The UK Islamic Mission (UKIM) is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of its 49th Annual Convention held on 1st September 2024 at the EIC Werneth Banqueting in Oldham. This year's event, themed "Between the Light and Darkness," was a significant gathering that brought together leaders, scholars, and community members to discuss pressing issues, share knowledge, and strengthen community bonds.
The convention was opened by Sajjad Amin, the acting President of UK Islamic Mission, who set the tone for the day with a call for unity and dialogue in challenging times. He highlighted the importance of such gatherings in fostering understanding and building bridges within and beyond the Muslim community. "Our convention is more than just an event; it's a vital opportunity for our community to come together, share ideas, and forge new bonds. We stand committed to building bridges, not walls, in these times of division," he stated.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr Altaf Hussain, Associate Professor at Harvard University, USA, and Vice President of Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research. His speech focused on intergenerational transition and the critical role of youth in shaping the future. Dr Hussain urged attendees to invest in their personal development and the development of the younger generation, saying, "For us to see positive changes in mainstream society, we must first develop ourselves. Our investment in the youth today is a commitment to a better future."
Baroness Sayeeda Warsi delivered a powerful speech, reminding attendees of their responsibility to live out their faith in ways that contribute positively to society. She stated, "And each and every one of us has a responsibility to make sure that when we live out our faith, we do so in a way that creates positive and accurate news stories." Her words resonated deeply with the audience, underscoring the importance of representation and narrative in the modern world.
The convention also welcomed the Mayor of Oldham, Cllr. Zahid Chauhan, who expressed his unwavering support for the local community and the efforts of UKIM in promoting unity and understanding. His presence highlighted the strong relationship between local government and the Muslim community in Oldham, furthering the message of solidarity and cooperation.
A highlight of the convention was the panel discussion titled 'Bridging the Divide', which addressed the recent riots, the spread of misinformation, and the rise of far-right violence. The panel featured Imam Adam Kelwick, Naz Shah MP, and Cllr. Zahid Chauhan. The discussion provided a platform for exploring ways to counter these challenges through community engagement, dialogue, and proactive measures. The panellists emphasized the need for unity in the face of adversity and the importance of working together to overcome divisive forces.
This year's convention featured a series of impactful workshops designed to address the pressing issues facing the Muslim community today. The workshops included:
Reflecting on the convention's success, Sajjad Amin expressed his gratitude: "We are immensely grateful to everyone who participated in this year’s convention. The discussions, the workshops, and the energy of the attendees have set a strong foundation for what we hope to achieve in the coming years."
The convention concluded with an announcement of the 50th Annual Convention, scheduled for next year, which is anticipated to be even bigger and better, filled with community, unity, peace, and hope, In'sha'Allah.
As Joint Secretary and Director of the Convention, Mohammad Saeed extended heartfelt thanks to all attendees, participants, and contributors. "The success of this year's convention is a testament to our community's strength and resilience. We look forward to continuing this journey of growth and unity together. We hope to see everyone next year, ready to build more bridges and strengthen the ties that bind us all."
UKIM invites everyone to stay engaged and participate in future initiatives aimed at strengthening community ties and fostering a spirit of inclusiveness and understanding. The success of this year’s convention is just the beginning, and we are excited about the potential for next year’s gathering to be even more impactful.
For more information about upcoming events and how you can get involved, please visit our website at www.ukim.org or contact us at [email protected].
UK Islamic Mission is a leading charity organisation dedicated to promoting understanding, peace, and community cohesion through faith-based initiatives. Since 1962, UKIM has been at the forefront of efforts to empower individuals and communities through education, dialogue, and charitable work.
The UKIM Annual Convention is a flagship event that gathers Muslims from across the UK and beyond for a day of spiritual enrichment, knowledge sharing, and community building. It serves as a platform for exchanging ideas, forging new relationships, and launching initiatives that support UKIM’s mission to foster unity, peace, and social justice. With distinguished speakers, interactive workshops, and a vibrant marketplace, the convention is a hub of inspiration and engagement for all attendees.
For more information, please contact:
UK Islamic Mission
Email: [email protected]
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