & Gospels), angels, all of the prophets before him (SAAS), and the day of resurrection, there is no difference between Sunnis & Shi`is. Hence, these two groups have a special relationship as Muslims that is different than relationship with people of other faiths. The Muslims are a single nation.
The late Sunni scholar of Al-Azhar university, Mahmud Shaltut, issued a fatwa in 1959 to validate the legitimacy of the basis of jurisprudence of the Zaydi & Ja'fari schools within the Shi`i tradition.
SEE: http://www.shiachat.com/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t51716.html
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Joint call from Mecca: End Bloodshed in Iraq
http://www.zaman.com/?bl=international&alt=&trh=20061022&hn=37595
INTERNATIONAL 10.24.2006 Tuesday - ISTANBUL 15:50
Joint Call from Mecca: End Bloodshed in Iraq
By Suleyman Kurt (Diplomatic Correspondent)
Sunday, October 22, 2006
zaman.com
Nearly 50 Shiite and Sunni religious leaders gathered in Mecca, with the initiative of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), issued a statement on Friday asking for the end of sectarian bloodshed in Iraq before the aid al-fitr, the Ramadan holiday.
Ankara has announced that it welcomes the OIC’s initiative, which was also supported by the Iraqi Shiite leaders Ayetollah Ali Sistani and Moqtada al-Sadr.
“Sunnis and Shiites should stand together for the sake of Iraq's independence, unity and territorial integrity, and work together on ending foreign occupation and rebuilding the country's economic, political and military capacities with the aim of securing Iraq's independence," the Mecca document said.
Nearly 50 Iraqi Shiite and Sunni leaders gathered in Mecca around the Kaaba answering an initiative of OIC Secretary-General Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu. The Islamic leaders agreed on a eight-article document after the two-day talks.
Secretary-General Ihsanoglu, reading out the Mecca document, emphasized the importance of “political will” for the success of the initiative.
Ayatollah Ali Sistani, a prominent Iraqi Shiite leader, sent a message supporting the OIC initiative while Moqtada al-Sadr also reportedly supported the initiative.
The religious leaders decided that the Mecca Document should be read in all the mosques in Iraq.
Iraq’s Shiite-origin Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, who talked to Secretary-General Ihsanoglu twice on the phone, said that he supported the Muslim gathering in Mecca.
A message from Muhammad Sayyid Tantawi, Grand Imam of Egypt’s Al-Azhar University, was also read during the meeting.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 Statements in Mecca Document
The Mecca document formed by the Iraqi clerics is as follows:
1- A Muslim is he who professes his faith by bearing witness that there is no God but Allah and that Mohammed is His Prophet. These fundamental principles apply equally to the Sunnis and the Shiites without exception. Any difference between them is merely differences of opinion and interpretation and not essential differences of faith or on the substance of the Pillars of Islam.
2- The blood, property, honour, and reputation of Muslims is sacrosanct on the grounds of the noble verses of the Holy Quran and Prophet’s practices. Therefore, no Muslim, whether he or she is Shiite or Sunni, may be subject to murder or any harm, intimidation, terrorization, or aggression on his property; incitement thereto; or forcible displacement, deportation or kidnapping.
3- All houses of worship are sacrosanct, including mosques and the non-Muslim houses of worship of all faiths and religions. Therefore, these places of worship may not be attacked, appropriated, or in any other way used as a haven to perpetrate acts in contravention of our Magnanimous Sharia.
4- The crimes committed on grounds of sectarian identity or belonging, such as those now being perpetrated in Iraq, fall within the ambit of “wickedness, and mischief on the earth,” which was prohibited and proscribed by the Almighty God.
5- Any provocation of sensitivities or sectarian, ethnic, geographical, or linguistic strife should be shunned and averted. Similarly, any name-calling, abuse, or vilification and invectives uttered by any one party in attack on another should be avoided in view of the express prohibition by the Holy Quran, which labeled such conduct as “blasphemy.”
6- Certain things and principles should never be forfeited, including, in particular, the unity, cohesion, cooperation, and solidarity in piety and righteousness, which should all be preserved and protected against any attempt to tear them asunder. Necessarily therefore, it is incumbent upon all Muslims to adopt caution and vigilance against all attempts to sow division among them, break their ranks or incite sedition, strife, and hate to corrupt their divine spiritual bonds with each other.
7- Muslims, both Sunnis and the Shiites, all in unison champion the cause of the persecuted and unite against the oppressor and the unjust, as they act in application of Almighty God’s words.
