Category Archives: Uncategorized

March 17, 2010   Culture, Intercultural Communication, Islam, Uncategorized   No comments

Respecting Cultural Values – A Criterion for World Peace

Issue # 13
May 25, 2008 / Jamadul Awwal 1429


Culture is the identity of every nation. It is the sum total of the shared values, emotions, and expressions of a people. Our global world today is a rich collection of ancient and modern cultures.

According to the Islamic tradition, the cultural diversity that comprises the world today is a blessing and by Divine Design. Its purpose is to interact and acquaint ourselves with one another. This interaction allows for increased understanding and subsequent enrichment which in turn contributes towards the promotion of peaceful relations between various communities.

It is the mandate of every religion to protect culture and promote cultural norms. Islam stresses co-existence. The Holy Quran clearly exhorts Muslims to protect the Christian church, the Jewish synagogue, and places of worship of all other peoples as much as they defend their own mosques. This is clear evidence of the emphasis that Islam has laid on tolerance and co-existence with other religions and civilizations. Islam also commands its followers to ensure the protection of all educational, charitable and cultural centers of other civilizations. It may be deduced that the non-profit organizations working in the field of education, health and social welfare all fall into this category. One can also refer to the word Sawamiah used in verse 40 of Chapter Al-Hajj of the Holy Quran, which stipulates that all establishments of other civilizations must be protected.

Whenever Christian scholars came to visit with the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) for a dialog, he (peace be upon him) arranged their stay in Masjid-e-Nabawi (the blessed mosque of the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him, in the holy city of Medina). On such occasions, the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) not only held talks there, but also allowed the Christians to perform their religious rituals within the mosque.

However, one of the greatest problems in the world today is that we have stopped respecting cultures. We have adopted an “us versus them” approach. The modern world is facing serious challenges due to this single reason leading to class wars and unrest in the world.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) respected every culture. While he established an Islamic state in the Holy city of Madinah, he (peace be upon him) did not denigrate the cultural identities of any religion. On the contrary, he promoted the various Arab tribes. He protected synagogues and churches and directed his followers to pay respect to them. Whenever the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) went out of the Holy City of Madinah with his noble companions (may Allah be pleased with them all), he did not trespass on the lands that belonged to the Jews and Christians. He (peace be upon him) did not allow the horses to even step foot on those lands that had agricultural crops on them. But he (peace be upon him) commanded his noble companions to protect these lands. In this way he laid the foundations for international law and peace. It is chilling to see that behaviors today are so antithetical to the teachings of this great final Prophet of God who is a Prophet for all of humanity. Peace Be Upon Him.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) practically proved the motto of the Peace Culture which is to “Live and let others live.”  “Peace for all” was not just a slogan but he proved it with his pristine teachings, stellar example and kind and forgiving nature that made everyone around him fall in love with his personality, and even his enemies were in awe of him (peace be upon him).

In the society that he created he adopted many techniques to transfer his knowledge to the people. He sent out delegations of His Companions who reflected the culture of peace and respect they had learnt from him. When the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) met people, he would stand up out of respect for them.

He created an Administration Culture which centered on truth and honesty. Honesty is the best policy for the government, the legislature, and judiciary. The culture of Islam is that of balance of power and it negates any authoritarian school of thought and promotes a culture of tolerance and peace. In this culture, contrary to popular belief, Allah Almighty and the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) have given tremendous amount of respect to women and children in the context of human rights. In this culture the use of force is prohibited. “Might is right” is not a component. The teaching of Islam is that everyone is equal. Modern culture includes language, ideas, beliefs, norms, codes, institutions, tools, techniques, works of art, rituals, ceremonies and symbols. Islam has incorporated these into its fold. Islamic principles teach to take what is good and leave out that which is not good. It is a dynamic body with its foundation anchored on a core firm set of values—the crucial recipe for any religion, culture, institution or individual to survive— the ability to adapt and include.

Today’s IECRC Conference is a bridge between the West and the East, a bridge among nations. The valuable research articles and presentations being made here will be  a source of learning and eliminating many stereotypes. Conferences such as this are instrumental in the transformation of international cultural norms.

