QARI Azadari Seminar Report
The CoEJ QARI Department held its inaugural Azadari Seminar on Friday, 7th November 2025, at the Husaini Islamic Centre in Peterborough. The event, titled “Exploring the Legacy of Sayyida Fatima (a.s): A Guide for Our Lives – Through the Holy Qur’an,” brought the community together for an evening of reflection, learning, and inspiration.
The programme opened with a warm welcome and introduction by Br. Abbas Hussein Sikiladha - CoEJ Assistant Secretary General who guided the event with grace
A moving recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Br. Ali-Reza Ravji, a young reciter from HIC, set a reflective tone for the evening. This was followed by a heartfelt poem by Br. Zayn Awan, whose words beautifully honoured the character and legacy of Sayyida Fatima (a.s.)
The CoEJ President - Br Arifali Hirji was invited to say a few words before the session with the speaker began. In his heartfelt address, he spoke with deep emotion about the spiritual significance of gathering in honour of Sayyida Fatima (a.s). He reflected on CoEJ’s vision of strengthening Qur'an, Azadari, and Religious Impact across Europe, emphasising the need for a profound cultural shift rooted in sincerity, character, and purified hearts. Drawing on the legacy of Bibi Fatima (a.s) as the foundation of spiritual transformation, he reminded attendees that true growth in the modern world requires values anchored in faith. Br. Arifali also honoured the mothers of the community—those present and those who have passed—recognising their role in shaping identity and nurturing devotion. He invited the Peterborough Jamaat to stand at the forefront of this journey, helping build a strong Shia identity for future generations in Europe.
Shaykh Anwar Jaffer delivered a deeply insightful and thought-provoking lecture on the legacy of Sayyida Fatima (a.s), focusing on the timeless lessons found in her sermons and the Qur’anic principles she upheld. His presentation explored how her words continue to guide our understanding of justice, oppression, leadership, and Islamic values today.
Shaykh began by explaining the Qur’anic concept of sunan ilāhiyya—the divine existential laws that govern human history. He highlighted that oppression has always been short-lived, and its eventual collapse is a pattern seen across all nations, past and present. Through Qur’anic examples, he reminded the audience that injustice always returns to the oppressor and that the moral health of society depends on upholding truth and resisting wrongdoing.
He then presented the structure and significance of the Sermon of Fadak, describing Sayyida Fatima (a.s) as a unique and unparalleled figure whose spiritual station cannot be fully comprehended. Shaykh explained how her sermon is divided into parts: the theological foundations (Tawheed, Prophethood, Imamah, and Sharia), the critique of the community’s deviation, and her defense of truth in the face of injustice.
A key theme of the lecture was how Sayyida Fatima (a.s) warned the community of the long-term consequences of abandoning rightful leadership. Shaykh highlighted her remarkable foresight—predicting the rise of injustice, misuse of public wealth, widespread oppression, and turmoil that later unfolded under various regimes. He explained that she recognised the early signs of societal decline because the patterns of oppression are consistent throughout history.
The Shaykh also addressed practical questions from the community, touching on topics such as public lecturing, the emotional and intellectual dimensions of Azadari, and how certain traditional practices have endured due to their spiritual depth and historical continuity.
He concluded by reminding attendees that the message of Sayyida Fatima (a.s) remains urgently relevant. She taught that true Islamic identity cannot be built without firm grounding in Tawheed, Prophethood, Imamah, and adherence to the moral framework of the Sharia. Her sermons call every believer to self-reflection, responsibility, courage, and loyalty to divine authority.
Discussion and Q&A
His remarks resonated strongly with the audience and led into an engaging discussion and Q&A session, where participants asked thoughtful questions.
Shaykh Anwar answered each question with clarity and practical advice, making the discussion easy to understand and relatable for everyone.
The evening ended with a heartfelt recitation by Br. Hasnain Datoo and Br. Adil Karim, bringing the programme to a moving and reflective close.
The event was a meaningful gathering that helped the community learn more about the life of Sayyida Fatima (a.s) and understand how her teachings still guide us today. It also marked an important milestone for QARI as it continues developing Qur’an-based programmes for the community.
CoEJ QARI extends its sincere gratitude to the Husaini Islamic Centre, Peterborough, for graciously hosting the seminar. Their hospitality, organisation, and warm community spirit greatly contributed to the success of this meaningful event and created an environment where attendees could truly benefit from the programme