Dr. Waffie Mohammed
The first Trinidad national to have earned a doctorate in the study of Islam, Dr. Waffie graduated from the University of Karachi with a PhD in Islamic Studies, obtained in parallel with Al-Kamil certification from the Aleemiya Institute established by Dr. Fazlu R. Ansari.
On his return to Trinidad, Dr. Waffie contributed to the development of the Muslim communities located throughout the country and the region, while at the same time serving the wider national communities. This led to his appointment to the Senate in 1981, and his later appointment as Director of the Muslim World League regional office for the Caribbean and Latin America, a position in which he contributed to global Muslim development, until his retirement in 2003.
Dr. Waffie is currently serving as the Principal and Director at the Markaz al Ihsaan Institute of Islamic Theology. He also serves as a spiritual leader of the local chapters of the Qadri and Nakshbandi Orders within Islamic Spirituality Circles.
The author of numerous books, articles and publications dedicated to Islam and contemporary social issues, Dr. Waffie also has a growing number of pioneering works in contemporary Islamic studies. Dr. Waffie blogs often at http://drwaffie.blogspot.com
The Word from a Merciful Lord, is Peace.
- By Dr. Waffie Mohammed
- Published 08/9/2010
The word Islam means peace, so that the message projected by this word is peace to all. Allah says in His Holy Words:
The Word from a Merciful Lord, is Peace. (36:58)
So that Muslims are supposed to live in peace with each other and to practice spreading peace to mankind at large.
Before Islam was introduced to the Arabs they used to pass each other with drawn swords; but when they accepted the teachings of the Prophet (pbuh) they used to pass each other with their right hand extended to shake the brother's hand and they both greeted each other with peace.
Allah sent Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as a mercy to the worlds. He says:
And We have not sent thee (O Muhammad) but as a mercy to the worlds. (21:108)
From the very beginning of his life, he propagated love, the spirit of caring and sharing and compassion. When he was persecuted he never retaliated; he forgave his enemies and prayed for those who caused difficulty to him personally.
It is therefore incorrect to say that he preached with the Book in one hand and the sword in the other. His personality was so magnetic that he was able to win over the people with his refinement and love and goodness of his heart.
