WICS's contribution to the call, education and cultural activities in Burundi
Published by Admin on 2010/7/25 (110 reads)
Muslims in Burundi make up around 10% of the total population of about 9 million, though some statistics try to lower the figure to 6%. Burundi is by constitution a secular state, although Eid ul-Fitr is among several national holidays, since 2005, having been declared by the Burundian government. There are a number of mosques and Qur'an schools across the city, especially in the Muslim quarters of Buyenzi and Kanyoshi in Bujumbura.
Though Muslims practice their religious acts freely, in the dominantly Christian community, the practice of Islam is relatively new, introduced only in the 1900s, as compared to other countries in the Eastern part of Africa. Most Muslims in Burundi are either converted to Islam themselves, or are the children or grandchildren of converts.
Burundi is located in the Great Lakes region of Eastern Africa, bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west.
Formerly ruled by tribal monarchies, the area that is now Burundi was colonized by Germany in the late 19th century and under German and later Belgian administrations until its independence in 1962. Bujumbura is the capital and largest city.
Its size is just under 28,000 km˛ with an estimated population of almost 8,700,000. Although the country is landlocked, much of the southwestern border is adjacent to Lake Tanganyika.
World Islamic Call Society
Da'wa work is a principle part of WICS's activity, and is considered its main objective in response to the order of God: “Call (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious,” (Bees - An-Nahl 16: 125).
To achieve this goal, WICS trains preachers to Call for the religion of God, and guide people to the realities and values of this religion by teaching and delivering lectures at schools and mosques, and by participating in Call caravans which represent a qualitative shift of WICS's work geared at reaching distant places where Islam is unheard of in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America.
WICS recent activities in Burundi
The World Islamic call Society, through its office in Bujumbura, and with the assistance of its Du'at across the country, has played a tremendous role in support of Muslims and Islamic action programs in the country. The Islamic Center in Bujumbura, supervised by WICS, also runs a school and a clinic. The following are some of its recent activities.
Qur’an competition
The Islamic Education School in Bujumbura, Burundi, conducted a Qur’an competition, in conjunction with WICS's office in Burundi, which commenced on May 25th, 2010.
The competition included recitation and memorization of the Holy Qur’an for various levels and it concluded earlier this month.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Heads of Muslim actions in the country praised the role being played by the WIPL Leader in serving Islam and Muslims, especially his initiative of founding WICS, which is undertaking tremendous Islamic work. The best participants received prizes and certificates.
Arabic course
On June 13, an Arabic language course was concluded at the Islamic cultural center in the capital Bujumbura in Burundi. The four-month course comprised lessons and lectures on language usage, pronunciation, vocabulary, writing, etc.
It was held in three stages: beginners, intermediary, and advanced. 120 people took part.
During the closing ceremony, various speakers expressed their thanks and appreciation to WICS for its efforts in spreading the Arabic language and spreading Islamic culture. They also lauded WICS's humanitarian, educational and cultural efforts in various parts of the world.
It is to be noted that WICS's office is organizing another course in response to increasing demand, and it will begin soon.
Cooperation between WICS and Burundian Ministry of Education
The secretary of the office of the World Islamic Call Society in Burundi recently met with the Minister of Education in the Republic of Burundi with whom he discussed ways of developing educational programs and introducing Arabic language in schools and universities in Burundi. They also discussed the opening of the new Gaddafi Center for Arabic Language and Islamic Culture at Burundi National University.
WICS's secretary also paid a visit to Burundi National University's officials to discuss the prospects of establishing the Gaddafi center. He also donated a number of WICS publications on various Islamic cultures to the University.
Meanwhile, the Burundian Minister of Education expressed his thanks and appreciation to WICS for overseeing the Arabic language and Islamic culture programs in Burundi and Africa in general.
Demonstration against Swiss racist move
Muslim masses in Burundi recently took to the streets of Bujumbura to denounce the Swiss racist stand. In a statement released at the demonstration, Burundian Muslims condemned the Swiss decision to impose a ban on the construction of minarets, which are a symbol of Islam.
Speaking before the Swiss Embassy in Bujumbura, the Muslim activists demanded a boycott of goods from Switzerland and severing of diplomatic ties.
Cultural course
A cultural course on Islamic education organized by the World Islamic Call Society has ended in Kanyusha, in Bujumbura on Friday January 10, 2010. The course attracted 66 female participants from Bujumbura and its outskirts, besides 4 new converts. It comprised a number of programs including: lessons and lectures on Islamic Jurisprudence ( Fiqh) family relations, recitation of the Holy Qur’an, among others.
The closing ceremony was attended WICS'S Secretary in Burundi, a number of Muslim functionalists and residents of Kanyusha.
Speaking at the ceremony, Sheikh Jamal, the course supervisor, hailed WICS'S efforts in spreading Islamic culture and consolidating the noble values taught in Islam. He also commended WICS's concern for culture and sensitization programs in Burundi and across the African continent. The participants were issued attendance certificates.
