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Islamic Unity Week Conference Unites Scholars and Leaders in Uganda

The Cultural Consulate of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in collaboration with several Ugandan universities, have organised an Islamic Unity Week Conference at Muteesa I Royal University, bringing together scholars and leaders from different parts of the world.

The event was held in honor of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and aimed to promote unity among Muslim faithful. Key partners included Islamic University in Uganda, Makerere University, Nkumba University, Jakayz College School, and Kyambogo University.

The conference was graced by several dignitaries, including H.E. Amokrane Mourad, Ambassador of Algeria, H.E. Dr. Tamouh Moustafa, the Syrian Honorary Consul, Mr. Ali Mohammad, Deputy Ambassador of the Sahrawi Democratic Arab Republic, Mr. Bilal Mohsin, Deputy High Commissioner from the High Commission for Pakistan, Mr. Mohsen Aghaloo, the First Secretary and representative of the Iranian Ambassador, and Moulana Assadi, a lecturer at Al-Mustafa Islamic College.

During the event, Prof. Adam Ssebyala Al-Maliky, an academic at Muteesa I Royal University, delivered a profound speech, highlighting the influence of Prophet Muhammad. He recounted how a Christian scholar had ranked the Prophet as the most influential personality of all time after studying his life.

Prof. Ssebyala cautioned against Muslim leaders traveling to Christian countries to resolve internal issues, reminding them that Prophet Muhammad left behind wisdom, knowledge, and values like tolerance, peace, and dialogue. He emphasized that the Prophet’s legacy continues to offer valuable lessons for contemporary leadership.

Dr. Tamouh Moustafa, the Syrian Honorary Consul, expressed his gratitude to the Iranian Embassy for organizing the event. He called on Muslim leaders to resist division, emphasizing that ignorance and illiteracy were being exploited by the enemies of Islam to create internal strife. His message urged unity among Muslims, with a call to follow the teachings of the Quran to build solidarity.

Speaking on behalf of Islamic University in Uganda, Dr. Faridah Nakazibwe Kyambadde echoed the significance of the Prophet’s message in modern society. She urged the faithful to lead lives characterized by peace, kindness, and harmony, stressing that these values are vital in addressing contemporary challenges.

Sheikh Yusuf Mulumba Mayirikiti, Director of Quran and Itra Association, elaborated on the origins of the Islamic Unity Week, noting that Imam Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, had declared the week from 12th to 17th Rabbiul Awwal as a time to unite.

He rallied participants to reject divisive interpretations of Islam and instead focus on the pure teachings of the faith. According to Sheikh Mayirikiti, those who incite disunity among Muslims are neither Shia nor Sunni but external enemies intent on weakening the Ummah.

H.E. Muhammad Mayanja, founder and chairman of the Justice Forum (JEEMA) and a former presidential candidate, spoke passionately about the ongoing struggles in the Middle East, particularly the genocide in Gaza. He questioned why Muslim nations remained silent in the face of such atrocities, urging a collective and forceful response from the global Muslim community.

Sister Sarah Sabbirah, a law student from the Islamic University in Uganda, praised the unity week conference for amplifying the values of peace, dialogue, and love. She expressed gratitude to the organizers for providing a platform to reflect on the importance of these values in today’s world.

Moulana Razawi, the resident Imam of Khoja Shia Ithna Ashari Jamaat, reflected on Quranic verses that describe Prophet Muhammad as a role model for humanity. He emphasized the importance of using accurate translations of the Quran to avoid misinformation and theological disputes. His call to action urged Muslims to embrace the Prophet’s example in their daily lives.

Mr. Abdollah Abbasi, Cultural Counsellor of the Iranian Embassy, expressed gratitude to Prof. Vincent Kakembo, Vice Chancellor of Muteesa I Royal University, for hosting the event. He reiterated the need for Muslim nations to embrace peace, empathy, and friendship values that reflect the true teachings of Islam.

Mr. Abbasi stressed that the Islamic Unity Week offers an important opportunity to strengthen Muslim solidarity, and called on Islamic thinkers and leaders to confront the forces of division with a unified front. He also spoke out against the atrocities committed by the Zionist regime in Palestine and Lebanon, attributing these actions to the disunity within the Muslim world.

Closing the event, Hon. Asuman Basalirwa, chairman of the Muslim Parliamentary Forum and Member of Parliament for Bugiri Municipality, urged participants to reflect on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad in their interactions with others.

He emphasized the importance of unity in challenging oppression and fostering positive change. Hon. Basalirwa also expressed concern about the indifference of some Muslim leaders towards crises affecting fellow Muslims globally, especially the tragedies in Palestine and Lebanon.

The conference concluded with a message of solidarity and a commitment to continue fostering unity within the Muslim Ummah. Participants left with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired by the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and the collective vision of Islamic unity.