Sign up for Updates
  • Past Event 2011

Sufi Music and Poetry

  • Blessed Summit 2011

Sufi Music and Poetry

Asslaamualaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatu Hu

The Blessed Summit 2011 on

Sufi Music and Poetry

Hijaz Community invites you join us on a journey of exploring the spiritual expression of poetry, verse and music in Islam at our forthcoming annual Blessed Summit. This event shall take place from 1st- 3rd July 2011 in the serene surroundings of the Hijaz College Islamic University, situated in the heart of the English countryside.

Contemporary culture widely enjoys verse forms, poetics and music to purely satisfy the physical senses. Modern music fails to satisfy the inner self and settles for the superficial gratification of the individual. Art has been commercialised for mass consumption rather than advancing the cause of human enrichment. It relishes the glitz and the celebrity that asserts itself through a self-deluding belief system. The artists themselves fail to find the contentment which they hoped their art would bring to their fans.

Sufi poetry and music in the contemporary context has lost the original spirit for which it was intended. This is partly due to the weakness in translation and the natural dilution of character of the people imitating the original Sufi Masters. In many countries today the serious intentions of the Sufi Masters to enrich their audience has been reduced to ritualistic folklore. These profound Masters of spirituality demonstrated through their great intellect and wisdom how poetry and music can be used to attain proximity with Allah Almighty. The abuse of Sufi poetry and music has always been disapproved by the traditional and contemporary Sufi Masters seeing how their masterpieces are mocked by the superficial embracement of their Divine inspirations.

The poetry of Moulana Jalaluddin Rumi R.A. and other renowned Sufi Masters communicates directly to the soul of man and help shape his inner absolute contentment. This Blessed Summit aims to explore the source of this inspiration and the manner in which poetry and music manifests the inner development of distinguished human characteristics. Some Sufi Masters used music to teach the masses the remembrance of the Creator, like Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti R.A. of Ajmer Sharif.

The core model of the Hijaz Community philosophy comprises of Realisation, Purification and Connection. Some great Sufi Masters such as Hazrat Bullah Shah R.A., Hazrat Sultan Bahu R.A. and Hazrat Amir Khusro R.A. have employed poetry to encode the secrets of Self-Realisation; the process of Purification of the mind, body and soul; and describe the intimate experience of their Connection to the Creator.

Join us in discovering the divinely inspired musical and poetic influences that have enriched the souls of millions of our predecessors. The Blessed Summit 2011 is an opportunity for you to dive into the true depths of Islamic music and divinely inspired poetry. We aim to explore some fundamental questions that underpin the art of language and the use of music as a means of spiritual progression. The topics of the discussions over the three days shall revolve around the following questions:

Poetry in the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him)

Music In Islam

Expression of the love for the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him)

Whirling Dervishes and Wajd

The remembrance of the Creator

Love for the Spiritual Guide

Poetry in Islam

Origin of music and Imam Ghizali r.a. on music

Relevance Allama Iqbal r.a. and HC vision

Spiritual journey to the Creator

Self Realisation

The dark side of Music

The danger of music without correct framework

The Blessed Summit is held in the grounds of Hijaz College Islamic University, which is surrounded by 62 acres of beautiful tranquil English countryside, giving you the ideal surroundings for self-reflection in a calm and serene environment. The relaxed informal atmosphere will also allow you to take time out from the stress of modern life, spend time in likeminded company, hear uplifting Nasheeds (Islamic poetry), speeches from various members of Hijaz Community, and group Dhikr (remembrance of the Creator).

The event is FREE of charge and visitors of all backgrounds are welcome to attend.

Food and basic accommodation facilities will be provided throughout the course of your stay.

To avoid disappointment reserve your place free of charge at the ‘Register Now’ page or alternatively if you have any further queries please don’t hesitate to give us a call or drop us an email at info@blessedsummit.com.

We look forward to seeing you at the ‘Sufi Poetry and Music’ Summit this July 2011.

Best Wishes and Wassalaam

The Blessed Summit Project Team 2011

Event 2011

Topics & Speakers

It seems we can’t find what you’re looking for.
TIME:

Friday 7.30-10.00pm

SESSION 1:

The AI Reality Check: An Open Conversation

Kickstarting the weekend, this session is an unfiltered, exploratory dialogue designed to set the tone for the days ahead. Rather than a standard lecture, our hosts will go back-and-forth to challenge assumptions, unpack the hype, and ask the critical questions: Why are we talking about algorithms and AI right now? And more importantly, how does this rapidly evolving digital landscape directly impact the lives, values, and education of the Hijaz Community?
TIME:

Saturday 1.30-4.30pm

SESSION 2:

The Conscious Scroll: Setting Boundaries in a Social Media World

A dual-track practical workshop designed to help families redefine their relationship with social media.

