Peace conference report 2010 - Peace Conference Scandinavia

PEACE CONFERENCE
SCANDINAVIA 2010
Report
Oslo
March 2010
Islam Net
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PEACE CONFERENCE SCANDINAVIA 2010
Report
Oslo March 2010
Location
Oslo is the biggest city in Norway, and has been the country's capital since 1814. The Government and
Parliament are located here, and at the end of Oslo's main street, Karl Johans street, you find the Royal
Palace. In 2007 Reader's Digest ranked Oslo as number two on a list of the world's greenest, most livable
cities! The population of Norway is approx. 4.7 million, and around 600.000 people live in Oslo alone.
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The Venue Sentrum Scene
Sentrum Scene is located in the heart of Oslo City Centre. The premises have a capacity of 1750 standing or
1000 seated, ground floor plus balcony. The stage is 12m wide x 9m deep.
The house lighting is of high standard with a 72
channel dimmer system. The mixer position is 15 m
from the stage, underneath the balcony.
Several dressing rooms are available behind the stage,
a large entrance area, catering facilities with a kitchen,
as well as additional rooms.
This grand Conference Hall was spacious and well
suited for an Islamic Conference. Due to the layout of
the premises it functioned very well to have separate
areas for both men and women. The men were seated
on the ground floor, and the women were seated
above on the balcony area, with access to several
rooms, canteen as well as a separate entrance and
exit area.
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The Speakers and Artists
Peace Conference Scandinavia 2010 hosted International speakers and artists who are renowned and
prominent in the Muslim world.
Sheikh Hussain Yee
Sheikh Hussain Yee is the President of Al
Khadim Organization in Malaysia, which he
founded with a group of volunteers in 1984.
He is a Malaysian national of Chinese
descent. Born into a Buddhist family, he
embraced Islam at the age of 18 in 1968. He
pursued further studies at the Islamic
University of Madinah in Saudi Arabia
majoring in Hadith. He also studied under one
of the great scholars of Hadith of his time,
Sheikh Muhammad Nasiruddin Al Albani.
Today, Ustaz Muhammad Hussain Yee is a
well-known personality in the Islamic world.
Dr. Ali Mohammed Salah
Dr. Ali Mohammed Salah is one of the biggest
scholars in Norway. He has a doctorate
degree in Islamic studies from Malaysia. Dr.
Salah has worked as a senior lecturer at
several universities in Malaysia and is the
author of the book Trilogy of Abrahamic Faith.
He has authenticated 100 Ahadith and has
participated in more than 50 researches about
Islam and participated in about 60 Islamic
conferences. He is currently the Imam of the
Tawfiiq mosque in Oslo.
Abdur-Raheem Green
Abdur-Raheem Green was born in Tanzania.
His father was a colonial administrator in the
then extant British Empire. By the time he was
walking the old colonies were getting their
independence, and his family moved back to
the UK. It was during the time he was working
in the City of London, that he picked up a copy
of the Qur'an. Upon reading it he was
convinced that it was a revelation from God,
and thus started his journey into Islam. This
was in 1987. Since that time he has been
involved in letting others know about Islam.
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Dr. Bilal Philips
His quest to search for the truth led him from
his birth island of Jamaica to the streets of
Toronto where he grew up and accepted Islam
in 1972. Dr. Abu Ameenah completed his B.A.
from the College of Islamic Disciplines at the
Islamic University of Madinah in 1979, he
completed his Master's in Aqeedah at the
University of Riyadh in 1985 and finally
obtained his Ph.D from the University of Wales,
U.K. in Islamic Theology in 1994. His greatest
achievement is the founding of the Islamic
Online University that has over 3000 students
and authoring over 100 Islamic books of which,
the fundamentals of Tawheed is his favourite.
He currently resides in Doha, Qatar with his
family where he continues to teach at the
Islamic Studies Academy.
