• Activities
• 6 Sha'ban 1434H

The leading Marja’iyah’s Representative in Europe
• Calls on the Imams of Islamic centres and organizations to be a good example for others
• Appeals to everyone to adhere to the laws of their host country and refrain from any negative and provocative behaviour

The representative of the leading Marja’iyah in Europe, Allamah Sayyid Murtaza Al-Kashmiri met with nearly ninety Imams from Islamic centers and organizations from across the United Kingdom. In his speech at the Diwan of the Imam Ali Foundation in London on Sunday 16th of June 2013, he addressed the gathering on the virtues of the month of Sha’ban, the month of the Messenger of Allah and urged them to take advantage of its spiritual offering and to prepare the faithful to welcome the holy month of Ramadan, the month of goodness and blessing, with purity and sincerity of soul.

He stressed that the Imams remain committed to the highest degree of discipline and ethics in their conduct to become good examples for others to emulate - because the Alim’s blunder leads to the peoples’ blunder. The Commander of the faithful Imam Ali (peace be upon him) compared the Alim’s blunder to a broken ship, sinking and sinking many with it.

Referring to the backlash from the recent unfortunate incidents, which may even get worse, he said: “we have to be prepared and cautious in our actions, which as Imams, requires us to warn our children and young people and everyone who comes to our centers to abstain from negative and provocative behaviours that are contrary to Islam and the laws of the host countries, and to adhere to the moral values emphasized by our infallible Imams (peace be upon them) and our leaders in co-existing with other people so as to leave a positive impression for others and to be true to the saying of Imam Ja’far Al-Sadiq, peace be upon him, (Be good for us and do not be evil for us, speak well to people, keep your tongues and guard it against curiosity and ugly talk). You know and we know these are countries where the rule of law and order prevail, therefore adhering to them shall prevent us from exposure to accountability.”

He emphasized upon unity and harmony with everyone- even if they differ in opinion and belief, because differences in opinion does not spoil kindness.

He cautioned the Imams to what bigots are doing these days in sowing the seeds of discord, hypocrisy and hatred in our hearts. Thus causing enmity, hostility and hatred among us, which may even lead some to make false accusations towards others without verifying the truth. For this reason Allah commands us as follows in the holy Qur’an:

((O you who believe! Avoid most of suspicion, for surely suspicion in some cases is a sin..))

Also The Almighty has said: ((O you who believe ! If an evil-doer comes to you with a report, look carefully into it, lest you harm a people in ignorance, then be sorry for what you have done ))

Allamah Kashmiri also emphasized upon exchanging visits. Firstly between each other then to other Muslim centres and organisations – especially during the holy month of Ramadhan (the month of affinity, piety and forgiveness) for they [other Islamic schools of thought] are us and their respect is our respect and their endearment is our endearment because we are all of the same source. Our book is one. Our Prophet is one. Our Qibla is one. There is no harm in the branches [of religion] being different as long as the fundamentals are the same. This is what our Imams (peace be upon them) and leaders promoted in coexisting with others, by saying: “participate in their funerals, visit their sick and pray behind them.” Also, there is more that brings us together than that which divides us. ((And hold fast by the covenant of Allah all together and be not disunited)).

The previous week, Allamah Kashmiri met with orators of the United Kingdom. He called for harmony in their sermons to the public on religious commemorations, particularly in the holy months of Ramadhan and Muharram. Also to establish a league of orators as he has done in Europe and Scandinavian countries. About thirty speakers attended the meeting which ended with important and constructive recommendations for the UK arena.