AMSS(UK): PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVE


2006 BUILDING BRIDGES AWARD PRESS RELEASE:

Tuesday 15th January 2008

2006 BUILDING BRIDGES AWARD PRESENTED AT 1ST ANNUAL ALLIANCE OF CIVILISATIONS FORUM IN SPAIN

The AMSS 2006 Building Bridges Award has been jointly presented to Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriquez Zapatero and Prime Minister Recep Tayyib Erdogan at the First Annual Alliance of Civilisations Forum on 15th January 2008. The event took place in Madrid, Spain. The presentation was made by Dr. Anas Al-Shaikh-Ali, Chairman of the Association of Muslim Social Scientists (UK).

The AMSS (UK) Building Bridges Award recognises and highlights the outstanding achievements of individuals who have made a significant contribution either to their field of expertise, or to the promotion of social harmony, or to inter-cultural and interfaith dialogue.

Living and working together in diversity is a challenge and religious beliefs and differences in cultures can sometimes give rise to deep-seated negativities. The Alliance of Civilizations Project is a superb initiative to generate understanding, respect, and awareness, through promoting interfaith dialogue, conflict resolution and intellectual discourse. Its aim to foster a culture of global peaceful co-existence, and thereby international stability, is a credit to its visionaries. This award pays tribute to Prime Minister Zapatero’s proposal and Prime Minister Erdogan’s co-sponsoring of The Alliance of Civilizations Project.

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Click here for full press release (PDF).



LAMBETH PALACE PRESS RELEASE:

Thursday 11th October 2007

Archbishop's response to A Common Word

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, today received a copy of a key letter from Muslim scholars and religious leaders addressed to Christian religious leaders. Dr Anas S. Al-Shaikh-Ali, Chair of the Association of Muslim Social Scientists, and one of the signatories to the letter, presented it to the Archbishop at Lambeth Palace.

The Archbishop welcomed the letter as a clear reaffirmation of the potential for further development of existing dialogue and common action between Christians and Muslims and other faith communities:

"The theological basis of the letter and and its call to “vie with each other only in righteousness and good works; to respect each other, be fair, just and kind to another and live in sincere peace, harmony and mutual goodwill”, are indicative of the kind of relationship for which we yearn in all parts of the world, and especially where Christians and Muslims live together. It is particularly important in underlining the need for respect towards minorities in contexts where either Islam or Christianity is the majority presence."

The Archbishop said that the letter’s emphasis on the fundamental importance of belief in the unity of God and love of neighbour is welcome. He said ”the letter rightly makes it clear that these are scriptural foundations equally for Jews, Christians, and for Muslims, and are the basis for justice and peace in the world.

Dr Williams continued:

“There is much here to study and to build on. The letter’s understanding of the unity of God provides an opportunity for Christians and Muslims to explore together their distinctive understandings and the ways in which these mould and shape our lives. The call to respect, peace and goodwill should now be taken up by Christians and Muslims at all levels and in all countries and I shall endeavour in this country and internationally, to do my part in working for the righteousness which this letter proclaims as our common goal."

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PRESS RELEASE:

Friday 6th July 2007

AMSS UK CONDEMNS TERRORIST ATTACKS IN LONDON AND GLASGOW

AMSS UK condemns in the strongest possible terms the recent terrorist attempts to wreak sheer devastation in the cities of London and Glasgow. We express our outrage and utter disgust at these acts of terror and this barbaric assault on humanity and the principles and values we all share.

Such acts of violence have no place in Islam and are thoroughly deplored by Muslims everywhere. This is a perversion of faith and morality that humanity rejects.

We call for immediate cooperation to eradicate all forms of violent radicalism and terrorism both in the UK and abroad. British people of all communities, cultures and faiths must stand united to defeat this evil and not allow a handful of individuals to intimidate us or create division, mistrust and fear undermining the rich cultural diversity that marks British society.

AMSS commends the new government's response in handling the crisis; in particular, the courage displayed by the emergency services and other law enforcement units to avert the disaster, and ensure the UK remains a safe and secure place to live, work, and raise our children.

It is the responsibility of every individual of faith and no faith, with any information on these attacks or its perpetrators, or any other incident, whether terrorist or Islamophobic, to come forward.

The AMSS UK renews its call to strengthen the bonds of cooperation, for it is the only way to eliminate this threat.

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PRESS RELEASE:

Monday 21st May 2007

The First Zaki Badawi Annual Memorial Lecture jointly organised by AMSS (UK) and Lambeth Palace, was held at Lambeth Palace, London, on 26th April 2007. The lecture was presented by his Grace Dr. Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, on the topic of 'Islam, Christianity and Pluralism'.

