Latest news with #MohammadTawhidi
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Politics
- Al Etihad
The wisdom of the UAE during regional instability
29 June 2025 18:38 By Imam Mohammad Tawhidi* In the span of just one week, it called for peace, stood firmly in defence of its neighbours, and even spoke out for the rights of Christians in Syria. This is the United Arab Emirates, a beacon of humanity, a pillar of wisdom, and a steadfast harbour of stability in the Middle the past two weeks, the region has been teetering on the edge of a much larger conflagration. The world witnessed direct confrontation between Israel and Iran, including the unprecedented strike on Iran's Fordow nuclear facility, reportedly by U.S. forces. The shockwaves from these events were not only felt across the Middle East but also reverberated through global diplomacy and economic markets. And yet, amidst the noise, the escalation, and the provocations, the United Arab Emirates stood steady: calling for calm, restraint, and rational many rushed to amplify tensions, the UAE held its ground on principle. It reaffirmed its commitment to peace, regional stability, and dialogue, gaining global attention and respect. The wisdom in this approach is not accidental; it is the fruit of a long-standing leadership doctrine rooted in strategic foresight, human dignity, and the rejection of chaos as a political noteworthy was the behaviour of the Emirati people and civil society. Across digital platforms, UAE-based commentators, academics, and social media users displayed a rare maturity and understanding of geopolitics. While others succumbed to inflammatory rhetoric and reactionary emotion, UAE citizens and residents discussed strategy, history, and the long-term implications of the crisis with composure and professionalism. This cultural and civic maturity, mirrored by the state's leadership, was widely noted by international observers – and rightly contrast with other actors in the region could not be starker. While the UAE called for peace, the Muslim Brotherhood and their affiliates seized the moment to push divisive narratives and exploit the chaos for their own gain. In a shameful and dangerous move, the Brotherhood issued an open letter to Ali Khamenei – not to de-escalate the crisis, but to intensify decades, the Brotherhood has mastered the art of weaponising instability. They have consistently inserted themselves into moments of regional volatility, using crises as opportunities to advance their ideological agenda. Their method is both calculated and cynical: sow discord, amplify sectarianism, and mobilise public sentiment through emotional manipulation and conspiracy. By doing so, they aim to dismantle the moderate order and replace it with a radical vision that serves their organisational ambitions, not the wellbeing of nations or peoples. In the vacuum of conflict, they thrive by building influence not through constructive governance or diplomatic contribution, but through polarisation and Brotherhood's response to this latest crisis is a textbook example: instead of appealing for calm, they chose to deepen the rift, to inflame tensions, and to reassert themselves as ideological provocateurs in a region yearning for stability. Such behaviour is not just reckless; it is dangerous. It reveals a consistent pattern of exploiting chaos for personal and political gain, even at the cost of innocent lives and regional there is one entity unhappy that the conflict ended in 12 days, it is the Brotherhood, which sought to pour fuel on the fire, hoping to capitalise on bloodshed and polarisation to revive their waning relevance. This is not diplomacy; it is the politics of is in times like these that the wisdom of leadership becomes most evident. The UAE's path, balancing national interests with moral clarity, is not the path of appeasement, but of strength through vision. Where others act on impulse, the UAE calculates. This is not just good policy; it is good me be clear: regional peace is not built on slogans or short-term wins. It is built on credibility, on trust, and on a consistent moral compass. The UAE has shown all three. Whether by advocating for the rights of Christian minorities in Syria, pouring humanitarian aid into Sudan, or defending neighbouring Gulf nations against threats, the Emirates has become the voice of reason in a region too often defined by the Middle East faces yet another crossroads, the world would do well to take note of the UAE model – firm in principle, moderate in tone, and forward-thinking in strategy. And most importantly: zero tolerance for extremism or terrorism. This is not merely a position. It is a responsibility. And the UAE, once again, has proven it is ready to shoulder it. *The writer is a parliamentary advisor and research partner with TRENDS Research & Advisory Israel-Iran Conflict Continue full coverage
Al Etihad
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Al Etihad
The role of Muslim scholars in combating extremism
