EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Seventh International ASSAM Islamic Union Model Congress Declaration
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2 years agoon
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Editor
The aim of the International ASSAM Islamic Union Model Congresses is to make determinations on an academic and political basis regarding current problems in world politics, especially in the Islamic countries, and to present a solution to the Islamic world and decision-makers about the necessary institutions for the gathering of Islamic countries under a will and the necessary legislation for these institutions.
It was decided to ensure the continuity of the International ASSAM Islamic Union Model Congresses as a result of consultation with the NGO representatives and academicians from 27 Islamic countries participating in the first congress.a
Taking into account the main fields of activity of the states, “International ASSAM Islamic Union Model Congresses” series, the first of which was held in 2017, the second in 2018, the third in 2019, the fourth in 2020, the fifth in 2021, and the sixth in 2022, and planned to be held every year, will be implemented this year, main topics are;
- Determination of the Legislation on Management Figures and Organs for the Islamic Union (2017-CARRIED OUT)
- Determination of Principles and Procedures of Economic Cooperation for the Islamic Union (2018-CARRIED OUT)
- Determination of Principles and Procedures of Defense Industry Cooperation for the Islamic Union (2019-CARRIED OUT)
- Determination of Principles and Procedures of Common Defense System for the Islamic Union (2020-CARRIED OUT)
- Determination of Principles and Procedures of Joint Foreign Policy for the Islamic Union (2021-CARRIED OUT)
- Determination of Principles and Procedures of Common Public Order and Security for the Islamic Union (2022-CARRIED OUT)
- Determination of Principles and Procedures of Joint Justice System for the Islamic Union (2023)
It is aimed that the institutions required for the gathering of Islamic countries under one will and the legislation of these institutions will be revealed as a model.
The first congress was held in Istanbul, where the ASSAM central office is located, on November 23-24, 2017, in cooperation with Üsküdar University, the Association of Justice Defenders (ASDER) and the Union of Non-Governmental Organizations of the Islamic World (UNIW).
Representatives of non-governmental organizations and academicians from 27 Islamic countries attended the First International ASSAM Islamic Union Model Congress, abstracts were presented by 31 academicians from 11 countries and the declarations were published on the ASSAM Congress website. [[i]]
As a result of the congress, it was concluded that the “Islamic Countries Parliament” should be established and a “Ministry of Islamic Union” should be established in the Council of Ministers of each Islamic Country and the “Declaration of the Islamic Countries Confederation” approved by the ASSAM Executive Board; It was signed by 109 NGO officials, 29 from Islamic countries and 80 from Türkiye, and announced to the world public opinion through the press. [[ii]]
In addition, a model constitution draft was prepared for the confederation of Islamic countries, taking into account the provisions emphasized in the declarations. [[iii]]
Our second congress was held in Istanbul, where the ASSAM central office is located, on November 1-2, 2018, in cooperation with Üsküdar University, Justice Defenders Association (ASDER), the Union of Non-Governmental Organizations of the Islamic World (UNIW) and International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS).
To the Second International ASSAM Islamic Union Model Congress; representatives of non-governmental organizations and academicians from 29 Islamic countries participated, 58 declarations were presented by 66 academicians from 15 countries, and the presentations were published electronically in the ASSAM Congress WEB Site.
Taking into account the declarations presented in the Second congress and the Congress Final Report, the Second Congress Declaration, including the First Congress Declaration, was prepared, presented to the decision-making mechanisms, all guests and participants from the Islamic world, and the global public opinion, and published on our ASSAM Congress WEB Site. [[iv]]
Representatives of NGOs and academicians from 45 Islamic countries attended Third International ASSAM Islamic Union Model Congress and 58 declarations were presented by 57 academicians from 10 countries. Congress Final Declaration [[v]] and Abstracts [[vi]] have been published on the ASSAM Congress website.
Fourth International ASSAM Islamic Union Model Congress is held on Determination of Principles and Procedures of Common Defense System for the Islamic Union with the main theme of “Model ASRICA Confederation Defense System” through video-conference method on December 12, 2020 with the participation of Üsküdar University (UU), Kütahya Dumlupınar University (DPU), Justice Defenders Association (ASDER) and Union of NGOs of the Islamic World (UNIW) in Istanbul.