  • For Adults: An interactive session focused on breaking digital habit loops, reclaiming lost time, and establishing healthy household boundaries.
  • For Youth (Ages 7-18): An engaging, activity-based workshop designed to teach younger minds how algorithms function, how to filter out fake news, and how to remain independent thinkers.
    In collaboration with the 786 Pathway course.
  • NOTICE: For Youth (Ages 5-7): Parents are required to supervise children of ages 7 and below and enjoy the public shared spaces for children.
TIME:

Saturday 5.00-6.30pm

SESSION 3:

Zikr Ceremony & Pagri Changing

Congregational worship and annual changing of the Turban in the Mausoleum.
TIME:

Saturday 8.00-11.00pm

SESSION 4:

Mind Over Machine: Human Intellect vs. Artificial Intelligence

The first series of presentations by our contributors who examine Information and AI in today’s digital age.

Presentations:
  • How Does True Intelligence Differ from Artificial Intelligence?
  • What is Missing In AI Today?
  • How Do We Maintain Independent Thinking in a World of AI?
  • Can I Have a Personal Relationship with AI?
  • An Introduction to Machine Learning – the Training of AI Models
  • How Do We Identify and Filter Out Misinformation, Fake News and Deepfakes?
TIME:

Sunday 1.30-7.00pm

SESSION 5:

Reset The Algorithm: Information, Perception and AI in Islam

Series of presentations, the Miqyaas Al Khidmah award, Final Keynote Speech and Dua concluding our 3-day event.

Presentations/Speeches:

  • How to Understand the Biases that Are Intrinsic in AI
  • Can AI Sincerely Serve Humanity?
  • Can AI Provide Moral Guidance?
  • The Future of AI
  • Social Media Today
  • Miqyaas AI Khidmah Award
  • The Projected Impact of AI Post Gen Z
  • Keynote Speech: Reset the Algorithm
Keynote Speaker

His Eminence Murshid Faizul Aqtab Siddiqi Hijazi

His Eminence Murshid Faizul Aqtab Siddiqi Hijazi is the authorised Principal Blessed Guide of the Naqshbandi Qadri Hijazi Spiritual Order. He hails from a blessed family lineage of famous scholars dating back to Murshid Khalifah Abu Bakr Al Siddiq (RA). He has been educated in the Revealed and the Natural Sciences and is a qualified Barrister in England. As a Principal Guide, His Eminence guides his thousands of Mureeds (spiritual students) across the globe to the true teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, so they attain the best in both spiritual progression and worldly matters. 

Focus Speaker

Brother Burhaan Al Aqtab Siddiqi

Brother Burhaan has graduated with his degree from Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry and is now completing his Dental Foundation Training (DFT) programme in Leicester. He is the second child of Murshid Faizul Aqtab Siddiqi Hijazi. Brother Burhaan plays an active role in the advocacy of safeguarding the honour of the Prophet Muhammad ملسو هيلع هللا ىلص and promoting a minimal benchmark of civility through the Global Civility campaign. For this cause, he has met with several ambassadors and delegates from various countries. Like his noble grandfather, he is also an avid sportsman.
Focus Speaker

Faiha Siraj

Faiha is a Computer Science & Mathematics graduate. Whilst living in London, she has built a diverse professional background, having worked at Pearson Publishing, followed by the Congestion Charge, and most recently serving as an Executive Assistant across a range of initiatives. Throughout the years, she has been deeply involved in various Hijaz projects, lending her expertise to setting up and maintaining websites and managing data. Currently, Faiha is channelling her skills into the Wise Compass project. Faiha is also a qualified NLP Practitioner, and her areas of interest include reflexology, going for walks, attempting to keep up with her children when they are on their cycles, and spending the 29th evening of every Islamic month squinting at the horizon in hopes of spotting the new crescent moon!
Focus Speaker

Maulana Hafiz Asim Awan

Graduate of Hijaz College, Maulana Asim completed his LLB at University of London while he was studying at Hijaz College, attaining an MA Islamic Law and Theology in 2009. He is a qualified solicitor working in Birmingham. He is a Hafiz of the Quran, and has been teaching Islamic Theology since his graduation. He is also the curriculum convener for the Hijaz Diploma course and a key member of Muslim Arbitration Tribunal. He is happily married and a father of four beautiful children.
Focus Speaker