77 embrace Islam
With the blessings of Allah, 77 Burundians have embraced Islam at the hands of WICS Du'at in the capital Bujumbura.
The proselytes pronounced the testimony of faith amid chanting of Takbira at the WICS office in the city. They also expressed their conviction of the truthfulness of Islam, and hailed its message of tolerance, love and equality.
This followed a dialogue held between Muslim Du'at and Christian reverends, attended by about 4000 people from various faiths.
Computer training course
WICS's office in Bujumbura, Burundi, organized a computer training course on November 2, in which 7 WICS Du’at from eastern Congo and Burundi took part.
The course comprised theoretical and practical lessons in Word, Excel, computer maintenance and internet use.
At the opening ceremony, held at WICS's office in Bujumbura, the participants expressed their thanks and appreciation to WICS for its continuous efforts in supporting sustainable development programs. They also applauded WICS for its great effort in preparing and training of Da’i (preachers) and researchers in Islam.
The course, which will run for 4 weeks, is being supervised by specialists in computer science.
Women's gathering
The Islamic Center in Bujumbura, Burundi, is hosting the proceedings of a women's gathering organized by the World Islamic Call Society in cooperation with the Muslim Women's Union in Burundi, under the theme: "Muslim women's role in development".
The conference has attracted over a hundred participants from various regions from across the country, and is tackling a number of issues related to Muslim women in national development.
Commenced on Saturday, November 14, the opening session was attended by the Director of the Center, WICS's office coordinator and a number of Muslim functionaries.
The participants expressed their appreciation of WICS's role around the world, particularly in supporting women's programs.
The conference was widely covered in the national and private media, including: RTNB, RENNESSENSE, BONESHA, RPA and REMA FM
Burundian President visits WICS
HE Pierre Nkurunziza, President of the Republic of Burundi paid a visit to WICS's premises in Tripoli Libya, on September 2nd. The President was taking part in the celebrations of the 40th anniversary of Al-Fateh Revolution.
Accompanied by Sheikh Muhammad Rokar – member the Burundian Senate and Mr. Muyez Nzimana – Chief of Protocol, HE Pierre Nkurunziza, was received at WICS headquarters by WICS's Secretary General and a number of WICS officials.
During the reception meeting, the two sides discussed a number of issues and areas of cooperation in the cultural, educational and humanitarian fields.
WICS's Secretary General briefed the President on WICS's educational cultural and humanitarian efforts in Africa and across the world.
On his part, the Burundian President saluted the WIPL Leader's role in the service of the African continent and commended WICS's endeavors in sustainable development programs conducted in his country and around the world.
At the end of the meeting, the President was presented with a gift by WICS's Secretary General in appreciation for his visit.
Though Muslims practice their religious acts freely, in the dominantly Christian community, the practice of Islam is relatively new, introduced only in the 1900s, as compared to other countries in the Eastern part of Africa. Most Muslims in Burundi are either converted to Islam themselves, or are the children or grandchildren of converts.
Burundi is located in the Great Lakes region of Eastern Africa, bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west.
Formerly ruled by tribal monarchies, the area that is now Burundi was colonized by Germany in the late 19th century and under German and later Belgian administrations until its independence in 1962. Bujumbura is the capital and largest city.
Its size is just under 28,000 km˛ with an estimated population of almost 8,700,000. Although the country is landlocked, much of the southwestern border is adjacent to Lake Tanganyika.
World Islamic Call Society
Da'wa work is a principle part of WICS's activity, and is considered its main objective in response to the order of God: “Call (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious,” (Bees - An-Nahl 16: 125).
To achieve this goal, WICS trains preachers to Call for the religion of God, and guide people to the realities and values of this religion by teaching and delivering lectures at schools and mosques, and by participating in Call caravans which represent a qualitative shift of WICS's work geared at reaching distant places where Islam is unheard of in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America.
WICS recent activities in Burundi
The World Islamic call Society, through its office in Bujumbura, and with the assistance of its Du'at across the country, has played a tremendous role in support of Muslims and Islamic action programs in the country. The Islamic Center in Bujumbura, supervised by WICS, also runs a school and a clinic. The following are some of its recent activities.
Qur’an competition
The Islamic Education School in Bujumbura, Burundi, conducted a Qur’an competition, in conjunction with WICS's office in Burundi, which commenced on May 25th, 2010.
The competition included recitation and memorization of the Holy Qur’an for various levels and it concluded earlier this month.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Heads of Muslim actions in the country praised the role being played by the WIPL Leader in serving Islam and Muslims, especially his initiative of founding WICS, which is undertaking tremendous Islamic work. The best participants received prizes and certificates.
Arabic course
On June 13, an Arabic language course was concluded at the Islamic cultural center in the capital Bujumbura in Burundi. The four-month course comprised lessons and lectures on language usage, pronunciation, vocabulary, writing, etc.
It was held in three stages: beginners, intermediary, and advanced. 120 people took part.