28 academicians from 15 Islamic countries presented 27 declarations in the Fourth International ASSAM Islamic Union Model Congress. The Congress Declaration [[vii]] and Declarations Abstracts [[viii]] and the Declaration Full Text Book [[ix]], including the first, second and third congress declarations, have been published on our ASSAM Congress WEB site.
Fifth International ASSAM Islamic Union Model Congress was held on December 18-19, 2021 by video-conference method in Istanbul with the participation of Kütahya Dumlupınar University (DPU), Association of Justice Defenders (ASDER) and Union of NGOs of the Islamic World (UNIW) on Determination of Principles and Procedures of Joint Foreign Policy for the Islamic Union was carried out with the main theme of “Model ASRICA Confederation Foreign Policy Strategy”.
37 academicians from 19 Islamic countries presented 39 declarations in the Fifth International ASSAM Islamic Union Model Congress. The Congress Declaration [[x]] and Declarations Abstracts [[xi]] and the Declaration Full Text Book [[xii]], including the First, Second, Third and Fourth Congress Declarations, have been published on our ASSAM Congress WEB site.
Sixth International ASSAM Islamic Union Model Congress was held on November 12-13, 2022 by video-conference method in Istanbul with the participation of International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS), the Union of NGOs of the Islamic World (UNIW), Kütahya Dumlupınar University (DPU) and Association of Justice Defenders (ASDER) on Determination of Principles and Procedures of Common Public Order and Security for the Islamic Union was carried out with the theme of “Model ASRICA Confederation Public Order and Internal Security Organization”.
34 academicians from 16 Islamic countries presented 32 declarations in the Sixth International ASSAM Islamic Union Model Congress. The Congress Declaration [[xiii]] and Declarations Abstracts [[xiv]] and the Declaration Full Text Book [[xv]], including the First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Congress Declarations, have been published on our ASSAM Congress WEB site.
Our last congress, which is planned to be held within and under the coordination of ASSAM, will be held online on December 23-24 this year via video-conference with the participation of Kütahya Dumlupınar University (DPU), International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS), the Union of NGOs of the Islamic World (UNIW), International Jurist Union (UHUB), Association of Justice Defenders (ASDER) and with the cooperation of NGOs of Islamic World. THE SECOND SERIAL ASSAM CONGRESSES which will be held and continued following the year 2024, is being projected to offer SOLUTION RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CRISES IN THE REGIONS OF CRISIS OF ISLAMIC GEOGRAPHY.
The languages of the congress will be Turkish, English and Arabic. Presentations will be interpreted simultaneously (instantly). Abstracts and declarations will be published in book form on the ASSAM Congress WEB Site. Declarations may be published electronically in the ASSAM International Refereed Journal (ASSAM-UHAD), provided that they pass through the referee process. Those who want to have their declarations published in our ASSAM International Refereed Journal (UHAD) who sent declarations to our congress should prepare their declarations in accordance with the declarations preparation format of our refereed journal[xvi] and upload them to the system via the link given below. The link to the refereed journal is below.[xvii] Declarations/articles in the refereed journal will be published after the refereeing process.
The Congress Conclusion Reports to be prepared for execution will also be sent to decision-making mechanisms and all invitees and participants from the Islamic world and will be published on the ASSAM Congress WEB site.
GEOPOLITICAL VALUE OF ISLAMIC GEOGRAPHY:
57 of the 206 States in the World (27% of the member states), 1,859,779,580 of the 7,916,525,000 world population (23.49% of the world population), the Islamic geography, which is owned by 57 Islamic Countries, covers 30.9 million km2 (20.6% of the lands of the whole world) of the world’s 150 million km2, with the bloc they formed when the borders between them are ignored:
- Which is located in the center of the continents of Asia, Europe and Africa, known as the world island,
- Which is controlling the Gibraltar, Bab El-Mendeb, Hormuz, Çanakkale and Istanbul straits and the Suez Canal, which are considered the gateways to the Mediterranean, Red Sea and Black Sea, which is the world’s largest inland seas,
- Which have coasts to the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, Black Sea, Red Sea and Caspian Sea,
- Which is bordered by land and sea to the continents of Asia, Europe and Africa, to the global powers of the world such as the European Union, Russia, India and , China, and to the United States by sea,
- Which have the opportunity to be the center of the land, air and sea transportation routes without alternatives,
- Which owns 55.5% of the world’s oil reserves, 45.6% of its production also 64.1% of natural gas reserves, 33% of its production,
By combining its geopolitical position, common civilization values and historical background with its opportunities, efforts and goals, it has the potential to become the superpower of the future.
