sharing knowledge RADICAL MIDDLE WAY
Fight fear and ignorance. Have faith.
inspiring people
unity
FOREWORD By Fuad Nahdi
Executive Director & Founder Britain’s two-million Muslims greatly enhance the challenges of building a multicultural, multi-faith and multi-racial society which is inclusive, tolerant, responsible and just. While they do make the process of community cohesion and integration more complex, Muslim communities - young, robust, adventurous and patriotic - also lead by example in this slow, painful and sometimes apprehensive journey. Representing over 65 nationalities and speaking nearly 100 languages British Muslims are anything but homogeneous. Each group - nay, individual - has a personal story, experience, cultural baggage, hope, fear, concern, and, like everybody else, expectation of what British society should be like. A significant factor is that a large number of British Muslims are young - over 62% are said to be under 35 years of age. Whether professionals whose parents were invited guest workers from Mirpur or asylum seekers from East Africa, taxi drivers or waiters who are refugees from the Horn of Africa, the Balkans or Afghanistan - the primary question remains the same: what does it mean to be young, British and Muslim? The Anglo-Rushdie affair, the Balkan conflict, 9/11 and 7/7, the wars against Iraq and Afghanistan - have all raised more questions than answers: on what is Britishness, citizenship, integration, democracy, loyalty and what is right, appropriate and fair. The situation has not been made easy by the fierce battle for hearts and minds being waged for the very soul of Islam across the globe. Radical Middle Way is an initiative that constructs safe spaces and facilitates engagement and dialogue between community leaders and policy makers, religious scholars and activists, men and women, young and old - within a framework that is sensitive and responsive to the Islamic intellectual and theological environment.
Making our communities and society more civilized, human, respectful and harmonious Essentially, it is about how faith is a force for making our communities and society more civilized, human, respectful and harmonious. It is about “enjoining good and forbidding evil”, identifying and advocating shared universal values and working towards mutual understanding. At all times the desire is to enable an understanding of the core message of Islam - to both Muslims and others - that is based on the middle path, on co-existence, tolerance, peace, responsibility and justice. In the last five years we have explored and introduced a plethora of approaches and initiatives in effort at mass engagement, particularly with young people. Tens of thousands of people have attended over 150 events we have organised in 27 cities across the country. Millions have now been reached through our international programmes in Pakistan, Sudan, Indonesia and Mali. Through spreading our positive messages throughout the world we are also connecting shared goals and continuing to learn and develop ways forward. Leading scholars from across the world have joined the stage with poets, hip hop and nasheed artists to ensure that the message is not only authoritative, informed and legitimate but also shared in a transparent and entertaining way. Our website is visited by millions and is among the leading one-stop destinations for young people searching for reconciliation between their faith and modern British society. We consider them fellow travellers in a road well-trodden but still full of excitement, surprises and much reward.
CONTENTS OUR VISION Inspiring change
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THEOLOGY Sharing knowledge of Islamic teaching
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CULTURE
Inspiring through music and the arts
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INTERNATIONAL WORK
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THE SUDAN
Tackling webs of ignorance
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INDONESIA
Celebrating diversity and promoting unity
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OUR SPEAKERS
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OUR OFFER
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OUR PARTNERS
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EMPOWERMENT
Motivating young people to positive action
SOCIAL MEDIA
Pioneering new ways to deliver messages of peace fifteen
WHERE WE’VE BEEN
Our work in the UK and around the world
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PAKISTAN
TRAINING
Equipping a new generation of leaders
Finding new ways to connect
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ENGAGEMENT
Reaching out to diverse communities
REACHING OUT
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COMMUNITY
Bridging divides and facilitating discussion
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A catalyst for positive change: bringing communities together
influential scholars
OUR VISION
Islam is the “Middle Way” because it is a religion of peace, and peace is only at the centre of things and never at the extremes.
sharing knowledge active thinkers
Shaykh Hasan Le Gai Eaton
Inspiring change
Radical Middle Way empowers millions of Muslims across the world to help encourage more open, responsible and cohesive communities. We promote positive mainstream messages of Islam to overcome misunderstanding and help to build a global alliance of the Middle Way. By working alongside communities around the world, we break social barriers and inspire change. Powerful engagement comes through understanding. Our understanding comes from having the widest and most high profile network of Islamic scholars of any organisation working with the Muslim grassroots today. All our programmes are led by this knowledge base, meaning we can actively shape and tailor what we do to best fit local communities. We use international academics, scholars and leading Islamic performers, alongside local performers, to change opinion, empower individuals and encourage civic action. Since 2005, we’ve held more than 170 events across the UK – reaching over 50,000 people. Since 2009, we have run programmes in Indonesia, Mali, Pakistan and Sudan reaching millions of people directly and indirectly. Driven by innovation and creativity, we bring together local, national and international performers to engage with those hardest to reach – especially young Muslims. While keeping true to Islamic traditions and culture, we make them accessible in a contemporary and relevant context.
