Sharing the Common Wealth of Islam
The Commonwealth Games 2014 taking place in Glasgow promise to bring a summer of unparalleled enjoyment in sport. With athletes competing from across the Commonwealth nations, the nail-biting excitement will permeate throughout Scotland, while placing it at the centre of the world.
With Muslims representing a significant part of the Commonwealth countries, which are linked by their shared values, what better time to reflect on our commonalities than by Sharing in the Common Wealth of Islam.
Islam was born 1500 years ago and has produced pioneers in many of the arts and sciences which have contributed to the formation of our society today. During the Golden Age of Islam, from around 800 to 1600, the most brilliant minds from all over the world were encouraged to come to the Universities of Damascus, Baghdad and Cairo to increase and develop their knowledge in all fields of learning.
In Muslim Spain, its capital of Cordoba was the foremost seat of learning in Europe at the time. Architectural masterpieces such as the Alhambra Palace in Granada were a place of humanistic beauty with incredible tolerance of other religions and cultures.
During the period known as La Convivencia, Muslim, Christian and Jewish thinkers came together as trailblazers aspiring to build an enlightened Europe, bringing it out of
the dark ages to usher in the renaissance inspired by the Common Wealth of Islam.
With Muslims representing a significant part of the Commonwealth countries, which are linked by their shared values, what better time to reflect on our commonalities than by Sharing in the Common Wealth of Islam.
Islam was born 1500 years ago and has produced pioneers in many of the arts and sciences which have contributed to the formation of our society today. During the Golden Age of Islam, from around 800 to 1600, the most brilliant minds from all over the world were encouraged to come to the Universities of Damascus, Baghdad and Cairo to increase and develop their knowledge in all fields of learning.
In Muslim Spain, its capital of Cordoba was the foremost seat of learning in Europe at the time. Architectural masterpieces such as the Alhambra Palace in Granada were a place of humanistic beauty with incredible tolerance of other religions and cultures.
During the period known as La Convivencia, Muslim, Christian and Jewish thinkers came together as trailblazers aspiring to build an enlightened Europe, bringing it out of
the dark ages to usher in the renaissance inspired by the Common Wealth of Islam.
Sharing our Common Values
Many of the teachings of Islam focus on reminding us about the essential life giving guidance present in all traditions, which provides a commonality between all people and communities.
“Indeed, We have conferred dignity on all the children of Adam” (Qur’an 17:70)
Charity
Perhaps the most practical example of this can be seen in the central Islamic concept of charity called Sadaqa, which in real terms can mean doing any act of goodness. In essence, such acts are the true Common Wealth we all share regardless of our creed or colour, yet the impact made by these sometimes small acts is something we so easily forget.
“The doors of goodness are many...enjoining good, forbidding evil, removing harm from the road, listening to the deaf, leading the blind, guiding one to the object of his need, hurrying with the strength of one’s legs to one in sorrow who is asking for help, and supporting the feeble with the strength of one’s arms all of these are charity prescribed for you.”
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him
“He is not of my community who fills his stomach while his neighbour remains hungry.”
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him
Social Justice
For 1500 years Muslims have sought to serve their communities by providing assistance and help to all irrespective of religion or ethnicity. The Prophet Muhammad’s eagerness to create an alliance called the Hilf ul Fudul protecting the safety of all traders was one of the first of such acts. Similarly during the rebuilding of the Kaa’ba in Mecca in his early years, the Prophet averted a potential conflict through an act of selfless ingenuity and diplomacy.
“Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain success.”
(Quran 3:104)
Muslims in Scotland
Muslims in Scotland have also sought to support the most vulnerable and less fortunate within our local communities. Projects such as Feed Glasgow’s soup kitchens, Colours of Islam’s gifts for sick children, as well as Blood Donation campaigns are some of the many examples of such efforts by local Muslims seeking to serve and support all vulnerable communities around us.
A Shared Future
Our shared values brings communities together and helps us to realise how much we need each other in today’s society.
How often do we forget the needs of an elderly neighbour or an ill mother?
Some of the smallest acts of kindness can mean the world to a needy person and help us restore faith in the goodness of humanity. This is the true Common Wealth we share for the betterment of all our communities.
“Those who are kind and considerate to God’s creatures, God bestows His kindness and affection on them. Show kindness to the creatures on the earth so that God may be kind to you.”
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him
We hope that this year’s Islam Awareness Week can rekindle a part of that Common Wealth of Islam which brings us all closer together and values each other’s contributions.
“Indeed, We have conferred dignity on all the children of Adam” (Qur’an 17:70)
Charity
Perhaps the most practical example of this can be seen in the central Islamic concept of charity called Sadaqa, which in real terms can mean doing any act of goodness. In essence, such acts are the true Common Wealth we all share regardless of our creed or colour, yet the impact made by these sometimes small acts is something we so easily forget.
“The doors of goodness are many...enjoining good, forbidding evil, removing harm from the road, listening to the deaf, leading the blind, guiding one to the object of his need, hurrying with the strength of one’s legs to one in sorrow who is asking for help, and supporting the feeble with the strength of one’s arms all of these are charity prescribed for you.”
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him
“He is not of my community who fills his stomach while his neighbour remains hungry.”
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him
Social Justice
For 1500 years Muslims have sought to serve their communities by providing assistance and help to all irrespective of religion or ethnicity. The Prophet Muhammad’s eagerness to create an alliance called the Hilf ul Fudul protecting the safety of all traders was one of the first of such acts. Similarly during the rebuilding of the Kaa’ba in Mecca in his early years, the Prophet averted a potential conflict through an act of selfless ingenuity and diplomacy.
“Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain success.”
(Quran 3:104)
Muslims in Scotland
Muslims in Scotland have also sought to support the most vulnerable and less fortunate within our local communities. Projects such as Feed Glasgow’s soup kitchens, Colours of Islam’s gifts for sick children, as well as Blood Donation campaigns are some of the many examples of such efforts by local Muslims seeking to serve and support all vulnerable communities around us.
A Shared Future
Our shared values brings communities together and helps us to realise how much we need each other in today’s society.
How often do we forget the needs of an elderly neighbour or an ill mother?
Some of the smallest acts of kindness can mean the world to a needy person and help us restore faith in the goodness of humanity. This is the true Common Wealth we share for the betterment of all our communities.
“Those who are kind and considerate to God’s creatures, God bestows His kindness and affection on them. Show kindness to the creatures on the earth so that God may be kind to you.”
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him
We hope that this year’s Islam Awareness Week can rekindle a part of that Common Wealth of Islam which brings us all closer together and values each other’s contributions.
National Theme
The UK Islam Awareness Week theme of Charity begins at Home has been adapted in Scotland in recognition of the Commonwealth Games 2014 in Glasgow
National UK launch is on Monday 17th March in London with following high profile guests,
National UK launch is on Monday 17th March in London with following high profile guests,
- Sarah Benioff - Director, Integration and Community Rights at Dept for Communities and Local Govt
- Daniel Singleton - National Executive Director, Faith Action
- Laura Marks - Founder, Mitzvah Day
- Othman Moqbel - CEO, Human Appeal International Charity