GLOBAL ATTACKS TO THE ISLAMIC WORLD
In its geography where it should be sovereign, the Islamic world has become the site of the undeclared, secret, insidious, dirty and asymmetric World War III, in which the ethnic and sectarian units within the unitary structures of each Islamic country are fighting each other.
Despite the advantages they have, Islamic countries have fallen into a great turmoil with the interventions of the imperialist western states. As a result of this turmoil, great suffering and destruction are experienced in the Islamic countries. Millions of Muslims are forced to choose between leaving their homes or dying. Thousands of Muslims die in various ways on the migration routes, and those who manage to migrate are doomed to live in poverty and misery.
According to the official data of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, as of 2021, according to official records, 6.6 million Syrian citizens immigrated around the world. ([xviii]) This figure is even higher with unregistered refugees. Syrian refugees migrated to Türkiye (3,388,698), Iraq (262,218), Jordan (660,605), Egypt (145,157), Lebanon (805,326) and other countries in North Africa (41,742). Apart from these figures, there are intense attempts to migrate to Europe and most of them lose their lives in the Mediterranean. Despite these adversities, the total number of registered refugees crossing into Europe from April 2011 to January 2021 was 1,022,142. ([xix])
The World War III is being waged as an undeclared war (hybrid war) against Islamic countries. After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the Muslims, who were left without a government, tried to continue their existence by establishing small states, but because they lost their unity and solidarity, they became an easy to swallow for global powers. The United States, European Union, England, France, Russia and China aim to establish authority in Islamic countries by waging proxy wars with the terrorist organizations they control and the asymmetric war methods they apply in order to seize the Islamic geography.
SEVENTH INTERNATIONAL ASSAM ISLAMIC UNION MODEL CONGRESS
Our congress was held on December 23-24, 2023 in video-conference method. In our congress, the subject of “Determination of the Principles and Procedures of the Joint Justice System for the Islamic Union” will be examined under the main theme of “Model ASRICA Confederation Justice System”.
The topics of the declarations to be presented by the academicians who will participate in the Seventh International ASSAM Islamic Union Model Congress to be held with the participation of Kütahya Dumlupınar University (DPU), International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS), Union of Non-Governmental Organizations of the Islamic World (UNIW), International Jurist Union (UHUB) and Association of Justice Defenders (ASDER) will be examined under the following headings.
CONGRESS SUBTITLES
GENERAL FRAMEWORK DRAFT
- Religious References of the Islamic Union
- Islamic Union and International Law
- Regulatory Rules of the Islamic Union: Principle of Justice
- Basic Principles of the Islamic Justice System
- Justice Systems of Multinational Empires in History
- Justice Systems of Today’s Multinational Global Powers
- Criticism on the Global System in Context of the Islamic Principle of Justice
- Model ASRICA Confederation Justice System Organization
1. PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES IN THE ORGANIZATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE OF GLOBAL POWERS IN THE PAST RELATED TO JUSTICE
- Principles and Procedures of the Organization for Justice in the Roman Empire
- Principles and Procedures of the Organization for Justice in the Byzantine Empire
- Principles and Procedures of the Organization for Justice in the Islamic State during the Time of the Prophet Muhammad
- Principles and Procedures of the Organization for Justice in the Islamic State during the Time of the Rashidun Caliphate
- Principles and Procedures of the Organization for Justice in the Umayyad Caliphate
- Principles and Procedures of the Organization for Justice in the Islamic State during the Time of the 5th Caliph Umar bin ‘Abd al-‘Aziz
- Principles and Procedures of the Organization for Justice in the Abbasid Caliphate
- Principles and Procedures of the Organization for Justice in the Seljuk Empire
- Principles and Procedures of the Organization for Justice in the Ottoman Empire
2. PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES IN THE ORGANIZATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE OF TODAY’S GLOBAL POWERS RELATED TO JUSTICE