16 June 2025 00:30 By Imam Mohammad Tawhidi* In an era marked by rapid change and global challenges, the spectre of violent extremism continues to threaten peace and stability in many the roots of extremism are complex, encompassing political, social, and economic factors, its most dangerous manifestations often misuse religious language to justify this context, Muslim scholars play a vital and irreplaceable role in countering extremist ideologies and guiding communities toward the true, peaceful teachings of the various actors promoting extremism, few have done more to damage the image of Islam and poison young minds than the Muslim Brotherhood. While they present themselves as defenders of Islamic values, their agenda is rooted in politicised religion, manipulation, and a long record of justifying violence under the guise of this struggle for the soul of Islam, Muslim scholars stand as the most important defenders of authentic, peaceful Islamic Muslim scholars are custodians of Islamic knowledge and tradition. Their authority is rooted in a deep understanding of the Qur'an, the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and centuries of scholarly extremist groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood attempt to justify violence with selective readings of scripture, it is the scholars who are best equipped to refute these the past two decades, leading scholars from around the world have issued clear and detailed religious rulings (fatwas) condemning terrorism and revolutionary theological refutation, Muslim scholars are deeply involved in education, which is a critical front in the battle against shaping curricula in religious schools and universities, scholars ensure that students receive a balanced and contextual understanding of Islamic teachings. This educational role is especially important for young people, who may be vulnerable to simplistic or radical interpretations of mosques, community centres, and through media, scholars engage directly with youth and families. They address contemporary issues, answer questions, and provide guidance that is relevant to the challenges of modern life. Their efforts build resilience in communities, making them less susceptible to extremist recruitment. Promoting Tolerance and Interfaith Dialogue Islam, as taught by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), recognises the diversity of humanity and calls for respect and kindness toward all people, regardless of faith or background. Muslim scholars have been at the forefront of interfaith dialogue, participating in conferences and initiatives that bring together religious leaders from different traditions. These efforts are not only about countering extremism but also about building bridges of understanding and the United Arab Emirates, for example, the establishment of the Ministry of Tolerance and the hosting of the historic Document on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi are examples of how religious leadership can encourage a culture of scholars in the UAE and elsewhere contribute to these efforts by emphasising Islam's message of compassion and mutual of the most important contributions of Muslim scholars is their ability to contextualise religious texts. Extremist groups often rely on literal or decontextualised readings of scripture to support their agendas. Scholars, with their knowledge of historical context and jurisprudence, provide nuanced interpretations that reflect the broader ethical teachings of Islam. Community Engagement and Social ResponsibilityMuslim scholars also play a vital role in community engagement and social responsibility. They are often the first point of contact for individuals or families concerned about radicalisation. Through counselling, outreach programmes and partnerships with civil society, scholars help address the social and psychological factors that can lead to extremism. In the UAE and other countries, scholars collaborate with government and non-governmental organisations to support initiatives that promote social cohesion and prevent radicalisation. Their involvement ensures that efforts to combat extremism are grounded in authentic religious values and enjoy the trust of the fight against extremism is not solely a matter of security or policy; it is also a battle for hearts and minds. Muslim scholars, with their deep knowledge, moral authority and commitment to peace, are essential allies in this refuting extremist ideologies, educating the next generation, promoting tolerance, and engaging with their communities, they uphold the true spirit of Islam and help build a safer, more harmonious societies continue to confront the challenges of extremism, the wisdom and leadership of legitimate Muslim scholars will remain indispensable, lighting the way toward a future defined by peace, compassion and mutual respect. *The writer is a Parliamentary Advisor and research partner with TRENDS Research & Advisory
National Post
03-06-2025
- General
- National Post
Imam of Peace: Mohammed Tawhidi and his surprisingly controversial message
