Reflections on Faith and Community: A Day in the UAE with Dr

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate
Journey to the United Arab Emirates (7)
Friday, 20 Jumada Al-Awwal, 1446 AH

By: Dr. Muhammad Akram Nadwi – Oxford

A Restless Night

I laid down last night around midnight, hoping that sleep would quickly overtake me after a long day. However, sleep eluded me as my thoughts overwhelmed my mind, keeping me restless. Despite my attempts to relax and close my eyes, sleep did not come until after 3 AM. Even then, it was a light sleep, filled with fleeting dreams and thoughts.

I woke up for Fajr prayer, feeling exhausted, mentally scattered, and drained. I lacked the usual energy and drive to head to the gym, where I typically engage in morning exercises. Instead, I returned to bed after Fajr, hoping for some additional rest. However, my sleep remained shallow and intermittent.

By 8 AM, I decided to rise and start my day. Summoning what energy I had left, I began my work, determined to make the most of the time available. Though the day began with fatigue, I resolved to maintain productivity and extract value from every moment.

The Abrahamic Family House

At 10 AM, I visited the Abrahamic Family House with Dr. Jinan. This multi-faith religious complex, located on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, was inspired by the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together. This document was signed by Pope Francis, representing the Catholic Church, and Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, on February 4, 2019, in Abu Dhabi. The project was officially inaugurated on February 16, 2023, in the presence of dignitaries such as Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence.

The Abrahamic Family House features three primary houses of worship:

The Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue,

The St. Francis Church, and

The Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque,
in addition to a public garden. The initiative aims to promote interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange as a practical embodiment of the Document on Human Fraternity.

During our visit, we observed a large number of men and women from various faiths and nationalities. Many admired the idea of coexistence and the building of bridges between human civilizations and shared Abrahamic messages. The venue was bustling with visitors curious to learn more about this unique experience.

Dr. Jinan reflected on the significance of fostering the idea of peaceful coexistence among religions. She highlighted how such projects encourage tolerance and dialogue, though she also expressed concern that placing different places of worship together in one location might inadvertently promote the concept of religious unification.

This thought resonated with me. I saw this unique meeting point of people from different backgrounds as an opportunity to clarify the true essence of Islam, bridge cultural gaps, and foster better interfaith understanding.

Friday Prayers

We left the Abrahamic Family House in time to attend Friday prayers at Masjid Al-Hamd. The mosque was packed with worshippers, with the prayer halls and outdoor courtyards overflowing with attendees.

What struck me most was the diversity of the congregation. Many worshippers were laborers from different countries, particularly those working in construction and other physically demanding jobs. Despite their exhausting schedules, they made time to attend the Friday prayer, demonstrating immense dedication and faith.

The khutbah (sermon) centered around the theme of praising Allah. The khateeb explained:

Allah possesses two types of perfection:

1. Intrinsic Perfection: Allah is free from any imperfection or deficiency, and this is the meaning of tasbeeh (glorification).

2. Perfection in His Blessings: Allah’s mercy and favors upon His creation, which is the essence of tahmeed (praise). The sermon highlighted how tasbeeh and tahmeed complement each other, teaching us to glorify Allah for His intrinsic attributes and thank Him for His blessings. The khateeb elaborated on how these concepts are embedded in acts of worship, particularly in prayer, where believers alternate between glorification (in ruku’ and sujood) and praise (in recitations like Surah Al-Fatiha).

I left the mosque reflecting on the depth of the sermon and the devotion of the attendees. Witnessing the unity of Muslims, from diverse nationalities and walks of life, gathered for one purpose—worshipping Allah—was a moving experience.

Visit to Sheikh Na’matullah Nadwi’s House

Later in the afternoon, around 4:30 PM, I departed with Brother Akhlaqur Rahman Nadwi, accompanied by two other Nadwi companions, to visit Sheikh Na’matullah Nadwi. Our discussions during the journey ranged from their academic pursuits, professional engagements, and their ongoing connection with Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, a significant institution in Islamic education.

Upon arrival at Sheikh Na’matullah Nadwi’s residence at 5:00 PM, I was warmly greeted. Sheikh Na’matullah, a graduate of Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, completed his advanced studies at the Islamic University of Madinah and has been serving as a scholar and teacher in Abu Dhabi for nearly forty years. His contributions to the local community have been invaluable, and his humility and knowledge were immediately apparent during our interaction.

Also present at the gathering was an Emirati gentleman, Abu Abdullah, known for his interest in Islamic scholarship. He had visited India to benefit from its scholars and had obtained their ijazat (certifications). Despite not recalling his exact name, I vividly remember the depth of his interest in our discussions. He was accompanied by his well-mannered son, Mus’ab, a young man whose respectful demeanor stood out.

During the meeting, I recited and granted them the Musalsal Bil-Awwaliyah Hadith, followed by a general ijazah for their studies. This brief session of knowledge-sharing added a spiritual dimension to the visit.

After performing Maghrib and Isha prayers at the sheikh’s residence, we enjoyed a light meal, including tea, fresh fruits, and samosas. The gathering was marked by heartfelt exchanges about the legacy of Nadwatul Ulama and the enduring contributions of its alumni.

An Evening with Nadwi Scholars

After concluding our session at Sheikh Na’matullah Nadwi’s residence, we headed to a community hall where a gathering of Nadwi scholars and alumni had been arranged. The turnout was impressive, with notable figures like Sheikh Nizamuddin Nadwi, Dr. Waliullah Nadwi, Sheikh Khalid Al-Kanfoori (a respected colleague), and Sheikh Wazir Ahmed Azmi.

I delivered a talk on the enduring legacy of Nadwatul Ulama, highlighting its pivotal role in producing scholars who have made significant contributions globally. I paid special tribute to the late Maulana Muhammad Wazih Rashid Nadwi and Maulana Shahbaz Islahi, both of whom were pillars of knowledge and guidance. Their legacy continues to inspire students and scholars alike.

Following my address, other esteemed scholars, including Sheikh Nizamuddin Nadwi and Dr. Waliullah Nadwi, shared their insights. The evening was enriched with discussions on topics like Islamic education, the role of scholars in contemporary society, and the importance of upholding the values of Nadwatul Ulama in spreading authentic knowledge.

The gathering concluded with a well-prepared dinner, thoughtfully organized by Shabbir Ahmad Nadwi, a nephew of one of our esteemed alumni. The meal was a perfect ending to a night filled with knowledge-sharing and brotherhood.

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