- Principles and Procedures of the Organization for Justice in the United States of America
- Principles and Procedures of the Organization for Justice in the Russian Federation
- Principles and procedures of the Organization for Justice in the Republic of South Africa
- Principles and Procedures of the Organization for Justice in the European Union
- Principles and Procedures of the Organization for Justice in the People’s Republic of China
- Principles and Procedures of the Organization for Justice in India
3. ENVISIONED JUSTICE ORGANIZATION OF THE MODEL ASRICA CONFEDERATION
- Inter-Islamic States Justice Commission
- Principles and Procedures of Institutional Structuring of the Inter-Islamic States Justice System
- Principles and Procedures of Determining the Regulatory Areas of the Islamic Justice System
- Principles and Procedures of Determining the Main and Subtitles of the Principle of Islamic Justice
- Principles and Procedures of Determining the Hierarchy of Islamic Union Norms of Justice
- Principles and Procedures of Harmonization between the Legislature of the Islamic Union and the Legislature of the Member States
- Principles and Procedures of Harmonization of the Legislation of the Member States with the Principles of Islamic Justice
- Principles and Procedures of Developing the Islamic Countries Union Constitution
- Principles and Procedures of Developing Fair Legislation in Islamic Countries
- Relations with Non-Islamic Union Countries and the Principle of Justice
- Principles and Procedures of Determining the Strategy for the Development of Islamic Union Justice System
- Sharing the Islamic Union Studies with the Public Opinions of Islamic Countries; Publishing the Studies to be Presented by the Intellectual and Academic Environments for the Ideal of Unity as Turkish, English and Arabic
4. ORGANIZATION, AUTHORITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MODEL ASRICA CONFEDERATION OF ISLAMIC COUNTRIES MINISTRY OF JUSTICE
SEVENTH INTERNATIONAL ASSAM ISLAMIC UNION MODEL
CONGRESS PROGRAM
IMPORTANT DATES
- Abstract submission deadline : August 15, 2023
- Announcement of accepted abstracts : September 15, 2023
- Deadline for submission of full texts : October 15, 2023
- CONGRESS DATE : December 23-24, 2023
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EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
GLOBAL VISION 2000 HOSTS 9TH ESCHATOLOGY CONFERENCE: “ENTERING THE FINAL STAGES OF END TIMES”
Published
2 months agoon
April 15, 2025By
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The Global Vision 2000 ThinkTank will convene its 9th Eschatology Conference on Sunday, April 27, 2025, under the theme “Entering the Final Stages of End Times.” The timely event comes amid deepening global crises and follows the dramatic political transition in the United States, marking a critical juncture in what many see as a prophetic era of global reset and systemic upheaval.
The conference will tackle the convergence of economic collapse and escalating regional wars, particularly in Ukraine and the Holy Land. Speakers will analyze how these crises are shaping a multipolar world order, heightening the risk of a global conflagration, and signaling the end of the Western monetary era as debt, deficits, and inflation spiral out of control.
Director of Global Vision 2000, Moeen Yaseen, noted:
“This year’s conference comes at a time of historic transformation. We aim to deepen understanding of the unfolding Abrahamic eschatologies and realities in the Holy Lands.”
With a strong interfaith dimension, the conference will bring together leading Jewish, Christian, and Muslim thinkers, scholars, and journalists to examine end-time narratives and what lies beyond the collapse of global systems.
Key sessions include:
- “Evolution of International Money and Western Eschatology” – Dr. Simon Mouatt
- “Trials of the End Times and the Islamic Political Economy” – Baba Yunus Muhammad
- “Bayt al Maqdas, Malhama & Ghazwa-i-Hind” – Dr. Abdul Salam Arif
- “Zionist Christian Alliance: Useful Idiots and Sacrificial Lambs” – Da’vid ben Elkashah
- “Al Mahdi, Khilafat, Bayt Al Maqdis: Prophetic Governance and Restoration of Justice” – Imam Dr. Karim Abu Zaid
- “Signs of the Hour, Jerusalem and the Messiah” – Rabbi Benjamin Abrahamson
The agenda will also feature discussions on Christian Zionism, techno-feudalism, the hijacking of religion, and the emerging alternatives to capitalist and imperial paradigms.
