Social Utopia

Asslaamualaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatu Hu

The Blessed Summit 2012 on
Social Utopia

For some time society has been left reeling from the destructive consequences of poor choices made by a few individuals throughout the social spectrum.

Each day individuals are suffering from:

* Uncertainty as to the direction of their lives, their community and society in general – with a disenchanted youth, rioting, unemployment and state dependence at an all time high, there is no clear vision, or purpose;
* Confusion as to who and what to put their time, money and energy into, as those leaders entrusted with the duties to serve and govern the state have been shown to be unreliable and self-serving, e.g.: the greed of MPs, the expenses scandal and constant politicking;
* Frustration with having to struggle with practical obstructions that are a direct result of the greed and inconsideration of blind capitalism. Access to further and higher education and sought after careers are becoming increasingly implausible pursuits, limited to a privileged few.
* Alienation and deepening isolation from others despite the thriving and technologically progressive modes of communication and connection.

Traditional social institutions are eroding: marriage, the family unit, the true neighbourhood are breaking down and losing their position in society.

The youth are in need of inspiration and are in search of role models who cultivate meaningful values and virtues, leaving a social and moral deficit in our communities.

Society is in a crisis and in need of rejuvenation, individual development and community connection. The social fabric is fragmented making the notion of social utopia seemingly a pipe-dream.

Although many are benefiting from technological and communication advancements, to date, society has failed to learn from and implement great social achievements of successful civilisations of the past.

Community values have eroded to the extent that the names of neighbours are unknown. This is in stark contrast to civilisations that have made lasting and salient achievements, including the Islamic, Ancient Greek, Roman and Ancient Egyptian civilisations.

Who is responsible for the development of a society?
What are the ethical, moral, financial, economic, practical, spiritual considerations that need to be incorporated in any model of social development?

Hijaz Community seeks to address the ethical social and spiritual vacuum within our communities so individuals can make progressive changes and enrich society.

In light of the problems and challenges present above, it is clear that a fresh perspective is necessary without the baggage of problems from previous approaches.

The Blessed Summit will present papers on the following topics:

The Meaning of Utopia
The Rise and Falls of Civilisation – towards Utopia or Social Vanity?
Mending the broken parts of society
Unbridled Capitalism
Post-Capitalism Social Society
Living beyond one’s means
Conservationism
Reality of Globalisation
Rise of extremism in the East and West
Lack of societal infrastructure for dissemination of global ethics
Redefining the social contract
Minimum Benchmark of Civility
What is Social Utopia?
Inner-Utopia
Utopia and spirituality
Utopia – today or tomorrow?

The Blessed Summit is held in the grounds of Hijaz College Islamic University, surrounded by 62 acres of tranquil English countryside.

The relaxed informal atmosphere will allow you to take time out from modern life, enjoy uplifting Islamic Poetry, speeches, and group Dhikr.

The Summit commemorates the annual URS of:
Hazrat Munazire Azam Muhammad Umar Icharvi R.A (1901–1971)
Hazrat Pir Muhammad Abdul Wahab Siddiqi R.A (1942–1994)

The event is FREE of charge and open to all.

Food and basic accommodation will be provided.

To reserve your place, visit the ‘Register Now’ page or contact:
info@blessedsummit.com

We look forward to seeing you at the “Social Utopia” Summit.

Best Wishes and Wassalaam
The Blessed Summit Team 2012