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A global alliance of the Middle Way
Leading the debate: Networking and insight
Our global presence allows us to bring positive change abroad as well as inform and strengthen our work in the UK. Our programmes in the Sudan, Pakistan and Indonesia have tackled webs of ignorance through engagement and sharing knowledge, creating more linked local communities and a more united Islamic community around the world. Working with a range of partners we facilitate dialogue and create shared understanding of Islam as a religion of peace.
Our unique access to a global network of scholars gives us – and our partners – the chance to create programmes that have appeal in many different communities, in the UK and across the Muslim world.
Alongside engagement programmes, we are a constant and dedicated resource for Muslims across the world. With over 60,000 unique visitors each month, www.radicalmiddleway.co.uk has fast become a place for young Muslims to research and learn about Islamic culture, with material also translated into Arabic, Bahasa Indonesia and Urdu. Our social media sites - including Facebook, YouTube and Twitter - are fostering an online community for young Muslims and others to safely ask questions and find answers.
The idea is for young people to be inspired and motivated to get engaged in their community
In our modern world faith is too often a source of misunderstanding and tension. Our presence tackles misunderstanding, liberating individuals to explore key issues too often left untouched. We bring engagement through understanding, guidance through knowledge and change through inspiration and empowerment.
These connections offer unrivalled insight, particularly in recognising potential tensions and divisive issues both within communities and between nations, and also how these can be bridged and overcome. We are active thinkers, writers and activists. Constantly travelling, connecting and discussing issues of concern with scholars, academics and the media across the world. Recently visiting Canada, Northern Europe, Africa, Asia and the Arab world – we can both guide and draw from the international debate. These networks, connections and activities mean we are able to provide strategic advice to governments and organisations confronting issues including terrorism, inter-faith dialogue and integration through shared values. three
Mixing faith and the modern world is difficult for many - yet, better communication of theological reasoning can offer great guidance. Through our access to eminent international scholars, we are able to draw on Islamic tradition to offer direction, inspiration and leadership for today.
THEOLOGY
Sharing knowledge of teaching Between Ignorance and Extremism was one of the Radical Middle Way’s landmark programmes. Featuring Shaykh Abdullah bin Bayyah and Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, it attracted over 3,000 participants and directly and clearly dealt with contentious issues like defining extremism, understanding how to respond to it, understanding what it means to be British and Muslim and why working for the good of all is at the very core of Muslim belief. It also helped participants understand the importance of getting involved in civic action and engaging with the political process.
From Protest to Engagement The 2007 From Protest to Engagement tour focused around encouraging Muslims to become actively involved in social, public and economic life in the UK. The tour including a powerful and inclusive platform of speakers - visited cities across the UK, as well as gaining coverage on the Islam Channel, with a global audience of over a million. A survey of almost 250 attendees highlighted some of the themes they specifically mentioned learning about, including: • The fundamental teachings of Islam • The importance of spirituality in Islam and connecting with your spirituality • How Islam should affect everything that you do in your life • The need to reject radicalism as it is not the true meaning of Islam • The need to interact with wider British society
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self-discipline
Shaykh Abdullah bin Bayyah is a well-known and well-respected voice of Islamic scholarship recognised around the world – considered a “scholars’ scholar”, since many of his students are actually considered ulama in their own right. Having begun his record of public service as a Minister of Education in Mauritania, his home country, he later became Minister of Justice and eventually Vice-President. A leading jurist, he has continued to pioneer work in the area of legal rights for Muslims in countries where they are a religious minority.
Culture can bridge divides in communities. Our innovative cultural tours utilise local, national and international artists and performers. Through music, poetry and art, we are inspiring young Muslims - often using cultural expressions that reflect their efforts to establish a British Islamic identity.
“ As a new Muslim I felt this event was a breath of fresh air and gave me hope that young Muslims can challenge the stereotypes about Islam and contextualise Islam for the time in which we are living.” Participant
CULTURE
Inspiring through music and the arts The Dangerous Ideas Tour The first event of its kind in the UK, our Dangerous Ideas tour showcased over ten live acts inspiring crowds of young people with messages of peace, love and justice. The acts ranged from international spoken word artists to leading Imams, female poetry groups and hip-hop artists.
