Questions asked by
Nasimco to the candidates standing for the post of president of the World
Federation for the term 2003-2006
‘Below
are some FAQ which I thought that I would share with the public at large for
your information.’ – Dr. Sibtain Panjwani
Q1. What is your position on
member Regional organizations? How do
you plan to deal with these organizations to strengthen relationships with
these organizations?
ANSWER:
My position on a Regional Organization is that it is a central part of the system our community uses to meet its needs. Our system consists of members to jamaats to regional federations and to umbrella organizations. In our case, our community’s umbrella organization is the World Federation. This does not mean power only lies at the top. In actual fact, the Regional Organization acts a powerful arm of the community for several reasons:
·
Firstly, it can efficiently cater for jamaats in
its region. The Regional Organization acts as a focused body to meet the
variety of needs of jamaats.
·
Secondly, it cements a strong link between
jamaats and umbrella organizations such as the World Federation. In this way,
the World Federation can work closely with the Regional Organization to help
facilitate its functions to meet the needs of jamaats. The World Federation,
therefore, will use the Regional Organization and act as an enabler and
facilitator to provide resources to the Regional Organization to fulfill the
needs of that region.
·
Thirdly, the Regional Organization also plays
its role in unifying our community and its resources. If jamaats within the
Regional Federation were to be independent, our community would continue to
divide and become inefficient in progressing. Since, in this scenario, none us
can share resources, workforce and thinking, our unity and progress would be in
danger. But the Regional Organization acts a unifying link with jamaats and
acts as an arm of the World Federation.
·
Fourth, by sharing resources with each other,
the Regional Organization has opportunities to work with others, such as the
World Federation and vice versa to support its and the community’s projects. In
this way, both the Regional Organization’s projects are supported as well as
other community projects.
In order to strengthen relationships with Regional organizations, we must define the existing relationships. To my knowledge, there are four:
·
Firstly, between jamaats and regional
organizations.
·
Secondly, between regional organizations and the
WF.
·
Thirdly, between regional organizations and
other bodies in our community (e.g other regional organizations).
· Fourth, between regional federations and outside bodies (such as local governments, councils, differing faiths etc…)
Fundamentally, I plan to strengthen these relationships by:
·
Increasing our unity and respect for each other.
I have elaborated on this in my manifesto but suffice to say, if we work with
this mutual understanding, much can be achieved.
·
Furthermore, I would like to develop
partnerships with Regional organizations in strategies, implementation and
evaluation of goals and objectives.
·
I also plan for each body to work within the
system we operate in a disciplined manner. In this way, we do not undermine
each other since we each have a role to play to support each other. For
example, Jamaats can benefit from Regional organizations to obtain resources
and guidance. But if for example, jamaats do not wish to become members of
Regional organizations, division and a loss of resources occur. Our community
becomes scattered and we then find it difficult to successfully cater for each
other’s religious, social and economic needs.
·
I also view Regional organizations as being
collectors of hukuk funds from its members to use according to shari’a and for
the surplus to go to the World Federation to fulfill needs outside of
In this way, we can increasingly work together for the
betterment of our community and specifically, we will not duplicate work
either.
Q2. How
familiar are you with the North American Jamaats and how do you plan to fully
integrate their views in your vision of the World Federation?
ANSWER:
I have a degree of familiarity
with North American jamaats in that I have traveled to, for example,
I plan to fully integrate their views into the vision of the
World Federation using several ways:
·
Firstly, I wish to further the relationship with
Nasimco to understand its visions and its needs. In doing so, I would also like
to talk with the grassroots and leaders of jamaats so that I am specifically
aware of their views and needs. In this way, I would like to continually
network with jamaats through regional organizations.
·
I would also involve regional representatives in
strategic planning for the future of our community. I aim to make sure that
participation here is maximal. This is extremely important for the community
since I do not want to just build a WF vision but a shared vision with all our
communities worldwide.
Q3.
Will you deal with the North American Jamaats directly or through Nasimco?
ANSWER:
I will deal with
North American jamaats through Nasimco since as I have already elaborated on;
this is the most effective way to work with a regional organization to meet a
jamaat’s needs. In this way, the World Federation can facilitate a Regional
organization and work together to resolve issues.
However, I also
feel, that together, we should actively associate with small communities so as
not to isolate them. This would be done in a manner, which does not undermine a
regional organization.
I
also think we should be respecting the structures that we have created but we
should also be open minded to evaluate our structures and ensure that they are
meeting our needs and the needs of the individuals in the community. If they
are not, then we should be able to change the structures to meet these needs
and not be afraid of doing so.
Q4. What are your views on
Nasimco undertaking projects in other parts of the World in partnership with
the World Federation?
ANSWER:
I
heartily welcome such a spirit of partnership so that our community works and
progresses together on community projects in other parts of the world. I do not
want to lose this opportunity of building partnerships because for example, I
see potential in
·
And, in such
partnerships I would always emphasize the building of relations in as
structured
manner. This structured manner is for each of us to have a clear and
accountable
role
for the benefit of ourselves and the community at large.
