Union of African Muslim Scholars
Union of African Muslim Scholars
leader: Said Bourhane
website: http://www.africanulama.org/
http://www.facebook.com/africanulama
Union of African Muslim Scholars
Idea
The creation of a union for the scholars of sub-Saharan in Africa to serve as a scientific reference, be effective amongst African communities, strengthen the role of scholars and preachers in directing the community at all strata and levels, regulate fatwas, relate to the continents events and represent Muslims locally, regionally and internationally.
Union of African Muslim Scholars (UAMS), Template:Lang-ar is an organization of African Muslim scholars headed by Said Bourhane, founded in 2011, and headquartered in Mali.[1]
Scholars who are currently or have been at one time officials include the president:*Said Bourhane The Vice Presidency of the Union is shared by*Bashir Aly Oumar
Secretary General is*Said Madibaba Sylla
A scientific reference point for reawakening of the Islamic community in Africa
Vision
A scientific reference point for reawakening of the Islamic community in Africa.
Message
Consolidation of African scholars efforts and unifying their ranks in order to lead the Muslim community in line with authentic Islamic teachings.
General policies
1. Following the Quran and tradition of the Prophet, (peace and salutations upon him) according to the understanding of the Imams of guidance and upon the middle way.
2. Strengthening the local dimension of the Union in terms of functioning with effective representation of all sections of Africa.
3. Autonomy and independence from influence of countries an organizations.
4. Establish a strong relationship with the community through the strengthening of the position of the Unions members locally and regionally.
5. Adoption of scientific professional mechanisms in decision making.
6. Adoption of pragmatic strategies in collaboration with organizations, official institutions and the opposing groups.
7. Adoption of media policies which bear the message of the Union in relation to the continent.
8. The Union is open to all, men and women, working with the boundaries of Islam.
Objectives
1. Providing a scientific professional reference for guiding and coordinating Muslim scholars efforts in Africa.
2. Providing an Islamic voice that represents the Muslim of the continent before institutions and organizations, national and international.
3. Strengthen the efforts of scholars in directing and guiding Muslims of Africa.
4. Regulate Fatwas on public issues in Africa.
5. Strengthen peaceful coexistence between different African communities.
6. Open communication channels with other Islamic groups to serve Muslim public issues.
Means of action
1. Coordinate scientific, educational and preaching efforts in Africa.
2. Establish scientific, educational and preaching projects.
3. Release announcements on public issues via the media.
4. Provide advice and suggestions to concerned structures.
5. Provide conflict resolution in which Muslims are involved.
6. Pass Fatwas on public matters and current events.
7. Strengthen the role of mosques and those in charge.
8. Organize meetings, conferences, symposiums and public lectures.
9. Organize training seminars for capacity building and development.
10. Create a knowledge base on Islam in Africa to facilitate necessary research.
11. Undertake surveys, research and publish them.
12. Produce audiovisual material in official and popular languages of Africa.
13. Establish and usage of available media.
Organization of the Union
A_ Instances
1. General Assembly
2. General Congress
3. Council of Secretaries
B Executive bodies
1. Presidency
2. General secretariat (executive body)
3. Technical Committees
a) Planning and Control
b) Surveys, Research and Translation
c) Fatwas and Guidance
d) Communication and Public relations
e) Membership
f) Finance
g) Education
h) Dialogue
Membership
To date, the Union has a registered membership of 224 Ulemas from 42 countries of sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, numerous applications are currently under consideration by the General Secretariat and the Membership committee.
The member must meet the following conditions
a. Knowledge of the Shariah and immediate environment.
b. Being a person of influence in the community.
c. Not known to be of dubious character.[2]
Union resources
a. Annual contributions of members.
b. Donations, legacies and other.
c. Income from the sale of publications, research and services that the union may render for payment.
d. Any other resources consistent with the principles of the union.
Constitutive Congress
The constitutive congress of the Union was held from 7 to 9 Sha'aban 1432H, or from 8 to 10 July 2011 in Bamako, capital of Mali in the presence of 132 delegates representing 39 countries of its members and observers of Islamic organizations and institutions outside of Africa most important being the delegation from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The congress took place under the theme: "The role of the scholars in the consolidation of peace." [3]
Projects within the five-year plan
– Build the headquarters for the Union in Bamako.
– Establishing a dynamic and comprehensive Website on the Internet.
– Launching a satellite TV channel for West Africa.
– Launching a satellite TV channel in Swahili for East and Central Africa.
– Opening four regional offices.
– Organization of four regional conferences
– Creating a general database of all scholars and scientific institutions in Africa.
– Creation of a real estate waqf investment.
International Relations
On Jul 2011, Union met with Amadou toumani Touré administration officials in Mali for the conger constituf .[4] [5]