Spittin’ Light, Healing the Hood: Muslim Voices for Urban Renewal To build on the success of the Dangerous Ideas events, our Spittin’ Light, Healing the Hood tour, in spring 2009, developed the format and expanded the reach. The tour travelled to nine cities across the UK, reaching over 1,500 people. These cultural tours not only provide knowledge and guidance for young Muslims in the UK, but also create a huge buzz of enthusiasm and energy which can be directed to positive grassroots efforts.
“Truly an eye-opening experience, it was great learning about Islam in such an invigorating and exciting format.”
Over 1,500 people attended across 4 cities 50% aged 18-24, 75% under 30 Amir Sulaiman is a prominent writer, activist, and educator. Twice featured on HBO’s Def Jam Poetry, his poems transcend cultural and religious boundaries and speak to the human experience and the need for social justice. He inspires audiences across the world, using the power of words to create change and bring enlightment. five
British Muslims constitute more than 65 nationalities speaking over 100 languages and dialects. Radical Middle Way programmes help participants to learn and rediscover the skills needed to engage in meaningful debate and discussion about practicing and living faith in a modern, secular and diverse society. By helping people engage, Radical Middle Way helps build bridges across divided communities.
ENGAGEMENT
Reaching out to diverse communities A vital resource for young Muslims Radical Middle Way is well established as a resource centre for young Muslims in the UK and across the globe. In a 2009 survey, 48% of people visiting the Radical Middle Way website were doing so to either to ‘read’ or to ‘research’ - affirming its position as a place for young people to seek guidance and information. Multimedia plays a crucial role too - all events are uploaded online to make sure they reach the widest possible audience.
respected scholars sharing knowledge Shaykha Halima Krausen was born in Aachen, Germany into a mixed Catholic-Protestant family, becoming a Muslim in her early teens. A scholar of the Qur’an and the Arabic language, Shaykha Halima became a founding member of the Inter-Religious Dialogue Circle at the Department of Theology at Hamburg University and today travels extensively around the world - including time in London and Europe - to teach Islamic texts and work on inter-faith projects.
The Shaykha Halima Krausen Tour
secular & diverse harmony & co-existence six
Over four days in March 2009, we held seven events with Shaykha Halima Krausen, a leading European female scholar. The events included a study day, public lectures and discussions as well as small roundtables. Through our programes we were able to create unique opportunities for this inspirational figure to interact with young people across the UK. This bold - female led - tour visited Bradford, Rochdale and Manchester, as well as holding four events in London. In just four days, Shaykha Halima Krausen engaged with 500 people.
Advocates of the Islamic message of tolerance, harmony, co-existence and pluralism are essential to effect real change. Radical Middle Way conducts courses, seminars, and conferences that bring together Imams, community leaders and activists to share in the powerful message of the ‘Middle Way’.
“ The seminar had a serious but open feel about it and the calibre of the speakers was phenomenal.”
TRAINING
Equipping a new generation of leaders Understanding Extremism, Embracing Citizenship Shaykh Abdullah bin Bayyah, considered “a scholars’ scholar”, is one of Islam’s greatest living jurists. In June 2008, the Shaykh led a series of small scale events focussed on personal interaction and one-on-one learning. Understanding Extremism was a unique gathering of Imams, chaplains, policy makers, civic leaders and academics. Set in an intimate environment, the two-day intensive retreat explored the phenomenon of religious extremism by exploring religious texts and identifying key areas where extremist narrative is guilty of misinterpreting and misrepresenting Islamic scriptures. The event allowed participants to develop a deep understanding of the problem and presented practical strategies to deal with it. The programme also brought together Muslim scholars from a wide spectrum of religious opinions and schools of thought and sought to unite them on the basis of common principles and a common agenda for Muslims in the West - one of inclusion, participation and co-existence.
“ Attendees walked away with inspiration, as the event was relevant, they could make it part of their life.” seven
WHERE WE’VE BEEN Our work in the UK and around the world Scotland Glasgow Edinburgh The North West Blackburn Rochdale Bradford Liverpool Oldham Manchester The North Leeds The North Midlands Sheffield Derby Nottingham The Midlands Leicester Birmingham Walsall The East Peterborough Cambridge
Home Counties Slough High Wycombe Luton Milton Keynes Oxford Wales Cardiff The South West Bristol London Hounslow Tower Hamlets Southwark Camden Lambeth Kensington & Chelsea City of London Waltham Forest Brent Westminster Wandsworth Barking and Dagenham Ilford
• Over 170 events across the UK
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Rachel Briggs, Senior Programme Advisor and Fellow, Institute for Strategic Dialogue
• First major Female Scholar’s Tour to the Sudan - over 40,000 attendees
Assan Ali, Managing Director, Al Isharah
“ Radical Middle Way has an outstanding record of success in terms of empowering and educating young Muslims throughout the UK… one of very few grassroots Muslim projects that can genuinely claim to reach and serve youth communities throughout the UK.”