During the closing ceremony, various speakers expressed their thanks and appreciation to WICS for its efforts in spreading the Arabic language and spreading Islamic culture. They also lauded WICS's humanitarian, educational and cultural efforts in various parts of the world.
It is to be noted that WICS's office is organizing another course in response to increasing demand, and it will begin soon.
Cooperation between WICS and Burundian Ministry of Education
The secretary of the office of the World Islamic Call Society in Burundi recently met with the Minister of Education in the Republic of Burundi with whom he discussed ways of developing educational programs and introducing Arabic language in schools and universities in Burundi. They also discussed the opening of the new Gaddafi Center for Arabic Language and Islamic Culture at Burundi National University.
WICS's secretary also paid a visit to Burundi National University's officials to discuss the prospects of establishing the Gaddafi center. He also donated a number of WICS publications on various Islamic cultures to the University.
Meanwhile, the Burundian Minister of Education expressed his thanks and appreciation to WICS for overseeing the Arabic language and Islamic culture programs in Burundi and Africa in general.
Demonstration against Swiss racist move
Muslim masses in Burundi recently took to the streets of Bujumbura to denounce the Swiss racist stand. In a statement released at the demonstration, Burundian Muslims condemned the Swiss decision to impose a ban on the construction of minarets, which are a symbol of Islam.
Speaking before the Swiss Embassy in Bujumbura, the Muslim activists demanded a boycott of goods from Switzerland and severing of diplomatic ties.
Cultural course
A cultural course on Islamic education organized by the World Islamic Call Society has ended in Kanyusha, in Bujumbura on Friday January 10, 2010. The course attracted 66 female participants from Bujumbura and its outskirts, besides 4 new converts. It comprised a number of programs including: lessons and lectures on Islamic Jurisprudence ( Fiqh) family relations, recitation of the Holy Qur’an, among others.
The closing ceremony was attended WICS'S Secretary in Burundi, a number of Muslim functionalists and residents of Kanyusha.
Speaking at the ceremony, Sheikh Jamal, the course supervisor, hailed WICS'S efforts in spreading Islamic culture and consolidating the noble values taught in Islam. He also commended WICS's concern for culture and sensitization programs in Burundi and across the African continent. The participants were issued attendance certificates.
77 embrace Islam
With the blessings of Allah, 77 Burundians have embraced Islam at the hands of WICS Du'at in the capital Bujumbura.
The proselytes pronounced the testimony of faith amid chanting of Takbira at the WICS office in the city. They also expressed their conviction of the truthfulness of Islam, and hailed its message of tolerance, love and equality.
This followed a dialogue held between Muslim Du'at and Christian reverends, attended by about 4000 people from various faiths.
Computer training course
WICS's office in Bujumbura, Burundi, organized a computer training course on November 2, in which 7 WICS Du’at from eastern Congo and Burundi took part.
The course comprised theoretical and practical lessons in Word, Excel, computer maintenance and internet use.
At the opening ceremony, held at WICS's office in Bujumbura, the participants expressed their thanks and appreciation to WICS for its continuous efforts in supporting sustainable development programs. They also applauded WICS for its great effort in preparing and training of Da’i (preachers) and researchers in Islam.
The course, which will run for 4 weeks, is being supervised by specialists in computer science.
Women's gathering
The Islamic Center in Bujumbura, Burundi, is hosting the proceedings of a women's gathering organized by the World Islamic Call Society in cooperation with the Muslim Women's Union in Burundi, under the theme: "Muslim women's role in development".
The conference has attracted over a hundred participants from various regions from across the country, and is tackling a number of issues related to Muslim women in national development.
Commenced on Saturday, November 14, the opening session was attended by the Director of the Center, WICS's office coordinator and a number of Muslim functionaries.
The participants expressed their appreciation of WICS's role around the world, particularly in supporting women's programs.
The conference was widely covered in the national and private media, including: RTNB, RENNESSENSE, BONESHA, RPA and REMA FM
Burundian President visits WICS
HE Pierre Nkurunziza, President of the Republic of Burundi paid a visit to WICS's premises in Tripoli Libya, on September 2nd. The President was taking part in the celebrations of the 40th anniversary of Al-Fateh Revolution.
Accompanied by Sheikh Muhammad Rokar – member the Burundian Senate and Mr. Muyez Nzimana – Chief of Protocol, HE Pierre Nkurunziza, was received at WICS headquarters by WICS's Secretary General and a number of WICS officials.
During the reception meeting, the two sides discussed a number of issues and areas of cooperation in the cultural, educational and humanitarian fields.
WICS's Secretary General briefed the President on WICS's educational cultural and humanitarian efforts in Africa and across the world.
On his part, the Burundian President saluted the WIPL Leader's role in the service of the African continent and commended WICS's endeavors in sustainable development programs conducted in his country and around the world.
At the end of the meeting, the President was presented with a gift by WICS's Secretary General in appreciation for his visit.
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