Dr Abid Iqbal

Dr Abid Iqbal works as a GP in Bradford, West Yorkshire. He completed his undergraduate training in Manchester and his postgraduate GP training in Bradford, where he now resides with his family. Working as a portfolio GP, he is a training programme director (TPD) for the Bradford GP training scheme and is passionate about GP training and education. Additionally, he works as a Medical Examiner (ME) for the Bradford Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust. Abid also serves as an Independent GP advisor to the North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and has an interest in commissioning the best possible primary care services for the community. He is a qualified life coach and thoroughly enjoys supporting colleagues during key transitions in their lives through professional coaching with Health Education England.
Focus Speaker

Imran Khan

Imran Khan works as a Regulatory Affairs Consultant within the Pharmaceutical/Biotechnology Industry, having graduated as a Molecular Biologist from University College London. Imran is involved in the building of a new Islamic youth centre which aspires to serve the local community in Watford. As part of his servitude to Creation, Imran also contributes his time and skills to Hijaz Community delivering project work and mentoring within London. He is happily married to Dr Saira Awan, who assists the sisters’ youth projects and they have three beautiful children. His hobbies include reading poetry and associated devotional music.
Focus Speaker

Naziema Joeman

Naziema was born and raised in The Netherlands and holds a Masters degree in Applied Physics. She spent nearly two decades in the Research & Development department of one of Europe’s most successful hedge funds, applying abstract reasoning and logical thinking to some of the most demanding problems in modern finance. Having since made the United Kingdom her base, Naziema now devotes much of her time to business development management, where her scientific training meets a deep curiosity for people and ideas. Naziema is the mother of two boys and is regarded by those who know her for her thoughtfulness, composure, and clarity in communicating complex ideas.
Focus Speaker

Abdul Rahman Hijazi

Abdul Rahman holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Warwick and currently works as an IT Project Manager, overseeing the delivery of technology projects across a range of sectors. He takes a keen interest in emerging AI tools and technologies, and uses this knowledge to support deen-related projects, helping bring modern technological solutions to the service of the community.
Focus Speaker

Bilal Saleem

Bilal Saleem is an entrepreneur, brand strategist and business leader with over 15 years of experience spanning technology, media, hospitality and consultancy. As the CEO of a branding and marketing agency, he has worked with a broad portfolio of national and international organisations, delivering strategic branding, digital transformation and commercial growth initiatives across multiple sectors. Alongside his work in marketing, Bilal is actively involved in the hospitality and franchising industry, where he operates and advises businesses on strategy, operations and expansion. He has developed a reputation for combining innovation with practical leadership, helping organisations embrace Artificial Intelligence while promoting its responsible and ethical adoption with a clear understanding of its opportunities, limitations and impact on society. Happily married, Bilal is the proud father of two delightful children.
Focus Speaker

Ibrar Hussain

Ibrar Hussain graduated in Computing and has over 25 years’ experience in the IT industry. He works as a cyber security architect for some of the UK’s most regulated organisations helping them improve their security posture, especially in the current environment where cyber-attacks are on the increase. He is the director of his own IT consultancy and heads up the IT department within Hijaz Group. He is happily married with four wonderful children.
Focus Speaker

Dr Jalil Ahmed

Dr Jalil Ahmed is a doctor and healthcare entrepreneur who has spent his career trying to make good care reach more people. He trained as a GP, and today leads one of the largest primary care providers in the UK – a team of around 1,000 people caring for more than 200,000 patients. Alongside this, he has founded fifteen healthcare ventures spanning digital health, mental health, pharmacy, diagnostics and specialist services, with a growing focus on how technology and Artificial Intelligence can serve patients rather than replace the human touch. His interest in AI is not theoretical: he works with these tools every day, and sees first-hand both what they can do and where their limits lie. Outside his clinical and business life, Dr Ahmed is a Trustee of Hijaz, a Senior Mentor for the Hijaz Community, and an examinations content writer for Hijaz World. He is married with three children.
Focus Speaker

Sister Nabeeha Al Azkah Siddiqi

Sister Nabeeha, our youngest speaker at the Blessed Summit event, is growing up in the esteemed household of her noble father and is also the youngest granddaughter of Mujaddid Murshid Abdul Wahab Siddiqi (RA). She is in the process of completing her Middle School education and is an avid reader. Nabeeha loves to participate in the service of others.