“ RMW put together a fascinating programme, chaired a vibrant discussion and gave many participants a unique opportunity to visit a city with a long tradition of Islamic learning…they issued a Timbuktu declaration - which made a valuable contribution to debate in West Africa. I hope they will continue their work, building links between communities in this important part of the world.”
Dr Robert Lambert, Exeter University
Christopher Trott, British Ambassador, Senegal
Pakistan Timbuktu
Karvaan-e-amnone voice one message
Gathered for Change
Ireland Dublin
“ Radical Middle Way has established itself at the heart of public discourse about Islam and what it means to be a Muslim in the UK today.”
“ Their contacts across the world ranging from influential scholars to role models for young people is a much needed resource we need to maintain.”
Sudan The middle nation
• Over 75,000 attendees in the UK
Indonesia Arus Damai - engaging minds, inspiring hearts
• 30 million SMS messages sent in Pakistan
• 75,000 people directly reached through our programmes in Indonesia
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Young people are a fantastic resource for ideas, bringing huge energy and creativity - yet they often need guidance or an outlet. Through handson workshops - including martial arts - young people are encouraged to use creativity to bring positive benefit to their communities.
To increase cohesion, we create safe spaces for open interaction with tense issues – encouraging debate that helps communities become peaceful, vibrant, inclusive places to live. We pride ourselves in empowering young people to become active agents of positive change, both for themselves and for their communities.
EMPOWERMENT
COMMUNITY
Motivating young people to positive action Turning Anger into Action Part of the Habib Ali Al-Jifri tour in 2009 - which attracted 3,000 people - this event focused on ongoing crisis in Palestine. Recognising the huge sense of anger at the situation in Gaza at the time, RMW created opportunities for communities to question some of the world’s leading Islamic scholars directly. Working within a tight timeframe, our reputation and network meant we could bring Habib Ali Al-Jifri himself, supported by Shaykh Abdal-Hakim Murad and noted therapist Hakim Archuletta to a major event in February 2009 at London’s Friends House where the audience asked challenging questions about the appropriate response to perceived injustice - here and abroad.
The Ultimate Fight: Learning the Ways of Islamic Chivalry Building on an earlier event - “The Fight of Our Lives” that brought hundreds of young people together to learn about the tradition of Islamic chivalry, this two-day retreat combined physical training and scholarly workshops exploring issues of conflict resolution and dealing with violence. An unprecedented event, we were able to bring an Ultimate Fighting Championship trainer together with Islamic scholars and leaders to help young men understand physical and mental issues involved with self-discipline and controlling anger. Fresh, exciting and very popular, this programme gave around 50 young men the chance to relate traditional Islamic concepts to their everyday lives, and benefit from intensive engagement with Islamic leaders. ten
Using inspiration and knowledge to find common purpose and bridge division Habib Ali Al-Jifri is a household name throughout the Muslim world. His work with the influential Dar al Mustafa college in Yemen and the Royal Aal al Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought in Jordan has firmly established his place as an internationally renowned scholar and thought leader, later founding the Tabah Foundation for Islamic Studies and Research in Abu Dhabi as a means for further work into contemporary Islamic issues. He travels extensively across the Arabic-speaking Muslim world as well as to North America, Europe and Asia, engaging with communities and policy makers alike. A popular fixture on Arabic language satellite networks, he is watched by millions across the globe, cementing his popularity and influence.
Bridging divides and facilitating discussion From Sylhet to Whitechapel As part of the Habib Ali Al-Jifri tour, this unprecedented event ran in two mosques notorious for their mutual animosity. Attracting a packed out audience at the East London Mosque and Brick Lane Mosque, Habib Ali Al-Jifri used reflections on the life of Shah Jalal, arguably the greatest and most celebrated Islamic figure of the Bengal region of South Asia, to spread messages of unity and togetherness.
Our Mosques, Our Future This interactive session, also broadcast via live web cast, provided training and guidance for Imams, scholars, Muslim chaplains, council staff and community activists working with Muslim communities. Divided between keynote presentations and interactive discussion sessions, this unique session presented a rare opportunity to engage with one of the leading scholars in the Muslim word - Habib Umar bin Hafiz.
