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  • Past Event 2015

What Is Spirituality?

  • Blessed Summit 2015

What Is Spirituality? The True Nature of Man

Spiritual Vacuum

Everyone is busy in their day to day lifestyles: spending time at work or studying, enjoying our favourite pastimes and that precious time with loved ones. After a jam-packed and seemingly complete schedule, is there a complete sense of fulfilment at the end of the day? Most people are unable to dismiss a niggling sense that something significant is missing.

Society is consciously attempting to address this inner void and revive the spirit to its full consciousness. To fill this discrepancy more people are trying to become more aware of their inner-state. People are trialling various forms of meditation and relaxation, detoxing the mind, body and soul, age-old and new-age philosophies. All in an effort to engage with the spirit that we have disconnected from. Each of these are attempts to bringing equilibrium within and addressing the pressures of the modern world. Despite all of this, many feel bereft of answers about the reality of the mind and spirit.

Science and the Spirit

Today, with the advancement of science, most people will have conviction solely in what can be logical and proven. As a result, spirituality and religion are dismissed as beliefs based around superstition and ill-education. Spirituality (Tasawwuf) has been considered ‘metaphysical’ or ‘mystical’ perceptions of the self and the world that is not firmly within the laws of nature or even our physical realities.

This misconception about Spirituality can conclusively be demystified due to scientific progression in the last century.

Concepts about the nature of light and matter that were introduced over 1400 years ago in Divine Scripture (Qur’an) and Prophetic Statements (Hadith) are corroborated by recent scientific understandings. Cutting edge technology is beginning to verify the properties of light and subatomic particles that have been alluded to by masters of spirituality for centuries. These Holy resources include descriptions of the power, nature and ability of the Spirit’s Light (Nur), and today scientific research on the behaviour of light confirm this. In this way, spiritual understanding and scientific understanding together allow us to comprehend not only the world around us, but also our true nature. Both scientists and spiritual seekers by their very definition share in this desire to discover the truth.

Event 2015

Topics & Speakers

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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.