- Reception marks end of Hajj and Eid celebrations
- Concludes Muslim Council of Britain’s activities at the highly successful World Islamic Economic Forum
- British Muslim initiatives organised at the WIEF
- World Islamic Economic Forum in London demonstrates how the Muslim world and British Muslims bring added and enduring value to Britain’s prosperity
7th November 2013
The Muslim Council of Britain organised its annual reception at the House of Lords last Thursday (31 October 2013) to celebrate Eid and Hajj, and to mark the conclusion of the 9th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) in London.
Held at the House of Lords and hosted by both the Lord Sheikh of Cornhill and the Lord Leitch of Oakley, the receptionalso bade farewell to delegates for the World Islamic Economic Forum after 3 days of programmes which included workshops, roundtables and of building international networks at London’s Excel Centre.
The packed event at the House of Lords was attended by Parliamentarians, members of the diplomatic corps, members of the International Advisory panel of WIEF, and senior businessmen and professionals and community leaders.
In his opening speech, Lord Sheikh of Cornhill spoke of the great sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and of the importance of holding these events “to build peace and harmony in all communities”. Speaking about the WIEF, he commended the Muslim Council of Britain for “its close involvement in the establishment of the Forum since its inception” and appreciated the publication of MCB’s report, ‘The Muslim Pound’, which highlighted the added value British Muslims gave to the UK economy.
Co-host Lord Leitch of Oakley also commended the World Islamic Economic Forum and promise the conference gave for building bridges across cultures. The Forum provided “opportunities that are built out of relationships”. Lord Leitch also praised the introduction of Islamic bonds, announced by the Prime Minister at the Forum. It was “great news for the UK and Britain” and noted how “collaborations and partnerships are the key to economic prosperity”.
Farooq Murad, Secretary General of the MCB, spoke about the importance of addressing poverty in third world countries and acknowledged the importance of Sukuk and also spoke about the need of “creating a just world where every person has a right to wealth and livelihood, we must take this message from the WIEF”. He spoke about the importance of building a just, peaceful and cohesive society, which is at the heart of the vision of the Muslim Council of Britain.
Sir Iqbal Sacranie, former Secretary General of the MCB and founding member of the International Advisory Panel of the World Islamic Economic Forum, congratulated the MCB in organising regular delegations to the WIEF since its very inception. He spoke about how “the conference is able to show how Muslims can engage in non-Muslim countries”. Speaking about MCB’s role in bringing WIEF to London, he said, “Every year young Muslim professionals and businessmen have attended (WIEF) and have really made a mark in being ambassadors for Britain through their active participation at every Forum either as speakers or panellists”.
Sir Iqbal thanked the presence of senior members of the Forum’s International Advisory Panel which included, Ian Buchanan, from Australia, Essa Al Ghurair, from the United Arab Emirates and Salahuddin Kasem Khan, from Bangladesh for their attendance and the support they had provided to bring WIEF to London. He also thanked the tremendous support provided by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson and his staff as well as UKTI and the Foreign Office. He acknowledge with great appreciation the kind remarks made by HRH the Prince of Wales at the Gala Dinner where he acknowledged the important role of the Muslim Council of Britain in the WIEF over many years which finally brought the great Forum to London.
Lord Qurban Hussain of Luton also commended the work and the role of the MCB in the WIEF and expressed his well wishes for the event.
The event was supported by the National Zakat Foundation which was immensely appreciated by the Muslim Council of Britain. NZF raised one million in Zakat in the current year for UK based projects. A huge thanks also goes to Shelina Janmohamed, Vice-President of Ogilvy Noor, for her fantastic compèring throughout the course of the evening.
The Muslim Council of Britain at the World Islamic Economic Forum
The Muslim Pound
The reception at the House of Lords concluded a week long activities dominated by the World Islamic Economic Forum. The week began with the launch and press conference of the ‘Muslim Pound’, a document highlighting how British Muslims add enduring value to the UK’s prosperity. The press conference heard from MCB leaders as well as entrepreneurs and professionals who spoke about their own experiences.
Sessions held by MCB at the WIEF
‘What is required to facilitate the continued growth of the Islamic Finance industry?’
On Thursday afternoon (31 October), MCB facilitated the inaugural bi-lateral meeting of businessmen from Bangladesh and Britain. After a healthy exchange of discussions the group resolved that key individuals would be identified and approached from Britain and Bangladesh to form the steering team co-chaired by Sir Iqbal Sacranie and Salahuddin Kasem Khan to facilitate and encourage bi-lateral trade between the two countries.
‘Accessing Halal Pharmaceuticals: Halal Vaccines’
This session was addressed by Founding Patron and former Prime Minster of Malaysia, HE Tun Abdullah Badawi, and was followed by a Round Table Discussion, which addressed components in vaccinations and raised concerns from a Muslim’s perspective. There were contributions from panellists Dr Richard England from Glaxo Smith Kline, Joanne Yarwood from ‘Immunisation’, Mufti Sarfraz Mohammed – Shariah advisor and halal food consultant and Dr Shuja Shafi, Deputy Secretary General of the MCB.
Delegates to the World Islamic Economic Forum
The Muslim Council of Britain annually organises a delegation to attend the Forum. This year was no different. Members came from a cross section of business and finance sections
Muslim Council of Britain initiatives coming out of the World Islamic Economic Forum
Memorandum of Understanding for Hajj Tour Operators
A historic signing took place at the Reception where a Memorandum of Understanding was initiated to encourage Hajj tour operators to be rated on the basis of their operations and customer service. It was signed by Fazal Bahardeen, CEO of Crescentrating from the Republic of Singapore and by Dr Shuja Shafi, Deputy Secretary General of the MCB. “This is an important step in upholding the good work done by the vast majority of hajj tour providers whose work is undermined by dubious operators deceiving hopeful pilgrims” said the Deputy Secretary General.
Association of Shariah Scholars in Islamic Finance (ASSIF)
The Muslim Council of Britain also helped launch at the World Islamic Economic Forum the Association of Shariah Scholars in Islamic Finance (ASSIF). The Association was established as a response to a globally recognized need for a self-regulating professional body for Shariah scholars in the Islamic finance industry. The Association will share knowledge and expertise with counterpart national and international regulatory bodies for other professions such as accountants, lawyers and finance professionals.
The three initiatives at the Forum were the main initiatives coming from the British Muslim community. We also welcome and commend the significant artistic contribution made by British Muslims to the World Islamic Economic Forum and its parallel ‘MocaFest’ programme which saw, amongst others, the works of Mohamed Ali, a.k.a AerosolArabic and performances of Sukina Pilgrim.
Legacy
For the Muslim Council of Britain, the World Islamic Economic Forum coming to London was a hugely positive step in demonstrating how the Muslim world and British Muslims bring added and enduring value to Britain. In the coming months and years, the Muslim Council of Britain will work to ensure we build on this legacy. Highlighting the role of Islamic finance and encouraging entrepreneurship in the Muslim community to help add further prosperity for the UK.