·
Most importantly,
the WF as well as all regional organizations should go through an
exercise of setting strategic and operational priorities, which will
guide their work. I
believe that such a spirit, within this structure, will reduce
duplication of work and enhance
the quality and breadth of work we engage in as well as build our trust
for one another.
May I also say that I want to build
a ‘presidency’ rather than simply be president. I do not want narrow visions
and minimal participation. I want intellectual thinking, contributions and
volunteers to serve our community from around the world. In this way, such
partnerships provide a most welcome opportunity to do this.
Q5. Why
do you feel you are better qualified to continue the work of the President?
ANSWER:
As a servant of Allah (s.w.t), I
first and foremost thank Him for giving me opportunities to serve Him
throughout my life and the opportunity, which is present before me. I do not
wish to blow my own trumpet here but like to emphasize some aspects.
I believe the first
qualification must be that of knowledge and piety or taqwa. Such piety includes
humbleness and respect. These Islamic qualifications are key for any person but
for the role of a leader, they are more imperative. I continually endeavor to
improve myself in these respects for the betterment of myself and the
community, to ultimately serve Him.
I have received mentorship from Marhum Mulla Asgherali M M
Jaffer for approximately 4 years since 1996 till 2000. By the grace of Allah
(s.w.t), I have gained a breadth of knowledge about our community and Muslim
affairs worldwide through learning and traveling. It was this man, a man that
was misunderstood by so many, that guided me with the correct way of looking at
and leading our community. Since 2000, I have continued to serve the community
as Secretary General. My biography details in my consent letter for nomination
serves to elaborate on other qualifications.
Fundamentally, I have a
passion and zeal to serve our communities worldwide and this passion has been
with me for a long time and I pray to Allah that it continues. I want to help
the poor and needy, the orphans and sufferers of our community. I want to
enhance the structures of our community to accommodate for the growing
contributors of youths, women and elders. And, I want to do this for the sake
of Allah (s.w.t).
Q6. How do you plan to
represent Nasimco to the Mujtaheed and other Regional Bodies and how are you
better qualified than the other candidates in advancing our cause?
ANSWER:
In my manifesto, I have emphasized that interacting with our
marjae’ is necessary for effective guidance for our community.
·
The marjae’ must remain open and approachable.
If Marjae’ does not care for the people and if we the community keep Marjae’ on
a high pedestal then there is going to be and bound to be a void. There has got
to be interplay between people and Marjae’. We have a history of such
interaction, a good history and we need to develop it further.
·
My fundamental approach is to make people aware
that in all sections of our community, we must communicate with the marjae’.
Further, a delegation comprising of World Federation, regional leaders and
prominent members visit our marja regularly to put our community’s needs
forward and request guidance. I also plan to send representatives to maintain
this interactive relationship, inshallah.
Q7. What motivates you to lead the World Organization?
ANSWER:
I believe our community’s destiny
lies in preserving and progressing our faith. The Almighty has given our small
community nehma. I believe we can make an impact for the cause of Islam and on
the day of Qiyamat, we can rise up having furthered this cause. As a community,
our fundamental goals should always be to help the poor and needy and we should
never lose sight of this. We should provide the best environment from which
will emerge our young people well versed in our faith and in secular knowledge
to progress humanity, underpinned by Amr bil maaruf and Nahi anil Munkar and
motivated only to serve for the pleasure of Allah (s.w.t).
·
Furthermore, if we centralize our resources and
capital from all jamaats, we can help the less fortunate than us and achieve
other activities that are local to our region. If we do this, I can tell you
that every family would have shelter and every boy or girl would educated at
university level.
It is in that very line ‘we exist to serve’, that sums up my
and the community’s motivation. This motivation gives me continued
determination and commitment to bring about significant prosperity for our
community at large and ultimately, to maintain the iman of the community,
inshallah.
Q8. How
would you measure your performance in the position of the President?
ANSWER:
My performance
would be judged by Allah and reward will only be from Him. Specifically,
members would judge my performance and it is important that our communities
worldwide develop a foundation of leadership that is truly responsible and
accountable. In addition we need to ensure that we have structures and tools in
place that enhance the development of our leaders and enable them to achieve
the goals and objectives.
The performance of the presidency will need to be
measured at many different levels:
·
Members of individual jamaats and regional
federations will need to assess whether the
· WF has addressed their needs. This is the most important component of performance
measurement.
·
The Secretariat (Boards and Desks) will need to
be evaluated as to weather they are
·
addressing the needs of the people in our
communities.
·
Every strategy in the WF must incorporate an
evaluation component to ensure that we
·
are accomplishing what we had identified in the
strategy.
·
Every leadership position in the WF Secretariat
must undergo a 360-degree leadership
·
evaluation process. This will provide every
leadership position an opportunity to understand his/her areas of strengths and
weaknesses. Once this is done, the individual leaders will have an opportunity
to work on their areas of improvement and develop personalized developmental
plans to improve into the future. This includes all leadership in the
Secretariat as well as the Office Bearers.
It is important
that we create a philosophy of accountability in the WF. First and foremost, we
are accountable to Allah (SWT) and the opportunity to serve for the pleasure of
Allah (SWT) is an amaanat from Allah (SWT) that has to be taken very seriously.