The virtual event is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM UK Time / 1:00 PM Türkiye Time.
Event Title: Entering the Final Stages of End Times
Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025 / Shawwal 29, 1446
Platform: Online Conference
Registration & Info:
myaseen@globalvision2000.com
Website: https://globalvision2000.com/
EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Madinah to Host the 45th AlBaraka Islamic Economics Symposium
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2 months agoon
April 15, 2025By
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The AlBaraka Islamic Economics Symposium, a globally recognized and highly influential forum dedicated to the advancement of Sharia-compliant finance and economics, is poised to convene its 45th edition. Al Baraka Group, a preeminent international Islamic financial institution with a significant global presence, has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to fostering intellectual discourse and the progress of the industry by announcing its sponsorship as a “Global Partner” for this prestigious event.
The 45th AlBaraka Islamic Economics Symposium is scheduled to take place on April 16–17, 2025, under the timely and thought-provoking theme: “Islamic Banking in Fifty Years: Past Achievements and Future Aspirations.” This landmark symposium will be hosted at the esteemed University of Prince Muqrin, located in the historically significant city of Madinah, Saudi Arabia, a spiritual and intellectual heartland for Muslims worldwide.
The Significance of Madinah as Host City
The selection of Madinah as the host city for the 45th AlBaraka Islamic Economics Symposium carries profound significance. As the second holiest city in Islam and the final resting place of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Madinah embodies a rich legacy of Islamic scholarship, justice, and economic principles. This unique setting will undoubtedly imbue the symposium with a sense of historical context and ethical grounding, fostering an environment conducive to insightful discussions on the past, present, and future of Islamic finance.
This upcoming AlBaraka Islamic Economics Symposium is anticipated to be a pivotal gathering, attracting a distinguished and diverse cohort of intellectual and industry leaders from across the globe. The program will welcome a distinguished assembly of pre-eminent Sharia scholars and jurists, highly experienced bankers and financial practitioners, and leading academics specializing in Islamic economics, finance, and related fields.
The two-day event is meticulously structured to facilitate in-depth engagement through a rich program encompassing keynote addresses, interactive workshops, and thought-provoking panel discussions. These sessions will collectively aim to dissect the remarkable journey of Islamic banking over the past half-century, tracing its evolution from its early conceptualization and implementation to its current standing as a dynamic and increasingly influential force within the global financial system.
Evolution of Islamic Banking
Attendees at the AlBaraka Islamic Economics Symposium will have the invaluable opportunity to engage in critical analyses of the key legislative and jurisprudential developments that have been instrumental in shaping the regulatory and Sharia frameworks governing Islamic banking practices. The symposium will also provide a platform to examine the impressive global market expansion achieved by Islamic financial institutions over the past five decades, exploring the diverse strategies and innovative pathways that have facilitated this growth.
This includes a focused look at the establishment and operation of Islamic windows within conventional banking institutions, allowing them to offer Sharia-compliant products and services, as well as the strategic acquisitions undertaken by Islamic financial groups to broaden their reach while steadfastly maintaining their distinct Islamic identity and core principles. A central pillar of the discussions at the AlBaraka Islamic Economics Symposium will be the fundamental principles of Shariah governance.
Experts will explore the crucial role of Sharia supervisory boards (SSBs) within Islamic financial institutions, examining their composition, responsibilities, and the methodologies they employ to ensure that all operations and products adhere strictly to Islamic law. Furthermore, the symposium will address the ongoing efforts to develop and adopt universally recognized international Sharia standards. The establishment of such standards is viewed as essential for fostering greater harmonization, transparency, and confidence within the global Islamic finance industry, providing a solid foundation for its continued growth and integrity.
Looking towards the future, the agenda of the AlBaraka Islamic Economics Symposium will address some of the most pressing and pertinent topics concerning the role of Islamic banks in fostering sustainable socio-economic development within their respective communities and on a broader global scale. Participants will critically examine how Islamic financial principles can contribute to poverty alleviation, financial inclusion, and equitable wealth distribution.