8- Muslims, whether Sunnite or Shiite, will thus stand united in protecting the independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Iraq; realizing and consecrating the free will of the Iraqi people, contributing to the military, economic and political capacity-building of their country in order to put an end to occupation and restore and reinstate Iraq’s Arab-Islamic and human cultural and civilization role.
INTERNATIONAL 10.24.2006 Tuesday - ISTANBUL 15:50
Joint Call from Mecca: End Bloodshed in Iraq
By Suleyman Kurt (Diplomatic Correspondent)
Sunday, October 22, 2006
zaman.com
Nearly 50 Shiite and Sunni religious leaders gathered in Mecca, with the initiative of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), issued a statement on Friday asking for the end of sectarian bloodshed in Iraq before the aid al-fitr, the Ramadan holiday.
Ankara has announced that it welcomes the OIC’s initiative, which was also supported by the Iraqi Shiite leaders Ayetollah Ali Sistani and Moqtada al-Sadr.
“Sunnis and Shiites should stand together for the sake of Iraq's independence, unity and territorial integrity, and work together on ending foreign occupation and rebuilding the country's economic, political and military capacities with the aim of securing Iraq's independence," the Mecca document said.
Nearly 50 Iraqi Shiite and Sunni leaders gathered in Mecca around the Kaaba answering an initiative of OIC Secretary-General Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu. The Islamic leaders agreed on a eight-article document after the two-day talks.
Secretary-General Ihsanoglu, reading out the Mecca document, emphasized the importance of “political will” for the success of the initiative.
Ayatollah Ali Sistani, a prominent Iraqi Shiite leader, sent a message supporting the OIC initiative while Moqtada al-Sadr also reportedly supported the initiative.
The religious leaders decided that the Mecca Document should be read in all the mosques in Iraq.
Iraq’s Shiite-origin Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, who talked to Secretary-General Ihsanoglu twice on the phone, said that he supported the Muslim gathering in Mecca.
A message from Muhammad Sayyid Tantawi, Grand Imam of Egypt’s Al-Azhar University, was also read during the meeting.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 Statements in Mecca Document
The Mecca document formed by the Iraqi clerics is as follows:
1- A Muslim is he who professes his faith by bearing witness that there is no God but Allah and that Mohammed is His Prophet. These fundamental principles apply equally to the Sunnis and the Shiites without exception. Any difference between them is merely differences of opinion and interpretation and not essential differences of faith or on the substance of the Pillars of Islam.
2- The blood, property, honour, and reputation of Muslims is sacrosanct on the grounds of the noble verses of the Holy Quran and Prophet’s practices. Therefore, no Muslim, whether he or she is Shiite or Sunni, may be subject to murder or any harm, intimidation, terrorization, or aggression on his property; incitement thereto; or forcible displacement, deportation or kidnapping.
3- All houses of worship are sacrosanct, including mosques and the non-Muslim houses of worship of all faiths and religions. Therefore, these places of worship may not be attacked, appropriated, or in any other way used as a haven to perpetrate acts in contravention of our Magnanimous Sharia.
4- The crimes committed on grounds of sectarian identity or belonging, such as those now being perpetrated in Iraq, fall within the ambit of “wickedness, and mischief on the earth,” which was prohibited and proscribed by the Almighty God.
5- Any provocation of sensitivities or sectarian, ethnic, geographical, or linguistic strife should be shunned and averted. Similarly, any name-calling, abuse, or vilification and invectives uttered by any one party in attack on another should be avoided in view of the express prohibition by the Holy Quran, which labeled such conduct as “blasphemy.”
6- Certain things and principles should never be forfeited, including, in particular, the unity, cohesion, cooperation, and solidarity in piety and righteousness, which should all be preserved and protected against any attempt to tear them asunder. Necessarily therefore, it is incumbent upon all Muslims to adopt caution and vigilance against all attempts to sow division among them, break their ranks or incite sedition, strife, and hate to corrupt their divine spiritual bonds with each other.
7- Muslims, both Sunnis and the Shiites, all in unison champion the cause of the persecuted and unite against the oppressor and the unjust, as they act in application of Almighty God’s words.
8- Muslims, whether Sunnite or Shiite, will thus stand united in protecting the independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Iraq; realizing and consecrating the free will of the Iraqi people, contributing to the military, economic and political capacity-building of their country in order to put an end to occupation and restore and reinstate Iraq’s Arab-Islamic and human cultural and civilization role.
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