In a subtle, wide-ranging and eloquent address on religious pluralism, Dr. Williams affirmed the need for continued dialogue between Christians and Muslims from within their common Abrahamic tradition. Challenging the way in which secularised public discourse increasingly adheres to a "default setting" which marginalises, disregards and even pillories a religious perspective, he appealed to all people of faith to work together to uphold the core moral and spiritual principles which should be at the centre of the life of the nation.

Lords, policy makers, academics, and community leaders were all in attendance at an event that saw members of various faiths and backgrounds come together to pay tribute to the role Dr. Zaki Badawi had played in giving British Islam a voice.

The event began with moving readings from the Qur'an by Hasan al-Banna and the Bible by Canon Guy Wilkinson, followed by a poignant and intimate account of his late father by Faris Badawi.

Dr. Anas al-Shaikh Ali, Chair of AMSS UK, spoke of the key role which Dr. Zaki had played in the work, vision, and activities of the AMSS, as well as his contribution to its success. Focussing on the subject of education, he also presented an impassioned case for education as the only long term multi-dimensional solution to tackle racism, intolerance, Islamophobia, and all forms of xenophobia, affecting society.

The event was marked by presentation of the prestigious AMSS Building Bridges Award to Dr. Rowan Williams, in recognition of his distinguished contributions to better understanding between Faiths, and to a wider recognition of the place of faith in present day Western culture.

The Memorial Lecture ended with messages of goodwill from HRH the Prince of Wales, the Foreign Minister of Turkey , the Mufti of Egypt and others.

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PRESS RELEASE:

Press release from Lambeth Palace and the Association of Muslim Social Scientists

Thursday 26th April 2007

Archbishop to give inaugural Zaki Badawi Memorial Lecture

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, will tonight give the inaugaral Zaki Badawi Memorial Lecture at Lambeth Palace. The lecture is entitled 'Islam, Christianity and Pluralism', and will focus on the different attitudes between the two faiths regarding both pluralism as a religious thesis, and pluralism as a social and political reality.

Dr Williams will also receive the Building Bridges Award (2005) award tonight from the Association of Muslim Social Scientists, in recognition of his distinguished contributions to better understanding between Faiths, and to a wider recognition of the place of faith in present day Western culture.

Messages of goodwill from HRH the Prince of Wales, the Foreign Minister of Turkey, the Mufti of Egypt and others, will be read out at the lecture.

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Notes for editors: It is regretted that no text of the address will be immediately available; a transcript will be posted on the web site as soon as possible.



PRESS RELEASE: Zaki Badawi Annual Memorial Lectures

In honour of the life and work of Sheikh Dr. M.A. Zaki Badawi O.B.E., K.B.E., the AMSS UK has established a Zaki Badawi Annual Memorial Lecture to be inaugurated in 2006. The first lecture, speaker, venue and date are to be announced.

Dr. Badawi was an integral part of the Association of Muslim Social Scientists UK since its inception in 1996, a founding member of the Association, as well as a long time member of its Executive Committee. He was a guiding force behind the growth, development, and success of the organisation as well as a tireless campaigner for the nurture and development of Britain's Islamic community.

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PRESS RELEASE: Sheikh Zaki Badawi (1922-2006) - An Obituary

It is with deepest sadness that we announce that Sheikh Dr. M.A. Zaki Badawi O.B.E., K.B.E., Principal of the Muslim College, founder of the Imams and Mosques Council (UK), chair and founding member of the Forum Against Islamophobia and Racism (FAIR), founding member of the Association of Muslim Social Scientists (AMSS UK), and arguably the nation's greatest and most celebrated spokesman for the cause of British Islam has died in London on 24 January 2006 at the venerable age of 83.

Despite his advancing years, the humble scholar with the humble heart worked tirelessly to the very end, collapsing whilst giving a talk in London, characteristically engaged until the moment of his death in a gentle but unfailing campaign for the cause of Islam and the Muslim community.

A charismatic figure with an almost fatherly, watchful eye over the nurture and development of Britain's Islamic community his passing leaves a void, which, will be immensely difficult to fill. It is a tremendous loss to the Muslim community and a testament to the legacy of a self-effacing man, to whom ambition was a stranger, and flattery an embarrassment. Dr. Badawi's was a powerful, empathic, intelligent, and warm personality. Always polite, cheerful, engaging, and respectful his sharp wit and delightful sense of humour were a joy and inspiration to all who had the good fortune to meet and know him, both on a professional, personal, and social level.

