Updated 6 August 2008

The World Federation, in partnership with The Council of European Jamaats, successfully conducted the fourth Continuing Personal Development (CPD) course for Muballigheen and Madrasah teachers of the community on 'Family Ethics'.

The course content was designed and delivered by Sheikh Mohammed Ali Ismail. The programme was coordinated by Dr Mahmood Datoo of The World Federation and Hassanain Govani of The Council of European Jamaat's CPD Team. Syed Ali Naqvi also attended to observe and then implement the CPD in North America at a later date. A total of 16 participants attended the course from a host of different jamaats throughout the world.

The course began on Friday 11 July 2008. In the opening session, Sheikh Mohammed Ali introduced the topic with a general overview discussing the purpose of Family Life. His discussions included an outline of the concept of Family Life from the viewpoints of various ideas and their suggestions for achieving a successful Family Life. This was then nicely connected to the teachings of Ahlul Bayt and Islamic values.

Commenting on these insights and the methods of teaching used by Sheikh Mohammed Ali, one of the participants later commented:

‘I have really liked it so far, because [1] we were taught to specify our goals based on the teachings of the Qur’aan and Ahl ul Bayt, and [2] we were given the opportunity to exchange ideas, and [3] it has been interactive.’ (Shahista Kanani, La Chaux du Fond)

The next day took the participants back to the very beginning - the origins of mankind and the ultimate goal was discussed to lay the foundations for married life and discuss the goals of such a union. The uniqueness of Allah and his Unity was contrasted with the creation in which everything is made in pairs. An explanation was given on how Allah has awarded aspects of some of His attributes to the Man and some to the Woman, so that they only by coming together and living in balance, to a certain degree mirror the ultimate reality of Allah.

Having established the importance of marriage, the discussions then revolved around the responsibility of the community in facilitating marriages and the ethical duties of the couple.

At the close of the day, some of the reactions were recorded:

“Despite having been married for over a quarter of a century, I still discovered things that would add value to the rest of my married life” (Zeenat Rattansey, Hyderi)

“A refreshing look at marriage in the context of completing your religion and reaching the status of perfect human being. Well thought out and logical presentation of ideas” (Menaz Karmali, Stanmore)

The final day, Sunday 13th July shifted the focus from marriage to childrearing. The day started with a critical look at family relationships. This then moved on to the relationship between parent and child. Looking at the different aspects of a child’s life, a comparison was made between the finding of different experts on the field with the teachings of Ahl ul Bayt, effectively showing the timelessness of Islamic teachings. This was then concluded with ethical aspects of childrearing in the teachings of the Quran and Ahl ul Bayt.

One of the participants noted on the third day:

“An inspirational course, teaching new methods of approaching this subject – lots of food for thought. Exercised such as Qur’aan tafseer + creating mission statements were thought provoking. – Thank you, may you continue providing excellent courses such as this – insha’allah.” (Karishma Damani, Stanmore)

Commenting on the present course specifically and CPD in general, one of the participants said:

“I found it very interesting and useful. It is very well prepared, organised and presented. I am happy with the aim of the CPD being that of dissemination.” (Akil Lalji, Arusha)

The experience in total was nicely summed up by one of the participants:

‘Having attended the CPD on Islamic Theology I had high expectations of this course and it met each one! The seemingly straight forward topic was covered in a dynamic and deeply spiritual manner, encouraging active learning through critical thinking with a constant focus on our ultimate purpose and goal. Alhamdulillah, the course was excellently organised and beautifully executed, and I pray that the Almighty SWT rewards the organisers and the respected tutor for all their efforts.’ (Shalina Chandoo, Peterborough)
 
For more information, email islamiceducation@world-federation.org.