Norway: An academic debate held on meaning of title ‘Shaykh-ul-Islam’

Minhaj Youth League (MYL) Norway arranged, on 21st December, an evening on the significance of the famous Islamic title: Shaykh-ul-Islam. The aim of this event was to clarify and highlight the real definition of Shaykh-ul-Islam, what qualifications are needed and what are the requirements of being a Shaykh-ul-Islam?

Shaykh-ul-Islam is a historical title, which has been given to pioneers of Islamic history and is also carried out in our time. Unfortunately few people recognise its true meaning and implications, and therefore either misuse the title or do not recognise the true Shauykh- ul-Islam. The evening was led by Kasim Mahmood, and started with recitation of verses from the Holy Quran with explanation from brother Mohammad Moddassir and was followed up by beautiful Nasheed-recitation from brother Mubashir and Sheema Naat Council of Minhaj Youth League – sisters wing. Afterwards brother Omar Ansari gave a brief introduction of the topic in the local language – Norwegian. Before the main speech, Sister Muniba Ahmad gave a touching talk about the tragic event in Peshawar.

Shaykh Iqbal Fani – Director of Minhaj-ul-Quran Oslo, delivered the main speech of the event in which he explained the different important titles of scholars in Islam and connected them to the title Shaykh-ul-Islam. Shaykh Fani explained that there are 5 main principles of Islamic teachings – exegesis, jurisprudence, Hadith, belief and spiritualism. A full-fledged master of these principles is known as Shaykh-ul-Islam. He also went trough the history of scholars who were given this title throughout the history – such as Imam Bukhari, Imam Suyuti, Imam Ibn Hajar Asqalani, Imam Nawawi and Imam Ghazali. Furthermore Shaykh Fani explained the works of Shuyukh-ul-Islam and elaborated his huge efforts and contributions towards knowledge in their era. He concluded his speech by throwing light on important of Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri’s contributions to the cause of Islam in the 21st century. The event was ended by a quiz about Islam, followed by an hour long QA session and Dua by Shaykh Iqbal Fani.

Reported by Hamza Ansari