Kamal Uddin
In summer 1996 Kamal boarded an Islamic school in Bolton called Al
Jamia-Al Islamiyya. By the grace of Allah at the end of 2001 Kamal
finished his course and became a qualified Hafiz. Having been
inspired from being on Hajj in 2005, Kamal started to compose his
own lyrics for his first album. This was launched in August 2005 and
became a huge success gaining Kamal his recognition as a Nasheed
Artist after performing at the 1st Global Peace and Unity Event in the
UK.
Yusuf Chambers
Yusuf Chambers was born in Woking, Surrey.
Yusuf has been involved with a number of leading
Muslim organizations; both in the UK and abroad.
These have included Peace TV, Muslim Aid, AlJumuah Magazine, Islam Channel and Unity TV
where he conceived and presented 'The Path to
Guidance', a reverts interview program. When it
comes to charity fundraisers, hands-on community
work and powerful advocacy for Islam, the name
Yusuf Chambers is seldom far from the discussion
table.
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The Event
The Peace Conference opened the doors for the audience at 14:00 on the 27th March. It was free admission for
all people, and it didn´t take long before the hall was filling up with excited Muslims and many «not yet
Muslims». Fahad Qureshi, the Chairman of Islam Net gave a brief introduction of the program before Kamal
Uddin started the first performance at the Conference with a beautiful Qur’an recitation.
Yusuf Chambers was the Master of Ceremonies for the Peace Conference, and from the first moment he
entered the stage, he managed to charm the audience and make them laugh.
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The first two days of the conference were especially organized for the non-Muslims to learn about Islam. The
third day had its focus on engaging Muslims in the Da’wah and
its great benefits.
First day of the Conference
Dr. Ali Mohammed Salah, Abdur-Raheem Green (ARG) and
Hussain Yee gave three convincing lectures on the first day on
important topics as; Jesus Christ – A Messenger of Allah? (Dr.
Ali), Islam – The True Religion of God? (ARG), and Human
Rights in Islam! (Hussain Yee). The atmosphere was fantastic,
and the evening was rounded off with a great Nasheed
Concert by the talented Nasheed vocalist Kamal Uddin.
Second day of the Conference
The second day started off with the lecture Islam in a Modern
Society – Conflict or Harmony? by the charismatic Hussain Yee, who certainly had the audience´s attention.
ARG, whom always fascinates the audience, gave his famous lecture Do Good People go to Hell? Finally the
surprise main speaker of the conference Dr. Bilal Phillips, entered the stage and mesmerized the audience with
his touching lecture In Search of Inner Peace.
Third day of the Conference
The third day was no less exciting, and it was a wonderful experience to enjoy so many wise speakers. Dr. Bilal
Philips delivered the first lecture; Da’wah in Desert Storm. After that Abdur-Raheem Green delivered a great
lecture to strengthen the message of Da’wah; Call of Duty! The final touch to make the attendees hearts
attached to Da’wah was given by Sheikh Hussain Yee in his beautiful lecture; The Reward of the Caller. In the
end after the fundraising and auctioning of Islamic paintings by Yusuf Chambers, Dr. Bilal Phillips had the
honor of sealing the event, with the exciting lecture; Dajjal - Sign of the Last Hour!
Knowledgeable, dynamic and genuine, world famous speakers gathered in Oslo at the Peace Conference
Scandinavia; it was a truly amazing event.
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The Program
The program was set for each lecture to last around 40-60 minutes, after which the audience was given a break
of 15-30 minutes before the Q & A to the lectures that lasted various lengths.
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Q&A
The audience was offered to ask the questions in a
microphone, or write the question down on a note, if
they felt shy to speak in the microphone. The Q & A
sessions were popular, and people were queuing up
to ask questions, which the Speakers in a polite and
thorough manner replied to. The program schedule
went very well, with very minor alterations and delays
during the event.
Book and DVD signing
The book signing with Dr. Bilal Phillips was an appreciated bonus for
many Muslims. To have a book signed by the author and famous scholar,
either for a precious memory or as a present to a friend or relative. AbdurRaheem Green also participated in the signing, but he was not signing
books, rather he was signing the new releases of the DVD’s of his lectures
in Oslo 2009.
