“In the current climate of populism, xenophobia, Islamophobia and Antisemitism, it is important to reassure our communities that hope, goodness and compassion still exists. In the prophetic way, we must do for thy neighbour what we would like to be done for us. Support each other to remove hatred and suffering. An act of kindness can open the doors of mercy” – Imam Razawi
Friday 6th Dec 2019 – Edinburgh City Chambers
The Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society, led by its Director-General Imam Razawi, with Frank Ross, The Rt. Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, convened a reception in celebration of the 550th Anniversary of the Birth of Guru Nanak, the Founder of Sikhism.
The reception was held at the Edinburgh City Chambers, as the civic symbol of Edinburgh.
The event was held in partnership with the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, the HINDU FORUM Britain, and the Lord Provost of Edinburgh. The reception witnessed for the first time senior Dharmic Faith Leaders from across Scotland and Europe gather together in Edinburgh. The event’s Chief Guest was Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh Ji, of the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha.
In attendance were leaders across the Scottish and British Christian, Sikh, Jewish, Hindu, and Muslim communities.
The spirit of the event was one of building understanding between faith families, and creating the unique setting for cooperation across these faith communities. The reception was the first time a Muslim organisation has held such an event for the founder of the Sikh faith in the United Kingdom and Europe.
Given the macro-political climate, we believe that this is an important gesture of fellowship showcasing the nature of our diverse faith-bases, and, crucially, a coming together of people who value high human ideals.
Our special thanks to the Guru Nanak Gurdwara Edinburgh for their support and inviting us there in the evening.
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- Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of Edinburgh, the Rt. Hon. Frank Ross
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- Sheikh Sayed Ali Abass Razawi
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- Chief Guest Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh Ji, of the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha
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- Jasvir Singh OBE, Chair of City Sikhs
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- Madhupati Dasa Ji representing ISKCON
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- Professor Rev David Fergusson, Dean of the Chapel Royal and Dean of the Order of the Thistle, Church of Scotland
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- Puneet Dwivedi, HINDU FORUM Britain
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- Edwin Shuker, Vice President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews
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- Sir John “Jack” Stewart-Clark, 3rd Baronet, British businessman and former Member of the European Parliament
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- With The Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church and Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