The symposium will also delve into the future trajectory of Islamic banking, with a keen focus on navigating the complex challenges that lie ahead, such as increasing regulatory scrutiny, competition from conventional finance, and the need for greater product innovation. Simultaneously, the symposium will explore the promising opportunities presented by a rapidly changing global financial landscape, including the rise of financial technology (FinTech), the growing demand for ethical and socially responsible investing, and the increasing awareness of Islamic finance as a viable alternative financial paradigm.
A significant highlight of the AlBaraka Islamic Economics Symposium will undoubtedly be a high-level panel discussion featuring prominent leaders and thinkers in the Islamic finance world. This session will specifically focus on the critical leadership role that major banking groups play in steering the overall direction of the Islamic finance sector and actively promoting core Islamic economic principles – such as the prohibition of interest (riba), the emphasis on profit and loss sharing, and the avoidance of speculative activities – on a global scale.
In addition to these broad and strategic discussions, the AlBaraka Islamic Economics Symposium will also feature two specialized workshops designed to provide participants with more focused and practical insights into key areas of development within the industry.
Workshop 1: New Governance Standards by AAOIFI
The first workshop will concentrate on the newly evolving governance standards issued by the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI). AAOIFI’s standards are widely recognized as the benchmark for Sharia-compliant accounting, auditing, ethics, and governance for Islamic financial institutions worldwide, and this workshop will provide crucial guidance on their implementation.
Workshop 2: Developing Islamic Financial Products through Financial Engineering
The second workshop will delve into the sophisticated mechanisms for developing innovative Islamic financial products through the application of modern financial engineering tools. This session will explore how to create Sharia-compliant financial instruments that effectively meet the diverse and evolving needs of individuals, businesses, and governments in the 21st century.
To further enrich the experience for attendees, the AlBaraka Islamic Economics Symposium will also host several important accompanying activities. These will include the prestigious AlBaraka Forum awards ceremony, a significant event that recognizes and celebrates outstanding contributions to the advancement of Islamic economics and finance across various fields, including research, practice, and policy. The symposium will also provide a valuable platform for institutions and organizations within the Islamic finance sector to showcase their latest projects, initiatives, and technological advancements. Furthermore, the event will facilitate networking opportunities, including the signing of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between key stakeholders, fostering future collaborations, partnerships, and the collective growth of the Islamic finance ecosystem.
Al Baraka Group’s Enduring Legacy: Four Decades of Intellectual Stewardship
The Al Baraka Group’s consistent and unwavering annual sponsorship of the Al Baraka Islamic Economics Symposium is a powerful testament to its foundational commitment to fostering rigorous intellectual discourse and actively supporting the continuous development and refinement of Islamic banking and economics as a robust and ethical financial system. Over the past four decades, this distinguished symposium has played an indispensable role in establishing and meticulously refining the core jurisprudential foundations upon which the entire edifice of Islamic banking and economics is constructed.
It has organically evolved into a highly respected and widely consulted scholarly reference, serving as a critical resource for academic researchers undertaking in-depth studies, Sharia committees within Islamic financial institutions grappling with complex issues of compliance, and fatwa bodies responsible for issuing authoritative religious pronouncements on intricate financial matters. In this vital capacity, the AlBaraka Islamic Economics Symposium has been instrumental in diligently safeguarding the fundamental integrity of Islamic banking practices as they effectively serve diverse societies and make meaningful contributions to sustainable economic development in strict accordance with the overarching principles of Islamic law and ethics.
Since its inception in 1981, the AlBaraka Islamic Economics Symposium has proudly maintained its position as a leading and pioneering global platform for profound and impactful discussions at the crucial intersection of Sharia law and contemporary economic realities. For over four decades of dedicated service to the intellectual advancement of the field, the symposium has made truly substantial and enduring contributions to the ongoing evolution and refinement of Islamic economic practices, thoughtfully addressing both the foundational theoretical jurisprudential underpinnings and the increasingly complex practical technical aspects of this dynamic and rapidly expanding industry.
