The First HWPL International Islamic Peace Academy (IIPA)

 

“The best among you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.”

Sahih Al-Bukhari, Hadith 5027

 

 

On June 29th, the first session of the HWPL International Islamic Peace Academy (IIPA) was held online under the theme “Al-Qiyamah: About the Resurrection”, bringing together approximately 180 Islamic leaders from 52 countries.

Since October 2014, HWPL has been providing a platform for interfaith dialogue to foster harmony and peace among religions, hosting monthly meetings with religious leaders worldwide. Building on these initiatives, the first HWPL International Religious Peace Academy (IRPA) was launched in July 2023, followed by the second session in March 2024.

Following the successful launch of IRPA, many religious leaders requested further opportunities for open dialogue and exchange, not just between religions but also within different denominations and sects. In response, HWPL hosted the first session of the International Christian Peace Academy (ICPA) in April 2024, followed by the first session of the IIPA in June 2024.

 

 

 

Given the ongoing interest Islamic religious leaders have shown in discussions about the Day of Judgment, as observed in previous dialogues, the theme “Al-Qiyamah: About the Resurrection” was selected for the first session of IIPA. Speakers from various Islamic sects delivered in-depth lectures on this topic.

Representing the Sunni sect were Professor Dawud Olatokunbo Shittu Noibi, Chairman and Pioneer Executive Secretary of the Elders’ Council of the Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria, and Imam Khaled Hassan Mohamed Said, an Imam of the Egyptian Ministry of Endowments. Dr. Waleed Al-Baaj, a professor at the Seminary for Islamic Jurisprudential Studies in Najaf Al-Ashraf, Iraq, represented the Shia sect. Additionally, Mr. Haji Syed Salman Chishty, Chairman of the Chishty Foundation in India, represented the Sufi sect.

Each speaker provided deep insights into various aspects of the Day of Resurrection, including its signs, the process, how to prepare for the Last Day, and the role of religious leaders during this period. Detailed summaries of these lectures will be available in the forthcoming report on the first IIPA. This event is particularly significant as it marks HWPL’s first international inter-sectarian conference for Islamic religious leaders.

Mr. Ebrima Bah, Chairman of the Community Peace Foundation Tanji, who attended the event, shared his thoughts: “I am delighted and proud to hear from such incredibly blessed and talented individuals who shared profound wisdom. Today’s session left me with a strong resolve to intensify my efforts and deeply reflect on my spiritual progress. I believe it is essential to encourage everyone to engage in this personal practice. The core message of today’s session resonated deeply with me.”

Mufti Sayyad Akbar Hashmi, President of the Islaahe Muaashra Foundation, also praised the event, saying, “IIPA is a commendable initiative by HWPL. It provides a platform for Muslim leaders and Islamic scholars to unite and share common perspectives. While we have previously explored Christian and Buddhist views on the topic of Al-Qiyamah at the World Alliance of Religions’ Peace Office, this program allowed us to focus on the Islamic perspective. This innovative effort is highly necessary and deserves recognition.”

The inaugural IIPA session provided a valuable opportunity to deepen understanding and share research on the Qur’an. It is hoped that such a platform, built on open-minded dialogue and mutual respect among diverse Islamic schools of thought, will further strengthen unity and brotherhood within the global Muslim community.