It is a gift that needs to be appreciated and cherished.
Q9. Under your leadership
would the activities of the World Federation be more transparent and
accountable and how would you accomplish the task of openness?
ANSWER:
The activities
of the World Federation would be more transparent and accountable and this would
continually be underpinned by the Islamic values of sincerity, trust, honesty
and politeness.
I
would accomplish this by:
·
Including
regional organization leaders and other leaders to be involved in fundamental
decisions
and specifically, in implementation. I want to give a sense of ownership to a
wider
circle than just the office bearers.
·
Furthermore,
information and accounts will always be made available. The Executive
Council
will have 3 months to critically analyze and clarify accounts. Here I would
like to
state
that I would use the Executive Council in a much more interactive and solution
searching
manner. Since the last term, we have begun to do this but I want to greatly
expand
this. I want the Executive Council to become more of a decision-making body and
I
do
not want Executive Council sessions to be just about the high table giving
information.
·
I will also
answer any questions, which you have within a reasonable period of time. And, I
will
make regular visits to other regions to answer their specific questions and
involve them
in the decision-making process. This will ensure that regions make
effective and closer
links
with the World Federation and vice versa.
Therefore,
transparency is achieved by making information available for analysis and
accountability is achieved by allowing the decision-making power to be devolved
from the top to the bottom. Thus, decisions are not simply made by a few people
who will not account for their decisions. And, participation and interaction
achieves the task of openness.
Q10. What reforms does the World Federation
need to meet the challenges of the future and how would you incorporate those
reforms?
ANSWER:
My manifesto elaborates on the
challenges of the future in all sections of the community and the necessary
reforms to tackle them. The main challenge is for us to make sure our
principles are Islamic, whether we are a leader, worker or member and that our
actions are also Islamic. This, I believe, is the goal to preserve and progress
for the community and future generations. This is a necessary reform.
And, the attack
which occurred on September 11th (911) emphasizes this challenge
even more since it has changed our climate of thinking. There are now doubts
about Islam, bolder visions from countries and within our own community,
different principles seep in to change our firmness on the right path. We must
make it clear that if we are to achieve successes, however small or big, we
must give utmost priority to the way we accomplish things – both in principle
and action.
Q11. What are your views on
non-Khoja Jamaats and their participation in the World Federation?
ANSWER:
Whether at times of war or natural disasters or emergencies, the World Federation has assisted our black brothers as well as white brothers without distinction of race, color or nationality. In this moment of reflection, it is a proud fact that Khoja Shi’a Ithna Asheries never lost sight that they are Shi’a Ithna Asheri first and foremost and have dutifully assisted their brothers and sisters in faith whenever and wherever they could.
The title Khoja is also not constitutionally restrictive since our constitution allows non-Khojas to become members but the decision to do so lies with the Executive Council. What I feel should be made clear when discussions arise about non-Khoja persons or jamaats is why we use the word Khoja:
· I firmly believe that Muslims of Shi’a faith have no alternative but to organize themselves
based
on their ethnic or geographical origins for the sake of good understanding,
peaceful co-existence and efficiency.
It is impossible for any one person or institution to serve the whole Ummah. To
volunteer to serve part of the Ummah based on a group carved out of the Ummah
of certain specifications is the only solution for effective service. The
contention that the use of the word Khoja for our identity or restricting
membership to Khojas alone is un-Islamic, cannot be accepted. It would only be
un-Islamic if we considered ourselves superior to others.
· Regarding non-Khoja jamaats participating in the World Federation, the World Federation
has
rendered services to these jamaats through various boards such as MAB, ZCSS,
IEB and Iraq Relief Fund throughout the world. I understand that many smaller
jamaats in North America are predominantly non-Khoja and what is important to
note is that if any body proves it can work with mutual respect and
understanding and it agrees with our community’s objectives, then I do not see
any reason for disallowing them to participate in the World Federation.
Q12. If you are elected as the
President, what kind of a team would you select to help you meet your goals?
ANSWER:
I would make
sure that my team would be based on Islamic values first and foremost. I want
piety and knowledge to be core qualifications, along with compassion,
humbleness and respect. I also would like to continually bring in young leaders
and at the Secretariat, we have done so through the Youth Networking desk and
ZCSS. We now have a nucleus of young contributors worldwide, both male and
female, who can be nurtured and trained to lead. I believe the only way our
future generations can be effective leaders is to nurture them and bring them
into the leadership system. With the field of experience in community affairs
and a lot of patience and ability to take the correct appraisal of a situation,
the community will have its activities conducted by such a team,
inshallah.
Furthermore, I want to instill in young people, who
have a great deal of skills, to devote their free time to community work for
the sake of Allah (s.w.t), to give khums of their time to the community. In
this way, I want to develop volunteers with compassion who are here to serve
the community rather than earn from it. This, I believe, is another central
value for my and any other teams for the future.
“If
you have any more questions, I would be more than happy to answer them.”
Praying
for all mo-mineens,
With
Salaams and Du’as,
Dr.
Sibtain Panjwani