The AlBaraka Islamic Economics Symposium continues to serve as a vital and highly respected forum where emerging and often complex economic issues and challenges are thoughtfully presented for thorough and rigorous deliberation by a carefully selected and highly esteemed panel of globally recognized senior Islamic scholars and jurists. This crucial scholarly engagement is powerfully complemented by the active and insightful participation of a diverse range of international financial and economic experts, creating a uniquely dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment that fosters meaningful dialogue, the cross-pollination of ideas, and the generation of truly innovative and practical solutions to the multifaceted challenges facing the Islamic financial world.
The enduring and overarching goal of the AlBaraka Islamic Economics Symposium remains the vital mission of continually enriching Islamic economic practices by thoughtfully offering well-reasoned and authoritative fatwas, providing practical and implementable recommendations, and developing genuinely effective and sustainable solutions to the increasingly intricate and pressing economic issues confronting Muslim communities and the wider global landscape in the 21st century.
Al Baraka Group B.S.C. (C) operates under the stringent regulatory oversight of the Central Bank of Bahrain, holding a prestigious license as an Investment Business Firm – Category 1 (Islamic Principles). As a truly prominent and influential international Islamic financial group, Al Baraka Group is deeply committed to providing a comprehensive and diverse suite of rigorously Sharia-compliant financial services through its extensive and strategically located network of banking subsidiaries that currently spans across 13 strategically important countries worldwide.
These ethically grounded services encompass a wide spectrum of financial solutions, including retail banking services tailored to individual needs, comprehensive corporate banking solutions designed to support businesses of all sizes, sophisticated treasury functions managing financial resources by Islamic principles, and a range of innovative investment banking services that adhere strictly to the tenets of Islamic Shari’a.
The Al Baraka Group boasts a truly significant and strategically important geographical presence, with well-established and thriving operations thoughtfully located in key markets across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, including Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia, Bahrain, Sudan, Turkey, South Africa, Algeria, Pakistan, Lebanon, and Syria. In addition to its network of fully operational subsidiaries, Al Baraka Group also maintains a presence in Iraq through two strategically important branches and operates a representative office in Libya, further extending its reach and facilitating cross-border financial activities by Islamic finance principles.
Through its extensive and well-established network of over 600 branches strategically located across these diverse markets, ABG proudly serves a substantial and rapidly growing population base, currently estimated at around one billion customers worldwide. This impressive reach underscores Al Baraka Group’s significant and ever-increasing impact on the global Islamic financial landscape and its vital role in promoting ethical and Sharia-compliant financial solutions to a vast and diverse clientele.
The authorized capital of Al Baraka Group stands at a robust US$ 2.5 billion, a testament to its strong and stable financial foundation and its enduring commitment to achieving sustainable growth and fostering innovation within the dynamic and increasingly important global Islamic finance industry. The Group’s ongoing and steadfast sponsorship of the AlBaraka Islamic Economics Symposium unequivocally reaffirms its deep-seated dedication to fostering critical knowledge sharing, promoting cutting-edge research, and driving meaningful innovation within the sector it so prominently and ethically represents on the global stage.
EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
A Journey in Service: General Ibrahim Babangida’s Autobiography Launches in Abuja
Published
4 months agoon
February 23, 2025By
Editor
Our Special Correspondent
On February 20, 2025, the Nigerian capital, Abuja, played host to a landmark event in the nation’s history—the official launch of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s much-anticipated autobiography, A Journey in Service. Held at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel, the ceremony was attended by a distinguished assembly of past and present leaders, political figures, military officers, and intellectuals. The event was not just a celebration of a book but a reflection on the life and times of one of Nigeria’s most enigmatic and influential leaders.
A Historic Gathering of Dignitaries
The launch was graced by an impressive lineup of prominent personalities from Nigeria and beyond. Among the attendees were former Nigerian Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, as well as the country’s current leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of leadership, democracy, and service in Africa’s development.
Notably absent from the event was former President Muhammadu Buhari, whose non-attendance sparked speculation among political analysts. Nonetheless, the atmosphere remained charged with a sense of camaraderie, as old allies and rivals gathered under one roof to honor the legacy of a man who once steered Nigeria’s destiny.