Working one-on-one and in small groups, we create safe spaces for people to ask questions and find answers - building knowledge and trust both within the Muslim community and with wider society.
It opened a lot of lines of communication and dialogue for the council with the Imans and the mosques “ The Habib Ali tour was very, very good…had a very profound impact.” Commentator Habib Umar bin Hafiz is well known for his prophetic lineage and status as one of the most influential traditionalist scholars alive today. His influence through scholarship and preaching is vast in Indonesia and East Africa. He is also incredibly influential through his leadership of the Ba Alawi movement. Habib Umar founded and runs Dar al Mustafa, a centre for traditional Islamic scholarship that currently hosts an array of international students, in Tarim, Yemen. He has joined the ranks of the world’s leading Muslim academics and scholars as a signatory of ‘A Common Word Between Us and You’, a document that builds bridges between the Muslim and Christian community. He is also founder of the NGO Al Rafah Charitable Society which addresses poverty, hunger and lack of sufficient health care that affect areas of rural Yemen.
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Innovation has always been a driver for our development. Our online space is no different. To engage with as many people as possible - especially the younger demographics we have continued to develop and expand our online offering. Our website provides a resource. Our social media platforms are fostering an online community.
REACHING OUT
Finding new ways to connect
“ Do not be afraid in this country. You are a part of it. Feel that you have a responsibility towards improving it and remedying its ailments. Be open about your attendance at masjid and take an active part in the Muslim community.” Gai Eaton, Radical Middle Way
SOCIAL MEDIA Building an online community An increasingly important part of reaching people online, our presence across all the leading social media sites is helping to build an online community. Giving safe spaces to ask questions and get answers – as well as keeping informed about events or other updates. • Over 100,000 YouTube video views
A worldwide resource centre
• 2,500 Facebook group members
radicalmiddleway.co.uk is now a key resource for people around the world. Continually updated, this is our information hub. From articles about traditional and modern day Islam, to audio and video uploads of all our previous events.
• Behind the scenes Twitter tour updates and backstage information for fans
• 50,000 unique visitors every month • Updated daily • Available in English, Arabic, Bahasa Indonesia & Urdu
The Radical Middle Way iPhone and Android app
Over 40 speeches and transcripts uploaded to Scribd, the online reader
• Largest library of Islamic generated content online
Read articles and blogposts
atch and share W videos of our events
Find out what events are on near you - and book!
Download messages from scholars
“ The Radical Middle Way is unique among the many Muslim outreach and engagement initiatives established in recent years in how deeply and thoroughly it understands its target audience. By providing access to sound religious scholarship while simultaneously addressing concerns about social justice, RMW’s work speaks directly to the priorities of Muslim youth. Without a doubt the smartest, most effective, and creative counter-radicalisation program I have ever encountered.” Peter Mandaville, Professor of Government & Islamic Studies, George Mason University, Washington DC
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strong, local partnerships
INTERNATIONAL WORK International programmes The Muslim world is varied and ever changing. Radical Middle Way has been running international programmes since 2009 - working across the world to spread positive Islamic messages, promote stronger linkages in society and help identify common global goals. Our international networks and access to leading scholars means we can engage effectively with these communities, always being sensitive to local contexts, through developing strong local partnerships. Alongside our large scale programmes in the Sudan, Indonesia, Pakistan and Mali, we have also been involved in contributing to conferences and seminars in Dubai, Denmark, Turkey, Singapore and Spain.
Leading the international debate
ambassadors of the Islamic message As the Imam of the Grand Mosque in Medina-Baye, Senegal, Shaykh Tidiane Cisse represents nearly 100 million followers across the world. An accomplished diplomat and renowned scholar, he is a true ambassador of the Islamic message of co-existence, mercy and justice. In 2006, he became the Special Missions Ambassador, on appointment of Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade - bestowing Shaykh Tidiane Cisse with responsibility for diverse missions to the United States, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria and other sub-Saharan African nations.
Timbuktu 2009 - Gathered for Change The Timbuktu Summit held in Mali in March 2009, brought together the continent’s leading Shaykhs, Imams and religious scholars to help rediscover and reclaim Africa’s major contribution toward Islamic civilisation.
