Tijaniya Order Meets in Morocco
Morocco hosted an important gathering of the Tijaniya Order in June. Problems facing Islam and Muslims, today, were the main topics. The forum that lasted four days was held in conjunction of the Moroccan government, and the followers and affiliates of the Order of Fez. Morocco played host to first such meeting, twenty-five years ago.
More than 1600 people, representing more than forty countries took part. Representing the King of Morocco, His Majesty Mohammed VI, was Minister of Endowment and Islamic Affairs, Dr. Taufiq, who gave the opening address. He said, among other things, that the timing of the conference was appropriate because of the growing opposition to Islam. Unity of Muslims, wherever they may live, is important. Spiritual values are beginning to falter in the face of growing temptations. By uniting in a common goal, Muslims can overcome many of the adversities facing them today. King Mohammed VI reiterated that Morocco would continue to support and foster the cause of Islamic solidarity. Dr Taufig added that Morocco would seek to strengthen ties with its sister nations, especially those in Africa. He stated that to reach the goals of unity and cohesiveness, they must turn to the values of Islam. The monarch’s message reminded those in attendance that all men and women, Muslim or non-Muslim, should lead a decent, dignified life. Work must be done to turn Islamic values and ideals into reality with friendship and cooperation. Care should be taken to strengthen and heal the souls as well as the physical body.
Participants took part in looking for solutions to the many issues facing Muslims and Islam, both, from within its ranks and outside pressures. Some of the themes presented in the forum were religious reawakening, peace, unity among Muslims, goodwill, abhorrence to terrorism, and peaceful co-existence among Muslims and non-Muslims.
In his welcoming address, the leader of the Nigerian delegation called on Muslims, no matter their country of origin, to come together and face the problems with a unified voice. He emphasized that Islam is a religion of peace and did not condone acts that went against its precepts. Shiekh Alhussaini Jafar Ibrahim Saleh said that the followers of Tijaniya Order were not seeking wealth or power but were a peaceful people seeking to glorify Allah and to promote and protect Islam.
Many papers were presented by various conference goers. All the participants commended Morocco and King Mohammed VI for hosting the Muslim gathering. It was a consensus of the group that the meeting was a great opportunity to further ties among the Muslim Ummah. It helped the conference goers to better know each other and promote unity. Tijaniya Order members should remember the problems facing their fellow Muslims in all parts of the world and continue to support them It is hoped that meetings of the Order will become bi-annual.
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