| From Latimer Retreat to IIPS in Seyyida Zaynabas Damascus |
 Jaffer Dharamsi the Mubaligheen Training Co-ordinator In December 2005, the then chairman of WF-IEB appointed me as the Muballigheen Training Co-ordinator. Some questioned the wisdom of the choice, as they felt that an experienced Muballigh should have been appointed. However I was comfortable with my appointment, as it was my intention to draw upon the experience of the serving Muballigheen and scholars by consulting as many of them as I could. Between January 2006 and September 2006, I travelled around the world consulting community members of 98 Jamaats. During my travels, I also had the opportunity to get further input from the majority of Muballigheen serving the community (28) and from other Muballigheen and scholars serving the Shia umma. I also visited the majority of seminaries in India, Pakistan, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, UK and USA to get an insight into the methodology of existing training programmes. In September 2006, based on my research, I presented a report to the World Federation Conference in Dubai. The community leaders at the conference, accepting my recommendations, gave the go ahead to conduct the Muballigheen Training in Seyyida Zaynab  Damascus, starting in September 2007.During my travels, muballigheen as well as community members offered their services and volunteered to assist in the preparation of the Muballigheen Training Programme (MTP). In the past year 67 volunteers working as TeamMTP worked tirelessly to ensure that the programme starts in Seyyida Zaynab Damascus, on Saturday 8th September 2007. Tasks were allocated to teams and the teams delivered as follows:1. The Curriculum Team (Eastern) finalised the subjects that will be taught, and which books will be used. Students will go through in-depth modules on the Quran and its exegesis, Sciences of Traditions, Islamic Theology, Jurisprudence (General and Principles), Logic, History, Philosophy and Ethics. This team was chaired by Maulana Zaffar Abbas. 2. The Curriculum Team (Western) finalised the contemporary Western academic subjects in 34 identified areas — including Islamic Civilizations, Interfaith training, and Islam and the West — which will form an integral part of the studies at the Institute. This team was chaired by Murabbi Hasnainbhai Walji. 3. The Arabic Language Team developed and tested a unique module aiming at teaching Arabic with a goal of enabling an understanding of Qur’an, Hadith (Traditions) and Islam, and being able to use the language in daily cultural and educational situations. This team was chaired by Shaykh Kassim Assady. 4. The Accreditation Team selected a well-known UK University to academically recognize the MTP program. A first draft of The Academic Regulations for MA in Islamic Studies has been submitted to the University. This team was chaired by Yasinbhai Raheem. 5. The Institute Team finalised and published, in French and in English, the four-year programme, the Student Selection Criteria, the Student Application Form and the Institute Code of Conduct. This team was chaired by Shaykh Sami Bu Khamseen. 6. The Campus Construction Team searched for and purchased a 37000 sq.m. plot of land in Seyyida Zaynab in Damascus, identified a dynamic architect who submitted the drawings for a six phase project of construction, and selected a contractor for the Campus construction.7. The Communications Team published articles, brochures and magazines in English and in French, and conducted seminars and presentations publicising MTP to the worldwide community members. Presentations were also made to the Executive Council in Karachi and Dares salaam. 8. The Human Resources Team produced Job and Person’s spec for key positions and trained a team for carrying out interviews. Those who applied for positions were given a psychometric test to assess development needs prior to their interviews. 9. The Legal Team finalised the staff contracts and the Institute Organisation and Consultative Structure. 10. The Administration Team established an office in Damascus and has created streamlined Systems and Processes for the smooth running of MTP. 11. The core members of Team MTP met over the August Bank Holidays and discussed in depth all aspects of MTP and agreed on procedures for dealing with anticipated challenges that may be faced by the Institute in the coming year. 12. The World Federation Secretariat Staff at Stanmore and at Harefield provided the dedicated logistical support that made it all possible. As can be seen from the above, community members working together as a team with a focused vision, were able to deliver on what initially appeared an impossible target. Team MTP will rejoice and celebrate with the community on Saturday 8th September 2007 (25th Sha’baan 1428), the day The Islamic Institute for Postgraduate Studies in Seyyida Zaynab , Damascus, starts to train Muballigheen to serve our community. However, the next day team members will be busy:1. The Curriculum Team (Eastern) will finalise and signoff on the Second Year Lesson Plans and start working on the Third Year Lesson Plans. 2. The Curriculum Team (Western) will finalise and signoff on the lesson plans for the course introductions and the Second and Third Year Lesson Plans. 3. The Arabic Language Team will monitor module delivery and amend course books as necessary for the following years. 4. The Accreditation Team will evaluate Institute progress, suggest systems for delivery improvement, finalise the validation document and recommend an External Examiner. 5. The Institute Team will assess systems and processes, proposing any changes that may be necessary. 6. The Campus Construction Team will supervise the construction of the First Phase of the Project and organise the opening ceremony. 7. The Communications Team will organise seminars for undergraduates and graduates in North America, Europe, Malaysia and Reunion. 8. The Human Resources Team will need to produce Job and Person’s spec for further positions that will have to be filled during the year. 9. The Legal Team will pursue the Registration of the World Federation in Syria as an NGO. 10. The Administration Team will monitor the performance of the Damascus Office and suggest changes necessary for improvement. 11. The 19 core members of Team MTP will meet in March and August 2008 to discuss and decide upon core issues, and to finalise the composition of the Course Committee, chaired by Maulana Zaffar Abbas. 12. The World Federation Secretariat Staff at Stanmore and at Harefield will need to continue their unflinching support of Team MTP. As you are all aware, every year it is normal for two or three community young men and women to proceed to Qum for Islamic studies. We are delighted that this year two young men and two young women who wished to go for Islamic Studies, chose to join IIPS, and already three young men and three young women have signed up for the course that is expected to start in September 2008. It is our duty now to entice more young men and young women to choose to go for Islamic Studies and hopefully join IIPS. Before I close, I would like to extend an invitation to all of you to visit the Institute in Seyyida Zaynab Damascus and having critically assessed the Institute, submit to me your recommendations for improvement. The Office Manager in Seyyida Zaynab Damascus AlHajj Hussain Ravji, whose telephone number is 00963 (0) 988 799 765, will be more than happy to make any visa, transportation and accommodation arrangements that you may require.This much needed programme that the community recommended should be launched, cannot succeed without the support of all of you. I therefore urge you to be part of it, especially by visiting it, and encouraging students to join it. With salaams and duas Jaffer H Dharamsi Muballigheen Training Coordinator 7 September 2007. |
Google Translation
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