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PAKISTAN
Pioneering new ways to deliver messages of peace Highlights • Peace Day Media Campaign, 15-16 August 2009: Pakistan national television aired 35 TV messages from leading international scholars speaking under the banner of Karvaan-e-Amn. • SMS Message Campaign: 30 million SMS messages sent to 5 million people. 1.78 million people pledge their support for the campaign and subscribe for continuing information. • High profile scholar tour: UK-based British-Pakistani ulama, Grand Mufti of Bosnia Dr Mustafa Ceric and Shaykh Babikir Ahmed Babikir toured Pakistan, speaking to over 400 scholars in Mirpur, Gujranwala, Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad/Rawalpindi garnering national media coverage and positive response from the religious leaders. • Two open letters to the people of Pakistan: published in the national Urdu media, reaching over 1.2 million people, the letters contained messages of peace and solidarity from major international Islamic personalities, including Dr Mustafa Ceric - Grand Mufti of Bosnia, and Shaykh Tidiane Cisse - Grand Shaykh of the Tidjani Order, Yusuf Islam and Shaykh Muhammad Gharibullah from the Sudan.
The suffering of millions through disease, poverty and poor governance have all played a part in building support for extremist Islamic movements within Africa - our conference was focused in strengthening the alliance to challenge such propaganda. Drawing upon the most prominent scholars in the region - including Shaykh Tidiane Cisse from Senegal, who commands the devotion of over 50 million people in West Africa - this conference brought open and frank discussions about Africa’s issues. Sessions were held on the importance of political stability, the dangers of extremism and the challenge of addressing gender equality.
Our presence in Pakistan - where our campaign is known as Karvaan-e-Amn (The Caravan of Peace) - is spreading messages of peace and solidarity to the masses. Internationally renowned scholars are providing a robust challenge to the forces of violence and helping unify people around ideas of tolerance, inclusion and peace.
“ Have mercy on people so you may receive mercy, forgive people so you may be forgiven.” Hadith
• 13 feature TV programmes: reaching over 1.5 million people, these specially recorded feature programmes saw respected thinkers tackling key issues, for example “Understanding extremism”, with Shaykh Abdullah bin Bayyah. • CD/Cassette Distribution: 110,000 units produced featuring speeches on “Understanding Extremism” by Shaykh Abdullah bin Bayyah and “What is the Middle Way?” by Habib Ali Al-Jifri dubbed into Urdu and distributed by street-level teams of young Pakistani volunteers in all of Pakistan’s provinces and capital cities.
At 37 years of age, Maulana Raghib Naeemi represents a new generation of religious leaders actively promoting peace, social justice and education in Pakistan. His father, Dr Sarfraz Naeemi, himself a prominent Islamic scholar, was murdered by a suicide bomber on 12 June 2009 after publicly condemning suicide violence. As calls for revenge mounted, Maulana Raghib was a voice of compassion and calm, standing firmly against sectarianism and the terrorists who murdered his father. Now, as the heir to his father’s legacy, Maulana Raghib’s vision is to unite an army of Islamic peace activists to work across the country, providing spiritual guidance and challenging ideologies of hate and violence. He has been an enthusiastic supporter of the Karvaan-eAmn campaign. fifteen
Our tours in Sudan focussed on tackling misconceptions, using the knowledge and inspiration of international scholars to raise levels of dialogue between the various Muslim groups in the country. Reaching over 40,000 people, we visited Khartoum, Omdurman, the province of West Kordofan, Gezira and Sannar.
THE SUDAN
Tackling webs of ignorance The tour was met with great success and acceptance from across the religious spectrum in the Sudan. Themes explored included: Sudan as a Middle Nation, Building a Global Alliance of the Middle Way and the Role of Women in Creating Socially Just Societies.
Highlights • Female Scholars Tour: showcasing leading female scholars. It gave a rare chance for largely women based audiences to question the role of Muslim women in the West. • SMS Campaign: Around 8,000 people actively signed up to receive updates and messages throughout the pilot programme • CD Distribution: Over 20,000 CDs have been distributed featuring a talk by Habib Umar bin Hafiz and we are currently distributing another 90,000 units of talks by Habib Umar bin Hafiz and Shaykh Muhammad Fatih Gharibullah covering topics as diverse as “What is Jihad?” and “The Challenge of Climate Change”.
Shaykh Gharibullah was born in 1960 in Edinburgh, UK, where his father Professor and Shaykh Hassan Mohamed Al Fatih Gharibullah was doing his Higher studies. His father has great fame as A Sammaniya Shaykh whom made contributions to the Sufi Movement in Sudan and added to the legacy built by his father and grandfather before him. He was sworn in as Shaykh in 2004 after his Father’s death. The Shaykh is well reputed in his contribution to modernise Sufi Movements in Sudan and was invited by US Government as part of their Fulbright Scholarship program and delivered a speech at the US Congress.