A visionary who understood the needs of the Muslim community decades before it had come of age, Dr. Badawi worked relentlessly to turn this vision into reality. Unthwarted by obstacles, undaunted by seats of power, fearless of the media, he easily commanded the respect and attention of royalty, heads of state, politicians, journalists, the establishment, as well as, and perhaps most challenging of all, the general public and diverse cultures making up the British Muslim community. Indeed, it is far from exaggeration to affirm that he has played a major role in putting both British Islam and British Muslim identity on the map, giving it a respect and history, which will long be remembered. His was a voice and his were ideas constantly in demand and his passing away marks the end of an era.

Dr. Badawi's was also an illustrious and distinguished life - a graduate of Al-Azhar University feted with numerous awards, distinctions and achievements, his high-minded and honourable nature forbade him from indulging in the accolades of men. These were but mere laurels of this world to him when the Hereafter was the only reward he sought. Nevertheless awards serve a function, they recognize the legacy of men and allow us to express our esteem and appreciation for the achievements of others, and, in accordance with this precept, the AMSS UK paid tribute to Dr. Badawi's brilliant model of hard work, dedication, and service by honouring him with their 2002 Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Award was presented at a dinner to mark the occasion of his eightieth birthday at the Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre on 15 January 2003 and jointly organized by the AMSS, Al-Khoei Foundation, FAIR and Q-News. Attended by over a hundred and fifty representatives of not only British Muslim organisations but people from every sector of the community and establishment, from politicians to leaders of other faith communities, the diversity amongst the crowd was itself testimony to not only the varied work that Dr. Badawi has been involved in, but how much he is respected for his immense efforts. The evening ended with telling words of gratitude from Dr. Badawi himself, who reminded the audience that this should not just be a celebration of his life, but of the progress and achievements of the British Muslim community. In his inspiring speech, Dr. Badawi spoke of how he had helped to nurture a confident British Muslim identity over the decades and how far the community had come from the days when he first conveyed this message. It came as no surprise then that his closing remarks were met with a standing ovation when he ended the evening by declaring that, "The British Muslim community has arrived!"

Fusing the best of Islamic knowledge with the best of western thought and armed with a resultant uncanny understanding of the peculiar needs and requirements of the Muslim community attempting to straddle with practicality the two realities of their lives, Dr. Badawi arguably became best known for his role as Principal of The Muslim College, a place and achievement which he cherished greatly and a base to which he fondly returned after his many speaking engagements throughout the world.

Founded in 1987 as a religious academic institution specialising in the study of Islam, its culture and history, it was an idea born on his arrival at the Islamic Cultural Centre in 1978, where after holding a conference for all Imams in Britain to acquaint himself with their work and explore ways of cooperation he set to work and found that few of them spoke English; a village imam being imported into Britain is a very disastrous thing, particularly for the youth, he opined. Ever the realist his solution was to establish the Muslim College, which began functioning in 1990. With great foresight he set about training Imams in public speaking, to give sermons which are relevant and entertaining, as well as training them in counseling and other skills. Also introduced to students were what have come today to be indispensable skills required of Muslims: journalism, mass media, teacher-training etc.

Dr. Badawi has also been an integral part of the Association of Muslim Social Scientists UK since its inception in 1996. A founding member of the Association as well as long time member of its Executive Committee he was a strong and guiding force behind its growth and development; his wisdom and input have been a deep loss to the organization.

Dr. Badawi's consistently clear message and decades of unflagging hard work have borne fruit. Leaving behind him the legacy of a confident British Muslim identity he has also greatly furthered the cause of inter-faith dialogue and understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims both in the UK and abroad.

May Allah have mercy on his soul and may He bless our Ummah with more men and scholars of his calibre.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family.

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JOINT PRESS RELEASE: MUSLIM ORGANISATIONS CONDEMN THE HORRIFIC ATTACKS ON LONDON AND ITS PEOPLE The atrocities committed against innocent people are condemned by every decent human being. No faith ever justifies such a terrible crime. We express our sympathy for the injured and condolences for the grieved. Those who lost their lives will live forever in our memory. British people of all communities, cultures and faiths must stand united in their shock and grief in order to defeat this evil attempt to create division, mistrust and fear within our rich and diverse society. We have worked hard to create a city of peace, safety and security, and will work harder to return the city of London back to normality, to function in a climate of peace and safety. The Muslim College The Association of Muslim Social Scientists (UK) FED 2000 for education and development The Forum Against Islamophobia and Racism The Islamic Religious Council The Imams and Mosques Council 7 th July 2005 [ENDS]