(London) The prestigious 9th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) proved to be uniquely historic in two respects. This year, the Forum hosted the only indigenous American Muslim organization in attendance, The Muslims of America, Inc., and in a break from nearly a decade of tradition, the Forum was held outside of an Islamic country in the bustling international metropolis of London. The Hon. Hussein Adams, Chief Executive of The Muslims of America, joined heads of states, chief executive officers, policy makers, academics and business professionals from 128 countries. The international media covering the global affair included The Islamic Post's US correspondent Jarrus Mitchell, and UK correspondents, Syed Imran Ali Gilani and Syed Danyial Ali Gilani. Before the event, the Hon. Tun Musa Hitam, Chairman of the WIEF Foundation stated about the Forum, "We staunchly believe that when people get together for business, they forget their political, religious and ideological differences..."
This year's forum received over 2600 attendees and an array of dynamic global leaders including the Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Hon. Najib Tun Abdul Razak; Prime Minister of the UK, the Rt. Hon. David Cameron; Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah; President of Afghanistan, H.E. Hamid Karzai; Her Excellency Atifete Jahjaga, President of the Republic of Kosovo; Crowned Prince of Bahrain, Sultan Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa; former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Hon. Abdullah Ahmad Badawi; and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, H.E. Nawaz Sharif.
All WIEF speakers gave informative presentations about the sound financial climate in their part of the world that is open to Muslims. Taking the audience by surprise were the powerful statements by Prime Minister David Cameron, who emphasized his country's affirmative policies by inviting Muslims to their share of the financial success in the UK, regardless of religion, which is often a restriction in western financial markets. "The message is simple: Britain is a country ready to welcome your investment, a country that values your friendship, and a country which will never exclude anyone because of their race, religion, color or creed."
Mr.Cameron also expressed the goal of his country to become an international center of Islamic finance to rival Dubai. At the WIEF, it was demonstrated how Islamic economies are regulated, implemented, and how the entire western world can benefit from an Islamic finance model as well. "Islamic finance, for example, can contribute to the global financial system by reinforcing ethical and moral values that are fundamental to promoting the stability of the global financial system," said H.E. Hamid Karzai, President of Afghanistan.
The Muslims of America, Inc., (TMOA) is poised to infuse a new dimension into the WIEF through a unique perspective as indigenous Americans who have had the freedom to obtain religious and secular knowledge, sincerely practice Islam in letter and spirit, remain dedicated to the emulation of the Holy Last Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, and undertake global humanitarian works which aid in uplifting society's weak and oppressed.
The TMOA organization models the precept that financial success and prosperity are a product of the above elements, and that prosperity, of necessity, includes societal and spiritual health and well-being, which should be available to all.
TMOA considers it their obligation to safeguard Muslims everywhere who are being persecuted, including those in America, Europe and elsewhere, who are under attack in a hate campaign launched by those building a lucrative profession in Islamophobia. However, there is confidence that through joint efforts and increased recognition of the issues, justice can be achieved and abuses in freedom of speech prevented. This is the foundation of The Muslims of America, as instructed and illustrated by the founder and spiritual guide, His Eminence El Sheikh Syed Mubarik Ali Shah Gillani, who is also the pioneer of the groundbreaking El Gilani Methodology, or EGM. Quintessential to the core of EGM efficacy is the axiom that mankind, as a physical as well as spiritual being, must nurture and balance both aspects in complete accord with the Divine Guidance of mankind's Almighty Creator. The El Gilani Methodology has thus provided cure of diseases and mental disorders previously labeled 'incurable'. The TMOA representatives were afforded the opportunity to present the El Gilani Methodology to members of the WIEF delegation from Malaysia, also disseminating the impressive EGM Journal to a number of forum attendees.
The World Islamic Economic Forum provided the esteemed TMOA delegation the opportunity to discuss global challenges as well as the problems faced by American Muslims with Islamic heads of states, governments and CEOs. Meaningful dialogue was exchanged and the response to the American Muslim delegates was very positive. Most were captivated by the idea of an indigenous American Muslim organization that had the scope and range represented by TMOA. The enthusiastic world leaders began to see how they could advance their businesses with TMOA's experience in leading, as seen in their disaster relief, social service programs and interfaith dialogue.
Through mutual cooperation and collaboration at the WIEF, TMOA has initiated the planning phase of several projects including the establishment of a halal meat company, an international teacher exchange program, introduction of EGM to international health officials, and market expansion for distribution of print and electronic media.
The Hon. Hussein Adams articulated, "In America, it is said that 'Islam is rising'; well, we say Islam has risen! And The members of The Muslims of America are actively involved in the renaissance of Islam in America."
For the American Muslim, the trip to London means taking another step to develop socioeconomic, educational, financial and spiritual connections with Muslims in other parts of the world. In an interview with TMOA's Assistant Chief Executive, Khadijah Smith, she reiterated, "By furthering knowledge of the global position of American Muslims, the world will come to know not just of the current issues we face in America, but of the Islamic culture that thrives here as we implement the beauty of Islam in every aspect of our lives."
To that end, TMOA will soon tour other Islamic countries to continue the work started at the 9th World Islamic Economic Forum.
A random sample of the photos from the event in our image gallery:
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