“ The cure of ignorance is to ask and learn.” Hadith
raising levels of dialogue
celebrates diversity promotes common values
INDONESIA Celebrating diversity and promoting unity • Scholar Tours: our tours connected local communities with prominent scholars, exploring themes of diversity in the Muslim world, powerful values of mercy and love and Secularism vs Shariah. • A Message of Love: this cultural tour saw international and local nasheed artists use music and art to inspire and help spread positive messages of unity and peace. • SMS Campaign: the Arus Damai campaign signed up over 80,000 subscribers to its SMS database.
Scholars included: Habib Umar bin Hafiz, Shaykh Babikir Ahmed Babikir, Maulana Sahibzada Habib ur Rahman Mehboobi, Shaykha Halima Krausen, Dr Laura McDonald, activists Humera Khan and Adeela Shabbaz, Shaykh Walead Muhammad Mosaad and Shaykh Misbahi Yazdani.
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uslim culture in Indonesia is rich and varied. We M completed three major tours, reaching over 75,000 people, under the banner of Arus Damai, “The Peace Flow”. From Jakarta to Jogjakarta, Bandung and Surabaya, our tours celebrated the diversity of Muslim life in Indonesia, while promoting common values and unity and challenging extremist narratives in the aftermath of the 2009 hotel bombings.
“ My understanding about Islam is now better. I feel Islam is a religion that loves peace.” Attendee
• CD & DVD Campaign: 20,000 CDs of Habib Umar bin Hafiz’s talk titled, ‘‘Our Jihad’’, (translated into Bahasa Indonesia) and 10,000 DVD’s of the Cultural Tour have been distributed all across Indonesia.
As Muslims we are commanded to be compassionate, understanding, tolerant and to use our intelligence in understanding other peoples. Shaykh Hasan Le Gai Eaton
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OUR SPEAKERS Fuad Nahdi is Executive Director of the Radical Middle Way. A leading voice on Islam in Britain, Fuad has given guidance to international governments, corporations and think-tanks about engagement with the Muslim world, including the Asia-Europe Foundation, as well as providing commentary across international media outlets. An innovative and creative thinker, Fuad is one of the driving forces behind creating fresh and progressive debates focused on contemporary Islam, including the identity of Muslims in Britain and concepts of global Islamic visions and common goals. Radical Middle Way and all our partners benefit hugely from Fuad’s experience, networks and visionary guidance and thinking.
“ Be a British citizen. Be a citizen wherever you are.” “ Since 2005, we have been building a network of the most respected and influential figures in the Muslim world.”
Shaykh Abdullah bin Bayyah, Between Ignorance and Extremism Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad
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Habib Mohammad Al-Saqqaf
Humera Khan
Mufti Mustafa Ceric
Dr Ingrid Mattson
Shaykh Saad Al Attas
Shaykh Ahmed Babikir
Hadith Habib Ali Al-Jifri
Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Dr Adeela Shabbaz
Asking good questions is half of learning
Habib Kazim Al Saqqaf
Imam Shahid Raza
Dr Laura McDonald
Shaykh Tidiane Cisse
Mufti Ali Gomaa
Moez Masoud
Habib Umar bin Hafiz
Shaykh Abdullah bin Bayyah
Shaykh Muhammad Yazdani
Dr Zuhairi Al Misrawi
Shown above in alphabetical order are a selection of individuals who have spoken under The Radical Middle Way banner since December 2005.
Shaykh Ahmed Saad
Ustadh Amr Khaled
If you see good, follow it through, and if you see wrong, be the first to reject it.
“ I think that before there was a time when I was unsure about how I could reconcile the difference between western values and Muslim values - listening to the speakers has helped to bring clarity for me on the issue.”
Habib Ali Al-Jifri
Attendee
Shaykh Hasan Le Gai Eaton
Imam Johari
Maher Zain
Shaykh Umar Khatib
Milad Raza Qadri
Shaykh Walead Muhammad Mosaad
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OUR OFFER
that will inspire future leaders
• Training events – we can help to train those seeking to engage the hardest to reach. With a record of success in doing so, we work with all those wanting to increase outreach, often including partnerships with local youth services. We also provide more specific training – helping Imams working in prisons, for example. • Cultural programmes – our access to leading scholars and performers means we can bring exciting, innovative cultural tours to your area. Focussed on engagement and inspiration, these programmes are often hugely popular with families and young people.
