Updated on 17 June 2008
On 14 June 2008, at the Sixth Executive Council Meeting of The World Federation held in Toronto, five students of the East End Madrasah, Central Madrasah and the As-Sadiq Islamic School were each given a special opportunity to make a short presentation on: 'If I were President of The World Federation, I would…' Here is what each student had to say:
Sumayya-Zahra Jessa
(East End Madrasah)
‘If I were President of The World Federation, I would reconstruct the shrines and historical sites of the Imams (as) and help the youth boost their knowledge on Islam using new technology. I would go to various countries to spread the true Islam and to show the world that Muslims are not what the media describes. I would support countries that have had natural disasters or have been under attack, and help the poor orphans by building orphanages. In the third world countries, I would build wells and generate electricity. I would do all this for the sake of Allah (swt).’
Abbas Ali Jeraj
(East End Madrasah):
‘If I were President of The World Federation, I would have an ambassador for every country so that I’m aware of the affairs taking place in the other communities. One of my many goals would be to organise activities for the youth that they can learn from as well as have fun. I would also make sure other age groups are involved in programs and activities. If there is a shortage of food, water, clothing or shelter around the world, I will have my ambassadors from other countries hold charity events to collect funds to send to the less fortunate parts of the world. I thank you for your time and patience.
Tanvir Fatima S. Janmohamed
(Centre Madrasah, Age 15)
‘If I was the President of The World federation, I would focus on academic education as well as raising awareness about Islam around the world and particularly in our communities. Academic and Islamic education should go hand in hand in order to strengthen our youth to sustain the culture of the current situation of the world around us. Islam being attacked from all facets of life, secular academic education along with a strong Islamic foundation will ensure an educated society without being apologetic to being Muslims. My objective would be to create a professionally educated practicing Muslim society for our future.’
Nabeel Meghjee
(As-Sadiq Islamic School, Grade 8)
‘If I were President of The World Federation, I would:
- Focus on youth programs with parental workshops to strengthen their Imaan in this challenging world;
- Invest heavily in technology to provide centralized resources for all Jamaats to use in tabligh helping new converts, and family connections;
- Encourage youth to participate in local politics;
- Address the growing needs of our seniors by providing special live televised programs for their health, spirituality and leisure;
- Facilitate immigration to the western world;
- Continue the focus on educating children, the eradication of poverty and providing suitable housing for unprivileged people;
- Last but not least recruiting/training Aalims who can motivate and provide leadership in the local community.
I would like to thank The World Federation for giving me the opportunity to speak to you today. May Allah bless you all for your hard work and leadership.’
For further information, email secretariat@world-federation.org