Report by Maroof Gul Pirzada

View Photos from the Visit

On Tuesday 15 December 2009, Shaykh Muhammad Hisham Kabbani visited Jamia Al-Karam and met with Shaykh Muhammad Imdad Hussain Pirzada. Residing in the USA, Shaykh Hisham Kabbani is a leading scholar, author of numerous works and the representative of the grandshaykh of the Naqshbandi-Haqqani Sufi Order; Shaykh Muhammad Nazim Adil al-Qubrusi al-Haqqani.

Shaykh Hisham Kabbani was welcomed on the grounds of Jamia Al-Karam by Shaykh M I H Pirzada, senior staff members and students of Higher Islamic Studies. Accompanying Shaykh Hisham Kabbani were Imam Irfan Chishti MBE, Dr Hedieh Mirahmadi (President of the World Organization for Resource Development and Education), Ali El Sayed of the Naqshbandi Ensemble, Shaykh Ariffin Yeop (Grand Master of Silat Melayu Martial Arts of Malaysia) as well as other disciples and associates.

Upon their arrival Shaykh Hisham Kabbani and the delegation were taken to the Zia-ul-Ummat Suite, devoted to the memory of the Ummah’s Luminary, Justice Shaykh Muhammad Karam Shah al-Azhari (may Allah be pleased with him). Here the delegation was introduced to the senior lecturers of Higher Islamic Studies at Jamia Al-Karam. Shaykh Hisham Kabbani and Shaykh M I H Pirzada discussed a range of issues pertaining to the situation of Muslims in the United Kingdom and beyond. The respected scholars also discussed the services being provided by Jamia Al-Karam and its achievements in responding to the educational needs of the British Muslim communities. Shaykh M I H Pirzada gifted Shaykh Hisham Kabbani with some of his latest literary works including “Reflections: A Quest for Answers to Today’s Questions” and “Human Rights: In light of the Qur’an and Sunnah”. Shaykh Hisham Kabbani then had the opportunity to add his comments to the visitors’ book of Jamia Al-Karam. The respected Shuyukh and scholars subsequently had lunch at the Zia-ul-Ummat Suite and following this they made their way to the Masjid to pray Salat al-Zuhr.

After Salat al-Zuhr the students of the Al-Karam Secondary School as well as male and female students of Higher Islamic Studies at Jamia Al-Karam gathered in the Masjid to hear some pearls of wisdom by the eminent scholars. The programme began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an by Hafiz Adeeb Ayoub, a student of Higher Islamic Studies at Jamia Al-Karam, which was followed by melodious odes in remembrance of the blessed Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). These were recited by Umar Manzoor, a student of Higher Islamic Studies at Jamia Al-Karam, and Ali El Sayed of the Naqshbandi Ensemble. This was followed by a short talk by Dr Hediah Mirahmadi who spoke pertinently of the international dimension and the circumstances that Muslims are currently finding themselves in throughout the world. Dr Mirahmadi also mentioned the important role that Muslim women are playing in responding to the challenges being faced by Muslims worldwide.

VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE VISIT

Subsequently Imam Irfan Chishti MBE, a graduate of Jamia Al-Karam and the Secretary of the Al-Karam Scholars Association (AKSA), spoke of the significant role that Jamia Al-Karam has played in shaping his life. He explained how he cherishes the moments he spent as a student and feels privileged to have been able to sit at the feet of leading intellectuals and scholars of today such as Shaykh M I H Pirzada. Imam Irfan Chishti MBE then introduced Shaykh Hisham Kabbani to the audience.

Shaykh Hisham Kabbani began by stating how humbled he was to visit the great institution of Jamia Al-Karam. He advised the male and female students present that they should understand and emulate the traits and message of their teachers and particularly their respected Shaykh. Teachers and Shuyukh wish for their students to achiever more than they themselves have achieved and the students should endeavour to do this despite the fact that it sometimes seems an impossible task. He advised that they should also emulate the important mission of spreading the Islamic message of peace and harmony. Shaykh Hisham Kabbani then encouraged the students not only to become religious leaders but to excel in a diverse array of fields such as media, law, medicine etc so that Muslims and non-Muslims alike can benefit from these fields and works associated with them.

Following the inspiring talk by Shaykh Hisham Kabbani, Shaykh M I H Pirzada took the opportunity to thank the guests for visiting Jamia Al-Karam and instilling a sense of hope and ambition in the students. Shaykh M I H Pirzada went further to convey how he feels when leading scholars and Shuyukh from around the world come to visit Jamia Al-Karam. He explained that when such individuals visit Jamia Al-Karam and impart their wisdom and encouragement to the students he feels satisfied and content. He feels this way because it is certainly a sign from Allah (most high) that the action he took many years ago of establishing Jamia Al-Karam followed by the continuing endeavours and efforts involved are being accepted by Allah (most high).

After these enlightening words of Shaykh M I H Pirzada, Salat al-Asr was performed which was followed by a sincere supplication. The Shuyukh and scholars then exchanged words of gratitude and thanks and Shaykh M I H Pirzada accompanied Shaykh Hisham Kabbani and the delegation to the gates of Jamia Al-Karam and bid farewell.

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