Islam Exhibition
Alnor Senter in Tromsø hosted an Islam Exhibition at
the Peace Conference, displaying posters, Qur’an
books, and items related to the Islamic lifestyle.
Information on activities and arrangements by Alnor
Senter was presented through brochures and a video
presentation.
Knowledge Contest
An Islamic knowledge contest was available in two categories for those who wanted to test their knowledge
about Islam. One suitable for «not yet Muslims», and one aimed at Muslims. The three prizes offered were; to
have dinner with the speakers, 5 DVD’s, and The Islam Guide book by Exhibition Islam.
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Prayer facilities
Generous prayer facilities were provided for all the
Muslims attending the Peace Conference, both in the
men’s, and the ladies’ section.
Book and info stands
A great selection of Islamic books and
booklets were available at the book stands
at the Peace Conference.
A large amount of these books were in the
Norwegian language, and distributed for
free.
Most of the free books available were by the
courtesy of Conveying Islamic Message
CIMS, while a few of the books were from
Discover Islam.
Islam Net sold their own production of DVD lectures,
some of them with Norwegian subtitles.
Thousands of books were
handed out during the Peace
Conference. The Brothers
and Sisters attending the
book stands were kindly
assisting people to choose
suitable books.
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Art Exhibition
A selection of beautiful calligraphy paintings, made by some sisters was displayed at the Peace Conference.
Auction - Fundraising
On the last day of the Peace Conference all the
calligraphy art paintings were auctioned out to the
audience. Yusuf Chambers did an excellent job in
leading the fundraising campaign, resulting in
generous donations for the Da’wah in Norway
organized by Islam Net.
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Volunteers
A multi cultural assembly of brothers and sisters were volunteering at the Peace Conference Scandinavia,
contributing to make this event a reality.
Meeting between all the organizers
A meeting between the Speakers and the organizers of the Peace Conference was held, to analyze all aspects
of the organizing processes, the flow, and to discuss improvement for future events. Lots of great advice and
ideas were exchanged at this meeting, on many aspects of how to organize successful, grand conferences. All
the speakers were impressed with the achievement of Islam Net for creating a successful and memorable
event.
Dinner banquet with the Speakers
Two dinner banquets were organized. One for all the
volunteers, and the other for VIP guests. Both dinners
were together with Sheikh Hussein Yee, Dr. Bilal Phillips,
and Yusuf Chambers. The dinner with the volunteers
were arranged at the canteen at Oslo University College
after the Peace Conference. The second dinner banquet
with the VIP guests were arranged at a Thai food
restaurant. Both banquets were great opportunities for
many people to interact with the Speakers.
Da’wah Course and Convert introduction Course
Dr. Bilal Phillips held a full day Da’wah Course for
especially interested Muslims, and Sheikh Hussain
Yee gave a Convert Introduction Course about the
basics of the Islamic faith to new Muslims.
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Public feedback - Outcomes
Feedback
The audience gave a very positive feedback of the Peace Conference. Most visitors expressed gratefulness to
be part of the event, and had a fantastic experience during the Peace Conference.
Outcomes
During the Peace Conference seven people embraced Islam after attending the Conference, Alhamdulillah.
It was a touching moment for the Muslim audience to witness people take the Shahadah in public, and
embrace the religion of Islam.
Al Risalah Scandinavia offered two of the new Muslims a sponsored journey for Hajj this year, and Islam Net
have organized a system to support, provide for, and help new Muslims to settle in their new faith.
Advertisement
The Peace Conference was advertised by;
handing out 7500 flyers, hanging up 2000
posters
around
Oslo,
creating
video
advertising, using Facebook groups, Islam
Net’s website, and media coverage in
newspapers. Fahad Qureshi made an
announcement on the nationwide TV 2 News.
Information was provided at the Jumah prayer
in several Mosques. Islam Net had information
stands at Karl Johan street - The main street in Oslo City Centre.
Film Production
During the Peace Conference all the lectures were videotaped with three professional video cameras from
different angles. These film clips will be edited into high standard DVD lectures, with the option of Norwegian
subtitles, aimed for distribution in Europe.