“ We need to see Islam as a driving force towards unity and towards reaching out to other communities.” Mufti Saleh Habimana, After Genocide
Independent evaluation has shown Radical Middle Way programmes raise confidence in Islam, change opinions and motivate positive social action. twenty
OUR PARTNERS UK
• Tailored programmes – we can advise on engaging with Muslim communities – and then help you deliver an effective programme designed to promote and contribute to greater community cohesion.
• N ational campaigns – focused on inter-faith messages, we deliver programmes in the UK and internationally that convey broad messages of peace and active citizenship.
In five years, we have built partnerships across the world. Not just to help us deliver on the ground, but to continue to learn and share with others.
Aalamiyyah Institute Aashiq al-Rasul Abu Zahra Institute, Bradford Africa Development Trust Al-Manaar Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre Al Buruj Press Amal Trust An Nisa Society Birmingham City Council Cambridge University Islamic Society Christian Aid Clement’s Gate, Bradford Croydon Council Deen Trust Derby Education Group Derby Jamia Mosque Derby Muslim Forum Dervish Arts Edinburgh University Islamic Society Faizan-E-Medina Masjid Father’s Direct Friction Arts Greensville Trust HMPS Lincoln Prison Chaplaincy Islamic Relief Islamic Circles Islamic Society of Britain Bradford Kanz ul Huda Luton Lancashire Micro Madrassah Leeds Makkah Masjid London Borough of Newham London Borough of Wandsworth Youth Service
Leeds Makkah Masjid London Borough of Hounslow London Borough of Southwark London Borough of Tower Hamlets London Borough of Waltham Forest London Borough of Westminster London Central Mosque London Muslim College Lozells YIP LSE Islamic Society Luton Central Mosque Meem Music Mecca 2 Medina Mehfil: Circle of Literary Friends Met Police - Hounslow Met Police -Leyton Community Engagemen t team Met Police - Waltham Forest Borough Commander Met Police Diversiy Team Southwark Metropolitan Police Muslim Youth Helpline Milton Keynes Arts and Cultural Heritage Centre Milton Keynes Muslim Association MINAB Minhaj ul Quran UK MPOWER Muslim Chaplains Association Muslim Youth Helpline Nottingham University Islamic Society Nottingham Islamic Society Newcastle Council Pakistan Community Centre, Manchester
Peterborough Active Youth Peterborough Council Platform Magazine RightStart Foundation Rugby Council Sandwell Youth Offending Team Salford University Islamic Society Scottish Executive Scottish Islamic Foundation SFSG Shaam Sheffield Central Mosque Sheffield City Council Slough Council Somali Youth association St. Ethelburgas Suffa tul Islam, Bradford Sultan Bahu trust The City Circle The Crescent Centre The Drum The Muslim College Three Faiths Forum Tolerance International Tooting Hub Wandsworth Youth Services Village Arts Wandsworth Youth Service Westminster Youth Inclusion and Support Project Wharf Muslim Association World Islamic Call Society Wycombe District Council
Pakistan Iqbal Academy Pakistan (IAP), Lahore
Islamic International University, Islamabad (IIUI) Jamia Naeemia, Lahore Jamia Naeemia, Karachi Pakistan Television Network (PTV)
Mali Djinguereber Mosque Government of Mali High Islamic Council Municipality of Timbuctou
Senegal British Embassy
Indonesia BEMJ Manajemen, Fakultas Ekonomi & Ilmu Sosial UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Darul Hikmah Pesantren, Mojokerto Institut Agama Islam Negeri (IAIN) Sunan Ampel Islamic Da’wah Centre Majelis Nurul Musthofa Majelis Rasulullah Masjid Al-Akbar (Surabaya) Masjid Al-Azhar Masjid At-Tin Masjid Al Madinah National Press Club of Indonesia Pasantren Al Ashriyayah Nurul Iman (Pondok) Pesantren Amanatullah Ummah PMII Cabang Ciputat PPPA Pusat Dakwah Islam Jawa Barat
Rawdhatul Ashiqqin Tebuirang Pesantren, Jombang Universitas Indonesia Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yayasan Pondok Pesantren Kedungmaling Sooko Mojokerto Yayasan Haqqani (Haqqani Foundation-Jakarta)
Sudan Ahlia University African Islamic University Ahfad Women’s University Al-Ihsan Charitable Foundation Aljzerah University British Council, Khartoum Omdurman Islamic University Qur’an and Sunnah University Sudanese Women’s General Union
Singapore
Masjid Muhamed Saleh Masjid Sultan Simply Islam
Canada Seekers Guidance
UAE Tabah Foundation
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