It is time we let go of the  wars of the battlefield and psycho warfare and make working for humanity the aim of our lives. For social and world change it is imperative that the differences between the major world cultures and religions are put on the backburner and the similarities are highlighted. The world is our home and we are all brothers and sisters. All Prophets of God (peace be upon them all) have brought the same message of forgiveness, purification, tolerance, peace, and love. It behooves us to increase our intercultural communication and understanding so that we can make the world a better place for our children.

Prof. Dr. Mohammad Ahmed Qadri

Dr. Qadri is the Founding Director of the IECRC. He is the recipient of many international awards such as the prestigious “Ambassador for Peace” Award presented by the Universal Peace Foundation and Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace in Canada. Please see the section on Speaker Biographies for more details. He can be reached at ahmedq19@yahoo.com.

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March 17, 2010   Culture, Intercultural Communication, Practice, Research, Uncategorized   No comments

Balancing Personal Religious Practice With the Intercultural Awareness Of Others

Issue # 13
May 25, 2008 / Jamadul Awwal 1429

As a trainer and facilitator in the intercultural field, a common way that I engage the interest of audience members is by asking for their own examples and stories that are relevant to the topic at hand.  At a recent group facilitation session I was leading, a female supervisor had shared a situation where she had found another female from a culture different from hers, praying in the stairwell of her company’s back hallway.  Concerned for her employee’s safety since she was in a darkly lit back exit area, and unaware at the time of the implications of her suggestion at the time, the supervisor kindly asked her to move into another room, offering her own office space, as an accommodation.  The employee agreed, but the next day – was found in the same place, performing her prayers.  Why did this happen?

For people who may be aware of this particular culture’s customs – seeing someone pray in a public, open space would be perfectly acceptable. But, for this supervisor – and for many individuals in leadership roles – exposure to such traditions different from their own, causes a misunderstanding of the situation.  Unfortunately, these misunderstandings can add up, possibly causing a strained relationship, and perhaps even graver consequences.  So, what can we do in these situations? 

Recently, there was an unfortunate and serious case in my community of a lawsuit that occurred from a company leader who did not understand the indirect communication style of his Asian employees.  My initial reaction to this scenario was sadness – knowing that this outcome could have been prevented by having cultural awareness through a basic understanding of the cultures and approaches of those in your daily life.

As a person who has been brought up with understandings of faith, I am in the humble yet critical position of being able to explain the concepts of religious practice from my own personal experience to my workshop attendees.  The benefit of my role as facilitator is that I am able to safely introduce ideas and understandings that may possibly conflict with others, and yet – I am still seen in an expert role.  Despite all of this, a challenge I face that is common with many others who follow a spiritual path is to be able to express, explain – and even justify, in some cases – to others, my choice of behaviors and beliefs on an everyday basis.  Many a time, the less difficult approach to take would be to avoid the topic all together.  But then – how much understanding can come from a lack of dialogue and attention?

Discussing matters of faith is no easy feat – public school systems in many countries ensure that teachers avoid the topic of religion in order not to offend the parents and children within their institutions.  The disadvantage of this approach is that rather than having an equal, even forum for research and discussion in a classroom – children are exposed to biased and incomplete versions of commentary on faith-based behavior and practice.  Growing up, these misguided opinions may turn into anxiety, prejudices, and avoidance of the “other”.  All in all, the potential of the person and anyone whom she or he comes in contact with, would be at a loss.

To address the issues and questions above, here are some recommendations for increasing intercultural awareness about your own religious practice:

Recognize the intention of the person asking questions.  Many times – what may be perceived as offensive or ignorant questions are actually earnest attempts to understand you and your practice of faith.  Of course, be aware that the approaches of others can be negative, but – be a detective and discern these individuals from those who have good intent.

Be open to expressing your understanding of faith through analogy.  Faith-based experiences can sometimes best be explained through analogy to others’ experiences, commonly-known stories, and the other person’s vocabulary and expressions.  Rather than trying to find difference, establish similarities amongst the approaches and how each is effective.

Choose the appropriate time to explain.  Sometimes, reacting within a highly emotional situation may only cause more difficulty. However, not facing a said misconception of your faith by another person may make it difficult for you to prevent misunderstanding later.  Rather than either of these options, it would be wise to choose an appropriate time and be purposeful in discussing your point of view, to clarify the misconception and have a “teachable moment.”

Share.  Many a time, our colleagues and friends are curious and would like to learn more, but are polite and may not want to feel they are intruding by asking.  Instead, begin the conversation yourself about a community event, family gathering, or experiences that you had, and you will then be able to share more ideas develop understanding of your faith, with them.