In a black outer robe trimmed with a thin golden line and a traditional white turban, Imam Mohammad Tawhidi warmly greeted and welcomed guests to a hall on the second floor of a modest two-storey building in Toronto, even personally escorting some to their seats. The occasion, on March 31, was an Eid reception to mark the end of Ramadan, Islam's holiest month of fasting and prayer, and it was the first such reception of the Global Imams Council 's new western headquarters in Canada. Article content Article content Article content The charismatic Tawhidi serves as a governing member of the council, comprised of faith leaders and scholars of all Islamic sects. The group advocates against Islamic extremism and promotes peaceful and meaningful relations with Jewish people and the Jewish nation. Article content Article content Inside, the room buzzed with diversity, as community leaders, activists and even Jewish rabbis came to hear Tawhidi's powerful speech calling for peace and unity among all faiths. Widely known as the 'Imam of Peace,' Tawhidi was born in Qom, a religious city in Iran, but his parents are from Iraq. The cleric later fled the regime of Saddam Hussein and eventually settled in Australia. Coming from a long line of Shia clerics, he proudly says, 'We are Shia Orthodox — orthodox in our beliefs and conservative in our traditions.' Article content Educated in Islamic studies, Tawhidi is pursuing a doctorate in Islamic jurisprudence. He was ordained as an imam in Qom, Iran, in 2010, and again in Iraq in 2013. Article content Article content Unlike other Muslim imams, Tawhidi has sat with Jewish rabbis in synagogues, and Christian priests in churches. He has publicly denounced groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, calling them terrorist organizations. He says Jerusalem rightfully belongs to the Jewish people, which earned him praise from interfaith advocates around the world, and threats from extremist Muslims. Article content Article content National Post sat with Tawihidi to learn more about his views. The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Edmonton Journal
03-06-2025
- General
- Edmonton Journal
Imam of Peace: Mohammed Tawhidi and his surprisingly controversial message
The governing member of the Global Imams Council rejects extremism and says Jerusalem belongs to the Jews Imam Mohammad Tawhidi, widely known as the Imam of Peace, is a governing member of the Global Imams Council, which opened its Western headquarters in Toronto. Photo by Global Imams Council In a black outer robe trimmed with a thin golden line and a traditional white turban, Imam Mohammad Tawhidi warmly greeted and welcomed guests to a hall on the second floor of a modest two-storey building in Toronto, even personally escorting some to their seats. The occasion, on March 31, was an Eid reception to mark the end of Ramadan, Islam's holiest month of fasting and prayer, and it was the first such reception of the Global Imams Council's new western headquarters in Canada. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. 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Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The charismatic Tawhidi serves as a governing member of the council, comprised of faith leaders and scholars of all Islamic sects. The group advocates against Islamic extremism and promotes peaceful and meaningful relations with Jewish people and the Jewish nation. Inside, the room buzzed with diversity, as community leaders, activists and even Jewish rabbis came to hear Tawhidi's powerful speech calling for peace and unity among all faiths. Widely known as the 'Imam of Peace,' Tawhidi was born in Qom, a religious city in Iran, but his parents are from Iraq. The cleric later fled the regime of Saddam Hussein and eventually settled in Australia. Coming from a long line of Shia clerics, he proudly says, 'We are Shia Orthodox — orthodox in our beliefs and conservative in our traditions.' Educated in Islamic studies, Tawhidi is pursuing a doctorate in Islamic jurisprudence. He was ordained as an imam in Qom, Iran, in 2010, and again in Iraq in 2013. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Unlike other Muslim imams, Tawhidi has sat with Jewish rabbis in synagogues, and Christian priests in churches. He has publicly denounced groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, calling them terrorist organizations. He says Jerusalem rightfully belongs to the Jewish people, which earned him praise from interfaith advocates around the world, and threats from extremist Muslims. National Post sat with Tawihidi to learn more about his views. The following interview has been edited for length and clarity. Why are you known as the Imam of Peace? Why not? That's my question. Why not? In fact, every imam should be an imam of peace, not just me. An imam is someone who represents the teachings of God, the wishes of God, and everything that comes down from God should be (about) peace, and what revolves around peace and what helps us reach either inner peace or social harmony, to make our lives better, not to turn our lives into misery, right? Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. So, anyone who says (they) represent anything to do with religion and God should be a representative of nothing but peace and positivity. So why not? But the reasons for the name are multiple. Initially, I was referred to as an Imam of Peace in Australia. Why? Because putting me in a box was very necessary, at least for the Western world. I didn't fit with the fundamentalists, and I didn't fit with the extremists, and I didn't fit with the traditionalists, and I didn't fit with the political Islamists. So, I found myself in my own corner with my own followers and friends, and so I adopted the name. It helped me greatly in identifying myself. It's a question of who is this guy and what does he do? Listen, I'm not left wing or right wing. I am human wing. In the Middle East, people know where you stand either by knowing your tribal positions, or they know which school of thought you associate with, or they know your teachers, so they can put you in a box. But in the West, they don't know. They see a guy with a turban and a beard — is he good? Is he safe? What's the deal? And someone with a message like me, who is an imam and a preacher, it's important for me to make it easier for them to understand because I am in their society. They're not in my society. I'm in the West. So, I'm speaking to an audience that is both Muslim and Western, and I'm speaking in their language, and they have the right to know who's talking about their affairs and issues in society, providing advice and so on. It helps everyone that I identify myself proudly as what I stand for. In my social media profiles, I describe myself with two words: peace advocate. (Those) two words explain exactly who I am. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Global Imams Council is a council of Sunni and Shia Muslim clerics, imams, jurists, some of them are diplomats, representing all Muslim schools of thought, sects and denominations with no discrimination. We are a very, very diverse council, and the only one of its kind in the world. There are Sunni councils and there are Shia councils and there are Sufi councils. We are the only imam council in the world that is international and embracing of all Muslims. This, in itself, is a huge achievement. We represent Islam and Muslims through the organizations, schools and institutes that our imams have and run, and the pulpits they have, and through our affiliations with the seminaries and grand muftis around the world, and the grand Ayatollahs who are aligned with our view of peace. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Firstly, as a global council, you need to maintain your global presence. And in the West, the city that has one of the largest numbers of diplomatic corps and diplomatic missions in the world is Toronto. Through Toronto, we have been successful in engaging multiple countries over the last two years, starting with Kosovo, Albania, North Macedonia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Georgia; and in the future, we're talking to Azerbaijan and other countries. Also, some Muslim groups, Muslim schools of thought, and their leaders all begin from Toronto. I am also married to a Canadian, and I have a Canadian daughter. I have been active in Toronto since 2018 and got married in Canada in 2022. You have attracted criticism from a number of corners. For example, you said Jerusalem is a land for Jews and were labelled a pro-Israel imam. You have also been called 'far right' and other things. What is your response to that? This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. I have not said anything. God said Jerusalem belongs to the Jews. In the Holy Qur'an, Chapter Five, Verse 20 onwards, God tells Moses to take his people into the Holy Land and to never leave. So, who are the people of Moses? The people who follow the Torah, who are Jews, the nation of Moses. That's God's wish. I don't care if they went or they didn't go; that's not my concern. My concern is God's wishes. That is what God wants. This is a land title for where the Jews should exist on this Earth. I am not pro-Israel. I'm not a politician. I am pro-Qur'an. I am pro my Qur'an. I am pro the wishes of my God. This is a very different distinction, and I do not care a single bit about political narratives. I only care about what is in my Qur'an. That is my constitution in life. God doesn't care about human politics or useless arguments between humans. God cares about what he ordered us to do and if we abided by it or not. That's what I believe. On the Day of Judgment, God is not going to ask me about any political view. He's going to ask me how did I receive his book and what did I do with it? So, I am a defender of God's book. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. If the Jewish people were claiming Mecca is theirs, it would be a different argument. But they're not. They're claiming what God gave them, and the land title is in my book, so how can I refuse it? So, I did not say anything from myself. I am quoting the Qur'an, and I'm allowed to quote the Qur'an. (The GIC is) making sure — and this is very important — that the extremists are not the only voices representing the Muslim community ... When it comes to 'far right,' I am not far right. I did not even know what the term 'far right' meant until 2015. I grew up in a Muslim society, largely speaking Arabic, and I went to a Muslim private school. I lived in the Middle East for most of my teenage years, and I studied in the Middle East. The first time I heard the term 'far right' was when Donald Trump was running for office in 2015, and the headlines were saying, 'far right,' 'far right.' I did not know anything about left wing and right wing in the West. To me, the West was of two categories: the Westerners who liked us and our Prophet, and the Westerners who hated us and our Prophet. That's how we understood it, that's how we were raised in Muslim private schools in Australia. We didn't get into political terminologies — leftists and socialism and the right and capitalism. This is very foreign to us, but we became accustomed to these terminologies after 2015 because of the news and headlines. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. So, I don't have an ideology that is political. I have an Islamic ideology. My belief system is Islamic. It's not political Islam. It's purely Islamic. I cannot be right wing or left wing, because I put my religion first. I have a quote about this. I say, 'Listen, I'm not left wing or right wing. I am human wing.' And if you really come down to my views on things, you will find that I have a lot in common with people who are in the centre. I believe in family values. I also believe in lower taxes. I'm an immigrant, right? So, I cannot be anti-immigration. The real issue is who I am now, the person I am. I have to be accessible, and I have to engage people of all backgrounds, because my message is universal. As an imam, you're visiting synagogues, churches, you're meeting with rabbis. Isn't that quite rare among Muslims? Do you vote green? Red? Blue? I don't ask. I go and I sit with the Jews, and I sit with the Christians, and we don't even speak politics. We only speak about peace and interfaith and what is common between us. We don't engage in cheap talk. Political talk is cheap talk. It changes, and we cannot measure our friendships based on political positions, right? But there are some exceptions. For example, we must all agree that Hamas is a political entity and should be destroyed. Hezbollah is a political party, and the militia to the political party must be destroyed. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. We don't sit with anyone who disagrees that Hamas is a terrorist organization. These are views on political organizations that we care about. We care about where people stand when it comes to these Islamist Muslim Brotherhood extremist organizations, right? I'm not interested in arguing about things that change. No, I'm only interested in discussing what concerns the principles that cannot be violated. Health care and taxes and wage gaps — these things will always be in the political sphere, discussed and argued and written about. These are harmless topics. But there are principles one should never violate. Hamas is a terrorist organization. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is a terrorist organization. Hezbollah is a terrorist organization, and this is what I ensure is common between us and whoever we sit with. Otherwise, we don't sit with them. We don't sit with anyone who disagrees that Hamas is a terrorist organization. This is as political as we go. We don't have any other politics or political views. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Firstly, what we are doing is we are representing Muslims in a professional way that has never been done before. We are doing so through Parliamentarians, through the media, through provincial governments, through meetings with the federal government, with the police. And we're also representing the Muslim diaspora in Canada while having our activities in the Middle East. So, we explain to Muslim leaders in the Middle East — jurists and grand muftis — the situations and challenges and needs of the Muslim community in the West. Secondly, we are making sure — and this is very important — that the extremists are not the only voices representing the Muslim community, because in a democracy you cannot silence people. They will always have the right to freedom of speech and belief and expression, but the extremist should never be the only voice that represents Islam and the Muslim community. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Thirdly, we are actually working on projects that are needed in the Muslim community. We are working on an education curriculum that revolves around a culture of peace that is in line with the Abraham Accords (agreements between Israel and several Arab nations to foster mutual understanding and co-operation) and the teachings that make the Abraham Accords a real, lived reality in Canada. The Abraham Accords mirror the values of Canada. What are Canadian values? Harmony, peace, coexistence, bridge-building, interfaith, multiculturalism, diversity, acceptance of one another. All these values are literally what formed the Abraham Accords. So, it's very important to make that link with the Muslim world that is shifting and changing toward peace and harmony. The GIC in Canada is translating that into a Canadian context for the Muslim community and the broader, tolerant Canadian majority. Read More Politics Cult of Hockey Sports Columnists Local News
