Events

I. MR. ZAID OOZEER

President, Human Welfare League (HWL)

Mr. Zaid Oozeer opened the event by praising Allah and warmly welcoming the Minister, dignitaries, scholars, and guests to the gathering. Among the distinguished personalities present were Hon. Shakeel Ahmed Yousouf Razack Mohamed, Minister of Housing and Lands; His Excellency Raouf Bundhun, former Vice-President of the Republic of Mauritius; and Mr. Samioullah Lotun, Chairperson of the National Drug Abuse Council (NDAC).

The occasion marked:

· The launch of French translations of three major works by contemporary Muslim scholars;

· The relaunch of a book on Islamic perspectives on energy, sustainability, and ethics; and

· The award ceremony honouring students who participated in the 1001 Inventions Exhibition Quiz Competition in 2025.

The President explained that the event concluded a series of academic activities organised by HWL during the last quarter of 2025. He reaffirmed HWL’s mission of promoting education at the highest level through educator training, undergraduate and PhD scholarships, leadership workshops locally and internationally, encouragement of writing from an early age, and the promotion of research to understand societal challenges across time.

He emphasised that the ultimate objective is to nurture Muslims—and humanity at large—as responsible leaders rather than blind followers, while remaining devoted servants of Allah.

Gratitude was expressed to Prof. Dr. Rafik Beekun and Maulana Dr. Faisal Manjoo, Mauritian Muslim intellectuals who regularly dedicate part of their holidays to conducting workshops and conferences in Mauritius. Appreciation was also extended to Dr. Riza Mohamed and Hafiz Naveed from the United Kingdom, who spent two weeks training educators from five Muslim colleges in modern pedagogical approaches and leadership for social change.

Additional achievements highlighted included:

· The launch of the 1001 Inventions Exhibition Quiz Competition in five Muslim schools, with plans for expansion;

· An educators’ training workshop in Comoros;

· The completion of two academic research projects for publication;

· Support for the creation of the Association of Muslim Schools Mauritius; and

· The historic publication of the first Muslim Academic Journal of Social Sciences.

Mr. Oozeer concluded by outlining HWL’s objective for the coming year: extending educational outreach to students in both private and government schools, translating its mission into tangible action to equip youth to build a just, educated society and resist social evils.

II. HON. SHAKEEL AHMED YOUSOUF RAZACK MOHAMED

Minister of Housing and Lands

The Chief Guest delivered the keynote address, noting that while he is often invited to religious ceremonies, this event was distinct in its emphasis on education, science, and learning. He expressed appreciation to the Human Welfare League for organising the programme.

Drawing parallels with the Islamic Golden Age (8th–13th centuries), the Minister highlighted that the era’s scientific, medical, and philosophical achievements were built on unity, organised civic life, and respect for knowledge. He emphasised that such progress is unattainable in societies fractured by division and mistrust.

Turning to contemporary challenges, the Minister addressed leadership dynamics within institutions, encouraging senior leaders to create space for younger generations and framing succession as a sign of strength and renewal.

He then addressed the national debate on electoral reform, urging intellectually engaged citizens to contribute constructively. Referring to the Best Loser System (BLS), he acknowledged its role in maintaining social stability since independence and cautioned against its removal without a carefully considered alternative that preserves social harmony.

The Minister called for evidence-based, constructive submissions rooted in unity of purpose and intellectual integrity. By choosing this platform, he encouraged writers, educators, and thinkers to elevate national discourse through informed dialogue and institution-building for the common good.

III. PROF. DR. KHALIL ELAHEE

Préserver l’Unité et Éviter la Division

(Taha J. Al-Alwani)

Prof. Dr. Khalil Elahee presented Adab al-Ikhtilaf fil Islam (Ethics of Disagreement in Islam), focusing on its revised French edition. He paid tribute to Dr. Taha Jabir Al-Alwani (1935–2016), a renowned Islamic jurist, former professor at Al-Azhar, and founder of major academic institutions.

The presentation highlighted the author’s intellectual humility in revising his earlier work and acknowledging scholarly fallibility. Dr. Al-Alwani argued that while differences of opinion are inevitable, division is categorically condemned in Islam.

The revised work broadens the scope from legal disagreement to the ethics and methodology of disagreement across all aspects of Muslim life, emphasising respect, sincerity, humility, and unity of hearts. Prof. Elahee underscored that unity is spiritual rather than institutional, referencing Surah Al-Anfal (8:63).

IV. PROF. DR. MAHBOOB SOOLTAN SOHAWON

Presentation of the 1001 Inventions Exhibition

Prof. Dr. Sohawon presented 1001 Inventions as a global educational initiative highlighting shared human heritage in science and innovation. Founded by Ahmed Salim, the initiative uses storytelling and historical narratives to inspire youth, particularly in STEM fields.

The presentation emphasised the historical contributions of Muslim civilisation and its role in preserving and expanding knowledge from diverse cultures. International recognition, including endorsement by UNESCO and world leaders, was highlighted.

In Mauritius, the initiative has been locally adapted through the 1001 Inventions Exhibition Quiz Competition, with plans for nationwide expansion.

V. AWARD OF PRIZES

Prizes were awarded as follows:

· 1st Prize: Rujully Maariyah Jaarah Islamic College, Vallée des Prêtres Trophy and Rs 5,000

· 2nd Prize: Wajiha Nuha Maghan Islamic College, Vallée des Prêtres Trophy and Rs 3,000

· 3rd Prize: Samim Kaji Islamic College, Belle Rose Trophy and Rs 2,000

· Special Prize: Milizarre Melicio Islamic Cultural College Rs 1,000

VI. DR. BELLE LOUIS JINOT

Enseigner aux Enfants – Ann El-Moslimany

Dr. Belle Louis Jinot presented a critique of the standardised “factory-school” model and proposed a tawhidic, holistic approach to education. The presentation emphasised integrating faith, knowledge, reflection, creativity, justice, and well-being, with fitra as the foundation of learning.

VII. DR. AMMAARA UD-DEEN MANIACARA

Redécouvrir la Prière – Ahmad Bassam Saeh

Dr. Maniacara delivered an inaugural lecture on prayer as a transformative “school of life”. Prayer was presented not merely as ritual, but as a lived state of consciousness fostering tranquility, humility (khushū‘), and moral action.

Remarks by the First Prize Winner

Rujully Maariyah Jaarah highlighted that 1001 Inventions showcases the scientific, technological, and cultural achievements of the Golden Age of Muslim civilisation, spanning science, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, navigation, and urban development.

VIII. DISTRIBUTION OF BOOKS

Each guest received the following publications:

1. Préserver l’Unité et Éviter la Division – Taha J. Al-Alwani (300 pages)

2. Redécouvrir la Prière – Ahmad Bassam Saeh (200 pages)

3. Enseigner aux Enfants – Ann El-Moslimany (116 pages)

4. Management de l’Énergie, Durabilité et Éthique – Mohammad Khalil Elahee (53 pages)

IX. VOTE OF THANKS AND DU‘A

Mr. Muzzammil Hosenally delivered the vote of thanks, followed by a Du‘a. The programme concluded with the distribution of refreshments.