Realize the cost or benefit within a situation.  In some instances – it is simply better not to engage in a discussion about matters of faith, especially if you know it may harm you, your family, or your working relationship.  Seek guidance from others as to how to approach the issue, and decide if you want to remain in that situation or take yourself out from it.  Know that this is a reasonable course of action and that there will be other opportunities for others’ learning later on.

It is my hope that by bringing forth this discussion about personal religious practice and practical methods of how to help create awareness, that community members will be able to safely, confidently, and peacefully achieve the understanding of faith by others in their lives.

Farzana Nayani

Ms. Farzana Nayani is Education and Training Consultant for the University of British Columbia Center for Intercultural Communication. She is reachable at farzana.nayani@gmail.com.

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March 17, 2010   Canada, Culture, Intercultural Communication, Islamic Months, Language, Personalities, Prophets, Rabi ul-Awwal, Uncategorized   No comments

یارک کر سٹل ہال سرے (کنیڈا) میں عید میلاد النبی

Source: http://www.aalmiakhbar.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=specialreport&article=13311
15.03.2010, 12:05am , سوموار (GMT)

عالمی اخبار کینڈا بیورو

اسلامک ایجو کشنل اینڈ کلچرل ریسرچ سینٹر امریکہ کے زیر اہتمام پانچویں سالانہ کانفرنس یارک کر سٹل ہال سرے (کنیڈا) میں عید میلاد النبی  منانےکے سلسلہ میں منعقد ہوئی ۔ اس مرتبہ خصوصیت یہ تھی کہ  اس کامو ضوع تھا “انٹر فیتھ کامنیکیشن اینڈ برج امانگ دی نیشنز “ اس لیئےاس میں غیر مسلم حضرات کو بھی شرکت کی دعوت دیگئی تھی۔ لہذا جناب سکھ ڈھلیوال ممبر پارلیمنٹ ، مسٹر بروس ایم ایل اے۔ ڈاکٹر ایلن ورلڈ پیس مشن ، جناب پنڈت دیویدی جی ( مشہور اسکالر ، شاعر، ہندی لٹریری سو سائٹی کنیڈا کے صدر اور مذ ہبی رہنما)
اس کے بانی جناب ڈاکٹر محمد قادری  کی تقریر سے پہلے  قرآن پاک کی تلاوت ہوئی ،پھر مختلف لوگوں نے حمد اور نعتیں  پڑھیں  اور اس کے بعد انہوں نے اپنی افتتا حی تقریر آغاز کیا، جس میں مسلمانوں اور غیر مسلموں کے در میان غلط فہمیاں دور کر نے کے لیئے اس قسم کی کانفرنسیں منعقد کر نے کی ضرورت پہ زور دیا ،جو کہ اسلام کے خلاف ایک چھوٹے سے طبقہ کی حرکتوں وجہ سے دنیا پیدا ہوگئی ہیں۔

اس تقریب  میں جناب ٹیپو نائب کو نسلرجنرل آپ پاکستان خطاب فرمایا اورجناب شیراز قادری  نے بھی تقریر فر مائی جو دوسرے بہت سے لوگوں کے ہمراہ اس میں شر کت کے لیئے کیلیفورنیا سے تشریف لائے تھے ۔بعد میں انہوں نے ہی نظامت کے فرائض بھی انجام دیئے ۔ جبکہ مقامی علما ء میں سے مولانا عبد الطیف نعمانی امام فیجی اسلامک سینٹر ، مولانا طیب قاسمی  سر براہ اسلامی اکیڈمی  چلیواک اور امام خلیق اسمٰعیل(  امام الکوثر حسینیہ سینٹر اور العباس سینٹر) نے تقریر فر مائی،  جبکہ خواتین کی نما ئندگی ڈاکٹر ساعقہ  صاحبہ نے کی ۔ ان سب نے  حضور (ص) کی حیات ِ  طیبہ پر  سیر حا صل روشنی ڈالی۔