Al Etihad
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Al Etihad
UAE lesson on education for peace resonates in Brussels hall
25 May 2025 23:03 By Mohammad Tawhidi*The halls of the European Parliament in Brussels became the stage for an important gathering of global thought-leaders, parliamentarians, ambassadors, religious figures, and scholars on May 20. The event was to discuss "Strategies to Combat Radicalism in the Middle East and Around the Globe Through Education for Tolerance and a Culture of Peace", where voices from across continents made a clear, powerful, and urgent call to action: radicalism can only be defeated by the constructive power of event was marked by a predominant UAE presence and a formidable display of global unity and intellectual leadership. From lawmakers to religious leaders, all were bound by a shared purpose: to chart practical, cross-cultural strategies to counter extremism and promote human the heart of the conference was a consensus: the ideologies fueling global radicalism must be uprooted not only through counterterrorism efforts but through robust, values-driven education systems that elevate human dignity, reject hatred, and instil Al Sahlawi, Ambassador of the UAE to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union, along with TRENDS Research and Advisory, exemplified the UAE's leading role on the global stage in promoting tolerance and combating extremism. Chairman Antonio López-Istúriz White, Member of the European Parliament and the Committee on Foreign Affairs, praised the UAE's leadership, describing it as "a model for bridging civilisations and a true global partner in the war of ideas against radicalism."The UAE delegation also included influential figures such as: Dr. Khalid Al Ghaith, Secretary General of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, Ahmed bin Mohammad Al Jarwan, President of the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace, Dr. Mohammed Abdulla Al Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory and the think-tank's researchers on education policy Shaikha Al Nuaimi and Elyazia Al Al Ali delivered a critical, data-driven analysis of the ideological ecosystems that empower radical groups, particularly the Muslim Brotherhood, highlighting the urgent need for EU-wide vigilance and transnational research UAE representatives echoed a firm position: tolerance is not a slogan, it must be embedded in education, culture, and diplomacy. The Abrahamic Family House's role in interfaith peacebuilding was cited as a replicable model for regional and international proceedings were marked by a refreshing, united consensus among EU leaders and interfaith organisations where speakers emphasised that radicalism is not confined to one region, religion, or demographic. Rather, it is a transnational threat, often incubated by extremist were repeated calls for increased scrutiny of extremist political movements operating within democratic systems. Speakers stressed that groups like the Muslim Brotherhood exploit democratic freedoms to destabilise societies from Gaztelu, Director of the European Commission's Directorate General for MENA, praised the UAE's holistic approach and stressed that a proactive policy must involve disrupting the ideological supply chains that feed terrorism, an area where educational reform is Romanian President Emil Constantinescu presented the frameworks for national peace curricula and shared measurable outcomes of tolerance-based education initiatives within his their part, interfaith and diplomatic figures added that peace is not solely the responsibility of governments, it must be co-owned by faith leaders, civic institutions, and educators. The policy forum concluded with strong recommendations for institutional commitments, including the formation of an EU–Middle East Education Task Force. This Force can develop and implement peace-oriented educational curricula while recommending the EU for the designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist entity, supported by evidence-based gathering marked a strategic shift and pulsed with a shared understanding. It reflected a collective realisation that the war on terror must evolve into a war on ignorance, hate, and ideological manipulation. The world is no longer content with reactive policies. It demands proactive, preventive, and educational strategies that address radicalism at its roots, before the seeds are even this mission, the UAE and its international partners, including the European Parliament, TRENDS, the Global Imams Council (GIC), and the Inter-Parliamentary Coalition, have not only risen to the occasion, but are now charting the path the insight and cooperation witnessed in Brussels are any indication, the seeds for global peace may be sown in the classrooms. *The writer is a researcher at TRENDS Research & Advisory
