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Sheikh Zakzaki from Nigeria speaking at the conference

VENUE: ISLAMIC CENTRE OF ENGLAND (LONDON)
06-JUN-2009; 1-7PM

Two decades after the death of one of the greatest figures in Islamic, and indeed world, history Imam Ruhollah Musawi Khomeini, the passion he engendered in the believers has stayed alive.  On Saturday 6 June 2009 the AhlulBayt Islamic Mission (AIM) and the Sun Cultural Foundation organized a conference at the Islamic Centre of England in London to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his passing.

One of the most poignant talks of the day was that of Iqbal Siddiqui. He focused on the topic of modernity and Islam. The west has consistently tried to tell Muslims that modernity and religion are mutually exclusive and that in order for Muslims to progress they must adopt western ways, and yet Imam Khomeini proved that this was not the case. Siddiqui noted that the Imam never said that he was against progress but that he was against western immorality being adopted.

The most electrifying speech of the day, was by Rebecca Masterton who focused on the spiritual side of Imam Khomeini, which is perhaps the side of his character we know the least about. She spoke of how the Imam paid attention to the purification of his own soul and how he taught us to  conquer our own nafs (self) to be   successful in both this life and the hereafter. Many other attendees concurred that her speech moved them more than any other on the day.

Iskander Khaleel started his speech with a quote from John Esposito that “studying Islam in the 1970’s was niche but after the Revolution that all changed.” He humorously challenged the political apathy of the Muslims living in the west.  In a society which celebrates mediocrity, it is up to the Muslims to offer up positive role  models in society and offer solutions to the problems faced by society. He focused on the fact that Shia Islam, more than all the other sects, focuses on aql (intellect) or common sense and that the solutions to our communities should be based on this.

Other speeches during the day were by Iran’s Ambassador to the UK, Rasoul Movahedian, the leader of the three million Nigerian Shia Muslims, Sheikh Zakzaki and Imam of the Islamic Centre, Hojjatel Islam Moezzi. They touched on issues such as the impact of the Imam outside Iran, in places such as Nigeria and Lebanon.

The final speech was by Sayed al Musawi of the World Ahlul Bayt   Islamic League (WABIL) and ended the conference on an excellent note, with a direct message to President Obama. In the wake of Obama’s message to the Muslim world in Cairo, he told him that the believers would not be easily fooled and would continue on the path of Imam Khomeini.

Multimedia recordings from the conference are available online.