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Summary
The summary of Peace Conference
Scandinavia 2010 is that it was a great
success and a memorable event for all
people that participated. A large
Scandinavian Islamic Conference
aimed at both Muslims and nonMuslims on this scale has never been
organized in Norway before. Islam Net
is pleased with the outcome, and
hopes to make Peace Conference
Scandinavia an annual event in Oslo,
InshaAllah.
The purpose of this conference
The idea behind this conference was to build bridges between Islam and other religions and non-believers.
Islam Net wanted to present Islam for what it is and not how the religion often is portrayed in the worldwide
media. The purpose was to clarify misconceptions about a peaceful religion, which also wants closer ties with
people of different perspectives on life. The mass media is continually portraying the religion of Islam in a very
negative manner. This conference had a goal to give the average citizen of the Norwegian society a true
picture of Islam based on the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah, which are the two main sources of Islam.
Sponsors
Lebara
Lebara AS is one of Norway’s most multi-cultural companies. The company is today leading in mobile calls to
foreign countries and sells both mobile telephones and calling cards.
See www.lebara.no
Øz Istanbul Restaurant
Istanbul Restaurant is a beautiful restaurant where delicious Turkish food is served.
See www.istanbulkebab.no
Ariana Travels
Ariana Travels & Cargo provides the flight possibility for Europe, America, Africa, Middle East and Asia. Ariana
Travels also have cheap fares to Afghanistan.
See www.arianatravels.no
Norbygata dagligvare A/S
Norbygata Dagligvare is a store a little out of the ordinary. The store is the country's largest within exotic foods.
The selection is unique and the prices low.
See www.exoticfood.no
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Participating organizations
iERA
iERA is a global Da’wah organization committed to presenting Islam to
the wider society. iERA will work to mobilize people at grass-roots
level, by training and coordinating local teams to give Da’wah. The
ultimate goal for iERA is for Islam to reach every household.
See www.iera.org.uk
Conveying Islamic Message CIMS
The Conveying Islamic Message Society CIMS is based in Alexandria, Egypt. CIMS is
publishing books and pamphlets about Islam in different languages, which are distributed
free of charge throughout the world.
See www.islamic-message.net
Alnor Senter
Alnor Senter is the northern most Islamic Center in the world, located in the Arctic
city Tromsø. Working to serve and develop the Muslim community in the Arctic
region of Norway, as well as Da’wah work and bridge building with the larger
society.
See www.alnor.no
Al Risalah Scandinavia
Al Risalah Scandinavia is the founder of Al Salam school in Ørebro,
Sweden. Aiming to support, build and develop Islamic organizations
in Scandinavia.
See www.risalah.se
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Det Islamske Nettverk – Islam Net
Det Islamske Nettverk – Islam Net is the host organization for Peace Conference Scandinavia 2010 and the
Board members and Volunteers have been working tirelessly to organize this event and make all necessary
arrangements.
Islam Net is a voluntary organization working with iERA, focusing on dialogue promotional work, clearing up
misconceptions about Islam and building bridges between the religious diversity.
Islam Net have various activities like a weekly Da’wah course which give proper training to Muslims on how to
communicate and spread correct knowledge about Islam.
Every other weekend, Islam Net is trying to organize Da’wah-tables in the main street of Oslo, Karl Johans
Gate. The Da’ees on the Da’wah table are handing out pamphlets and DVD’s and talking to people who are
interested in learning about Islam.
A study program for new Muslims, where converts get proper education about Islam, has been established.
The new Muslims attend a weekly course learning about Islam one topic at a time, the syllabus has been
checked and authorized by Dr. Ali Mohammed Salah.
Islam Net is expanding to other cities across Norway, now operating Islam Net Student in Tromsø, Islam Net
Student in Oslo, Islam Net in Bodø and Islam Net in Trondheim.
The goal is that correct knowledge about Islam shall be available everywhere in Norway, InshaAllah.
Fahad Qureshi, Chairman of Islam Net
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