یہ سرے کی تا ریخ میں دوسرا مو قعہ تھا کہ اس قسم کا اجتما ع منعقد ہواجس میں غیر مسلموں نے بھی شرکت کی۔  اس سے پہلے  جناب شمس جیلانی نے دس بارہ سال پہلے فیجی اسلامک سینٹر میں ایک نعتیہ مشا عرہ کرایا تھا۔ جب وہ اردو ایسو ایسشن کے صدر اور ہندی لٹریری سو سائٹی کے جنرل سکریٹری تھے ، اس وقت پنڈت دیویدی جی ہندی سو سا ئٹی کے صدر اور سرے ہندو مندر کے مہانت تھے ۔ جواُس موقعہ پر بھی مو جود تھے ۔پنڈت جی نہ صرف اچھے شاعر بلکہ اچھے انسان بھی ہیں ۔

دوسرے قابل ِ ذکر اسپیکر سکھی ڈھلیوال  ممبر پارلیمنٹ اور مسٹر بروس ایم ایل اے (سرے ) تیسرے ورڈ پیس مشن کے فا در ایلن تھے۔ آخر میں جناب شمس جیلانی نے  لوگوں کو ان کی خدمات کے صلہ میں اسناد ِ ستا ئش  سینٹر کی طرف سے تقسیم کیں ۔ جن میں سے منیجنگ چیف  “ایڈیٹر مریکل “ جناب نصیر پیرزادہ  اور مقامی ریڈیو پر پاکستانی پروگرام کے میزبان جناب سلیمان ناصر (سابق انا ونسرریڈیوکوئٹہ) اسناد وصول کرتے ہو ئے تصویروں میں میں نظر آرہے ہیں ۔

آخر میں جناب شمس جیلانی نے اپنی تقریر میں جناب ڈاکٹر محمد احمد اور ان شریک ِحیات کی ملی  اورانسانی کو ششوں کو سرا ہااور کہا کہ  “مشک کو کبھی تعریف کی ضرورت نہیں ہو تی ہے ،اس کی خوشبو خود ہی ہر ناک کو معطر کرکے لوگوں متوجہ کر لیتی ہے ۔ ابھی محمد صا حب اور  ان کی شریک حیات ڈاکٹر صا عقہ  صاحبہ کو یہا ں آئے ہوئے صر ف تین سال ہو ئے ہیں اور وہ دونوں خدمت خلق میں بہت سوں سے سبقت لے گئے۔

یہ ہی در اصل اسلام کا مشن ہے کہ محبت سب سے نفرت کسی سے نہیں اور جو ایسا کرے گا تاریخ میں اس کانام تابندہ رہے گا کیونکہ اس کی گارنٹی قرآ ں نے سورہ ہود کی  ایک آیت میں دی ہے جس میں اللہ سبحانہ تعالیٰ نے مسلمانوں کو پانی یا دھات بننے کی ترغیب دی ہے، جھاگ بننے سے منع فر ما یا،  جوکہ پانی یا دھات سے ہی بنتا ہے  اوربغیر کسی کو فا ئدہ پہونچا ئے، اپنی موت آپ مر جا تا ہے۔ انہوں نے مزید کہا حضور کاپہلا مشن بلا تخصیصِ مذ ہب اور ملت، خدمتِ خلق کرنا تھا ۔

اس لیئے کہ حضور (ص) رحمت صرف مسلمانوں کے لیئے ہی نہیں بھیجے گئے  تھے ۔بلکہ تمام عالموں کے لیئے ر حمت اللعالمیں بنا کر بھیجے گئے تھے ۔ ہم سب کوانکا اتبا ع کر تے ہوئے انسانیت کی خد مت کر نا چا ہیئے۔

جو لوگ عید میلاد النبی منانے کو بدعت کہتے ہیں انہیں اپنا جائزہ لینا چاہیئے کہ انہوں نے سو سال میں اسلام کی کیا خدمت کی ہے؟۔ جبکہ عید میلاد ِالنبی منانے والوں نے  صحابہ کرام (رض) اور اولیا ئے عظام  (رح)کی راہ اپنا کر  (  محبت سب سے اور نفرت کسی سے بھی نہیں )ایک کھرب سے زیادہ مسلمان بنا ئے ،جبکہ انہیں بدعتی کہنے والوں  نےصرف مسلمانو ں کو کافر بنایا، بدعتی بنایا، با تیں بنا ئیں یا پھر دنیا کو شدت پسندی کا تحفہ دیا۔  یہ تقریب دو بجے سے نو بجے شام تک جاری رہی ۔







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