The Book: A Journey in Service
General Babangida’s autobiography, A Journey in Service, provides an introspective look into his decades in public life, offering readers an insider’s view of Nigeria’s political landscape during his tenure as military president from 1985 to 1993. The book covers key moments of his career, including his role in shaping Nigeria’s economic policies, his controversial decision to annul the June 12, 1993, elections, and his relationships with fellow African and global leaders.
One of the most anticipated revelations in the book is Babangida’s candid discussion on the annulled 1993 elections, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest. In A Journey in Service, he acknowledges MKO Abiola as the rightful winner of the election and expresses regret over the decision to nullify the results. He provides insights into the pressures and security concerns that led to the move, an issue that has been a subject of debate for over three decades.
The book also delves into Babangida’s role in Nigeria’s economic restructuring, including the introduction of the Structural Adjustment Program (SAP), which remains one of the most debated economic policies in the country’s history. Babangida defends his decisions, explaining the circumstances that necessitated the implementation of SAP and the challenges his administration faced in balancing economic liberalization with social stability.
Beyond politics, A Journey in Service offers personal reflections on Babangida’s upbringing, his experiences in the Nigerian military, and his philosophy on leadership. It also sheds light on his relationship with his late wife, Maryam Babangida, whose Better Life for Rural Women program significantly impacted women’s empowerment in Nigeria.
Highlights from the Launch
The launch ceremony was marked by speeches, by former government officials who provided perspectives on Babangida’s legacy. In his remarks, President Bola Tinubu praised Babangida’s contributions to Nigeria’s development, stating, “General Babangida’s leadership was pivotal in shaping modern Nigeria. His willingness to document his journey serves as an invaluable resource for future generations.”
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, known for his often critical stance on past Nigerian leaders, commended Babangida for his decision to write an autobiography, describing it as a courageous act of self-examination. “History is best told by those who lived it. General Babangida has given us a first-hand account of his service to Nigeria,” Obasanjo noted.
Public Reactions and Media Coverage
The launch generated significant buzz across Nigeria, with political commentators, historians, and journalists analyzing the book’s contents and its potential impact on Nigeria’s historical narrative. Major media outlets provided extensive coverage of the event, with television stations broadcasting live from the venue and social media platforms buzzing with discussions about Babangida’s revelations.
Some Nigerians view A Journey in Service as an attempt at historical redemption, while others see it as a vital contribution to understanding Nigeria’s past. Political analyst Jide Ojo remarked, “Whether one agrees with Babangida’s policies or not, his book is a crucial addition to the historical documentation of Nigeria’s governance.”
However, not all reactions have been positive. Critics argue that the book does not go far enough in addressing some of the more contentious aspects of Babangida’s tenure, including allegations of corruption and human rights violations. Activist and lawyer Femi Falana commented, “While it is commendable that General Babangida has written his memoirs, there are still many unanswered questions about his administration.”
The Legacy of General Ibrahim Babangida
Regardless of differing opinions, there is no denying that General Babangida remains one of the most consequential figures in Nigeria’s history. His influence on governance, economic policy, and military strategy continues to be felt decades after his presidency.
A Journey in Service is more than just a memoir; it is a reflection of Nigeria’s evolving democracy and a call for introspection among leaders and citizens alike. By documenting his experiences, Babangida has provided a resource for scholars, policymakers, and future generations who seek to understand Nigeria’s political evolution.
Conclusion
The launch of A Journey in Service was a momentous occasion, not just for General Babangida but for Nigeria as a whole. It was an opportunity to reflect on the past, draw lessons for the present, and inspire conversations about the nation’s future.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its path towards sustainable democracy and economic stability, Babangida’s autobiography serves as both a historical record and a thought-provoking narrative on leadership, service, and the complexities of governance. Whether viewed as a redemption story or a political manifesto, A Journey in Service has undoubtedly cemented its place in the annals of Nigerian history.

In Memoriam: Professor Khurshid Ahmad (1932–2025). An Intellectual Giant and Father of Islamic Economics.

Absent from Abuja, Present in Paris

Collateral Damage: The Global Fallout of Trump’s USAID Cuts
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