Over 125 Shia Muslim organisations and activists participated in a conference to launch the formation of a national body, UK Shia Muslim Council (UKSMC) on August 30.
It is the first time in more than three decades that a national Shia Muslim body has been formed. “These efforts are greatly needed as we all recognise that effective and permanent goals can only be achieved through a united Shia community,” said Syed Muhammad Musawi of the Ad Hoc Committee of UKSMC. “A united approach is a necessity, as we are currently the only religious community in the UK that does not have a recognised single united body for the community,” he added in his welcoming speech.
The formation of the UKSMC was unanimously supported by the attendees. “Absolutely awesome concept and looking forward to its inauguration as soon as possible. Today is not soon enough,” said Ummulbanin Merali, Trustee of Q Fatima.
“Well done to the organisers for arranging this milestone event. It was an excellent collaboration of key intellectual individuals of all ethnicity within our community. Such a body was much needed to bring together all organisations and centres together. ‘Unity is strength’ as they say. InshaAllah under this umbrella a lot can be achieved,” said Zileyh Shah, from Al Quaim, Slough.
“It was a great opportunity to attend the meeting of UKSMC. Forming such an organisation is long overdue. However, it is better late than never,” said Dr Isam Ajina, Founding Trustee, Noor Trust.
Members of the Ad Hoc committee of the UKSMC argued for the need of a united Shia Muslim body.
“The Shia Community, and especially the youth, are looking up to the leaders to build a strong organisation that represents the Shia viewpoint in the UK, thereby safeguarding their future in this country,” said Sheikh Mohammed Al-Hilli.
Sheikh Al-Hilli emphasised that “failure” was not an option. “We are not represented at many levels, such as the media, and we are in great need of a Shia body that unites the organisations for the primary interests of the community.”
Munawer Rattansey gave a brief history of the UKSMC saying it began informally in 2011 and took shape with a constitution being drafted after a lot of debate.
A consultation meeting was organised for London groups last year where 50 organisations attended. Amendments to the draft constitution were made from the feedback from the consultation meeting.
Consultations were also held with individuals and major Shia Muslim organisations on the formation of the UKSMC in the last three years. The feedbacks were incorporated in the draft constitution.
After all these consultations, “there seemed a great need and recognition, that effective and long term goals could only be achieved through a united Shia community,” Rattansey said.
Sheikh Rashid Ayub spoke on the importance of belonging to the community. “As we know dispute among us in our centres is a reality. We need ‘i’tisam, which means unity of our hearts and not just unity. We need to serve our communities collectively.”
He added that the UKSMC will bring “that sense of belonging.”
“UKSMC will bring hope to the youth, to the women, and to the minorities. It will make Shia have one voice,” he concluded.
Sheikh Ali Massoumian talking on the unity of the Shia Muslim community said, “Whether we have 100,000 Shia in the UK or a million Shia in the UK, it doesn’t matter. A million divided Shia are worthless compared to a united 100,000 Shia. Put your differences aside.”
Adam Mir briefed the meeting on the UKSMC constitution, copies of which were given to the attendees. He highlighted important issues like Aims & Objectives, Membership, Executive body, Trustees, Voting Rights, Power etc.
In the plenary session, held by Riaz Esmail, six topics were discussed in groups. They were Convergence and Strategy, Pragmatism and Inclusivity, Rationalising the scope of activities, Legal Framework, Representation and Engagement and Empowerment.
Relevance: Do the aims & objectives / constitution deal with what member organisations want? Do you have any other feedback?
Communication and engagement with member organisations: what would you like to be kept to date with / what would you be able to support and help with; how can what is being done be passed on so that people are aware of and feel part of UKSMC
Mechanism / advice for new EC: How best to reach / achieve aims? How should funding be done? How best to engage with other Muslims (intra-) and those outside Islam (interfaith)?
Identification of opportunities and challenges: What issues (socio-political or organisational) should UKSMC be aware of, and its response?
Anything else? Are there any unique points that the group would like to make to help UKSMC to be successful?
During the plenary sessions hundreds of recommendations were presented to the UKSMC.
Some of them include: Defending rights of Shias in UK and worldwide; record violation of Shias across the world; be a voice for Shias; resolve problems; co-ordinate with all Shia organisations, so become a representative body (have buy in by all organisations); mapping of Shias; needs of communities; Shia think tank; listen to the youth; sharing best practice; data collection including on unemployment in the community; Shia helpline for youth; advisory boards for education, economy, politics and social issues; engage with local, national, international bodies and governments; defending human rights of Shias at the U.N; make special effort to listen to the silent majority; maintain good relationships with the marj’a; student advisory board (providing work experience etc); showing interest in Shia youth education; syllabus guidelines for schools; list of approved speakers; utilising skills of each organisations (identification and sharing of resources); women should not be pigeonholed; need more women representatives; focus on fertilisation of skills.
From the feedback survey 82% said they would be willing to give time to UKSMC activities.
The response from the attendees who filled in the feedback survey:
“It was an excellent event organized to bring together Shias from all over the UK with different ethnicities and backgrounds. There was an outstanding turnout. The creation of the organisation UKSMC is a brilliant idea and it has a promising future. The team worked well in organizing the documentation and event choosing a location that is easily accessible by both north and south. Overall, it was a well organized, enjoyable conference.”
The AdHoc committee will analyse the feedback and suggestions and continue to engage with Shia organisations across the UK, with the intention of holding a grand event to elect an executive body in the near future, inshaAllah.
The conference was held near Milton Keynes.
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