The International Union of Muslim Scholars Holds a Virtual Meeting with Prominent Scholars of Pakistan as Part of its International Engagements
The International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) recently conducted a virtual meeting via Zoom, attended by the Union’s President, Sheikh Dr. Ali Mohiuddin Al-Qaradaghi, its Secretary-General, Dr. Ali Muhammad Al-Sallabi, and moderated by Assistant Secretary-General Dr. Fazal Abdullah Murad. A distinguished group of scholars from Pakistan participated, where the President and Secretary-General called for intensified efforts to support the causes of the Muslim Ummah, particularly the Palestinian cause, which continues to endure immense suffering under Israeli occupation.
The meeting highlighted the vital roles scholars must undertake to champion this just cause.
Opening Remarks by Sheikh Dr. Ali Mohiuddin Al-Qaradaghi
Sheikh Al-Qaradaghi opened the session with foundational remarks, emphasizing:
"Scholars bear the great responsibility of conveying Islam’s message and calling people towards goodness. Our role in these challenging times is to be a voice for the oppressed everywhere, especially in Gaza and Palestine."
He quoted from the Qur’an:
"And who is better in speech than one who invites to Allah and does righteousness and says, 'Indeed, I am of the Muslims'" (Surah Fussilat: 33).
He also stressed the importance of embodying noble character, responding to harm with goodness, and practicing patience and justice, as these are among the highest virtues.
Address by Dr. Ali Muhammad Al-Sallabi
In his remarks, Secretary-General Dr. Al-Sallabi highlighted the Union's progress in adopting its 2025 strategic plan. He emphasized the importance of the Islamic Civilizational Revival Project, which aims to reconnect the Ummah with the Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
He noted the significance of prioritizing human values, such as justice and dignity, and called for heightened awareness about the Qur’anic principles that underpin these values.
Contributions from Pakistani Scholars
The Pakistani scholars in attendance underlined the critical role scholars play in fostering Islamic unity and combating sectarianism. They emphasized the need for solidarity among the scholars of the Ummah to address shared challenges, particularly the plight of Palestinians.
One participant remarked:
"Inviting people to Allah requires us to stand united in support of the people of Gaza and Palestine, through continuous awareness, guidance, and active engagement with political and humanitarian issues."
Proposals Discussed
Several ideas were proposed to enhance the Union’s activities in Pakistan, including:
- Allocating sermons and lessons to the Palestinian cause.
- Organizing collective prayers for the people of Gaza during Friday congregations.
- Utilizing media platforms to expose Israeli crimes on international stages.
- Conducting scholarly seminars and conferences on jurisprudential and humanitarian issues.
Conclusion and 2025 Action Plan
In closing, Assistant Secretary-General Dr. Fazal Murad announced a detailed plan for 2025 aimed at strengthening the Union’s scholarly role in Pakistan. He underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between Pakistani scholars and their counterparts in other nations to support the Ummah’s causes.
Source: IUMS