The World Federation, in partnership with The Council of European Jamaats, successfully conducted the third Continuing Personal Development (CPD) course for Muballigheen and Madrasah teachers of the community on 'Aqaid - Islamic Theology'.

The course content was designed and delivered by Sheikh Mohammed Ali Ismail. The programme was coordinated by Sheikh Abbas Ismail of The World Federation and Hassanain Govani of The Council of European Jamaat's CPD Team. A total of 16 participants attended the course from 6 different jamaats.
The course began on Friday December 21, 2007 and participants were given a taste of the subject through a discussion on an overview of Islamic Theology, Islamic Theology in Perspective and the Importance of studying Islamic Theology. At the end of the evening, participants commented:

"Brilliant! It was very good. It provided us with a thorough introduction to the subject and was a good start for what will come tomorrow. The icebreakers and the "learners" worked very well. I look forward to tomorrow.” (Mehjabeen Rahim – Peterborough)

"It was really exciting and enjoyable. I wished we could have had another session already tonight.  He keeps a very good pace." (Sukaina Manji – Peterborough)

The next day introduced the participants to some of the main theories and arguments around the existence of Allah: the way of the Fitrah, and the way of the Intellect. The way of the Fitrah was explained through the Qur'an and Sunnah. The way of the Intellect focused on the Teleological argument and the argument of Necessity and Contingency.

At the close of the day the participants were given the opportunity to ask questions and re-affirm their learning for the day. Some reactions to day 2 were recorded:

"This has been one of the best courses I have been to, without a doubt." (Azra Fazal – Stanmore)

"The course has been very good. I’ve enjoyed the high learning standard and particularly the way the course has been structured." (Haider Bhogadia – Leicester)

The final day, Sunday December 23, 2007 shifted the focus from proving the existence of Allah, to the understanding of Tawhid in all its different aspects. Discussions focused on Theoretical Tawhid, including Tawhid of the Divine Essence, Tawhid of the Divine Attributes and Tawhid of the Divine Actions. The day finished with a session on Practical Tawhid - how the theory of Tawhid can eventually have an effect on our daily lives.

Participants said:

"The tutor has been really approachable, and it has been nice to have him to teach you."
(Amir Dastmalchian – Peterborough)
 
"It was spiritually uplifting, and time just flew by." (Abbas Khaku – Stanmore)
 
"It was excellent. I will be going back with lot of knowledge. I came with a shadow of sadness but am leaving with happiness.” (Nasira Jaffer – Leicester)

"It fulfilled all my expectations, and it gave us tools for doing more in Madrasah and Intra faith discussions. It was motivating and inspiring."  (Zulfikar Manji – Peterborough)

The President of The World Federation, Dr Ahmed Hassam commented, "This third CPD is once again testament to the effectiveness of such courses for the Muballigheen and Madrasah teachers of the community. Such courses seek to strengthen the fundamental understandings of Islam and impart skills and knowledge to others for them to act as educators and nurturers in their home communities. I look forward to when the CPDs form an integral part of our community calendar in all our regions."

Al Hajj Munawer bhai Rattansey, President of CoEJ, said: "This is an excellent example of partnership in working within Europe as we build our capcity in delivering some of these very important and essential programmes for our Muballigheen and Madresah Teachers. These CPD programmes ensure the underpinning of the fundamental understanding of Islam through modern methodologies of learning.”
 
For more information, email islamiceducation@world-federation.org.