News

By Amr roshdy: 
Amidst the social and cultural transformations sweeping across Europe, and the growing debates surrounding the role of religion in the public sphere, Islamic Sufism stands out as one of the most capable currents for offering a balanced religious discourse that resonates with the specificities of European societies and establishes a relationship based on understanding, coexistence, and social peace. Within this context, the Tijaniyya Order has been playing an increasingly prominent role in Italy and several other European countries in recent years.
Sheikh Abdel Samad al-Itali, the head of the Italian Sufi community, affirms that Sufism is no longer merely an internal spiritual practice, but has become a civilizational and ethical project that contributes to human development and the strengthening of shared human values. He explains that the essence of Sufism lies in purifying the soul, spreading a culture of love, and distancing oneself from extremism and isolationism.
The Tijaniyya Order and the Discourse of Moderation
Sheikh Abdel Samad points out that the Tijaniyya Order, with its rich spiritual and educational heritage, has contributed to establishing a moderate religious discourse within Muslim communities in Italy and Europe. This has been achieved through a focus on spiritual and moral education, respect for the law, and positive engagement with society. This role is reflected in the organization of open spiritual and cultural gatherings aimed at promoting sound religious awareness and strengthening social bonds among the various segments of society. He added that this Tijani approach has contributed to creating a healthy religious environment within Muslim communities and has mitigated the influence of extremist rhetoric that exploits religion for ideological or political ends. He emphasized that Sufi moderation constitutes the first line of defence against extremism and isolationism.

Spaces for Dialogue and Coexistence
The Sheikh of Sufis in Italy explained that Sufi lodges in Italian and European cities have recently transformed into spaces for spiritual and cultural dialogue. These lodges welcome Muslims and non-Muslims alike and provide a platform for discussion on shared values ​​such as peace, justice, coexistence, and respect for human dignity. He emphasized that these meetings contributed to building bridges of trust with European religious and civil institutions. He also noted that the moderate Sufi presence helped correct many prevailing stereotypes about Islam by presenting a practical model based on ethical conduct and social commitment, far removed from confrontational or exclusionary rhetoric.
Towards a European Islamic Model
Sheikh Abdel Samad believes that Sufism, and the Tijaniyya order in particular, contributes to shaping a European Islamic model that preserves religious principles while simultaneously respecting the cultural and legal specificities of European societies. This makes it an active element in promoting positive integration without assimilation or isolation. He affirmed that this model contributes to strengthening the concept of citizenship and encourages Muslims to actively participate in public life, volunteer work, and social initiatives, reflecting the true values ​​of Islam as a religion of mercy and peace.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Speaking about the challenges, the Sheikh of Sufism in Italy pointed out that Sufism sometimes faces misunderstanding or media marginalization, despite its important role in promoting intellectual and religious stability. He called for supporting moderate Sufi initiatives and involving them in religious and intellectual dialogues at the European level. Sheikh Abdel Samad concluded by emphasizing that the next phase requires strengthening cooperation between Sufi religious institutions and European academic and cultural bodies to establish a rational and humane religious discourse capable of confronting hate speech and extremism and contributing to building a future of peace and coexistence. This Sufi movement comes at a time when Europe is increasingly in need of spiritual religious models that balance faith and humanity, making Sufism and the Tijaniyya order among the most prominent actors in the contemporary European religious and cultural landscape.

Tajammul Gurmani:
Manchester:
AlMustafa Welfare Trust organised a fundraising dinner at Royal Nawaab, Stockport, Manchester. The event was chaired by Abdul Razzaq Sajid, Chairman of Al Mustafa Welfare Trust. Special guests included MP Afzal Khan and Pakistan’s Consul General in Manchester, Imtiaz Feroz Gondal. The event was hosted by TV anchor Raheem Jang. Prominent participants included Tariq Ghani, Ghulam Haider, Khanzada, Rana Sultan, Aamir Iqbal, Khalid Mahmood Sheikh, Amjad Hussain Mughal, Malik Imran Khalil, Chaudhry Shahid Anwar, Dr Ajmal, Raja Mushtaq Ahmed, Chairman of Bilal Mosque Rochdale, Qari Abdul Rauf, Councillor Muqaddasa Bano, along with journalists and community leaders. On the occasion, Saif Adam, Atif Nawaz and Aalia Um Riyan presented performances. Chairman Al Mustafa Abdul Razzaq Sajid highlighted Al Mustafa’s ongoing welfare projects in Gaza, free eye camps, free food distribution, and humanitarian work across Pakistan, Kashmir and other parts of the world. He said the organisation has set a target of 500,000 eye operations in the coming years, with over 300,000 operations already completed. MP Afzal Khan said it was wonderful to see a successful charity event of Al Mustafa, with so many people participating and supporting a number of much-needed projects including mosque construction, orphan sponsorship, hifz programmes and medical projects such as cataract surgeries. He said it was really impressive to see how people help their fellow human beings through clean water projects and other initiatives, adding that the fundraising dinner was very successful with strong attendance and generous donations. Al Mustafa’s Director of Programmes, Nisar Ahmed, thanked the donors and said there were huge gatherings in Manchester and that there is a long list of projects the organisation is working on. He added that during Ramadan the organisation will set up a tent city in Gaza and provide temporary shelter, iftar meals, clean drinking water and other services. Pakistan’s Consul General Imtiaz Feroz Gondal praised Al Mustafa’s work in the welfare sector and said that Al Mustafa is doing excellent work, especially in the area of cataract surgeries in Pakistan. He said the organisation is also constructing mosques and taking care of orphans, and congratulated Al Mustafa on hosting a successful event. Shahid Anwar Choudhry said that Al Mustafa is doing wonderful work in Pakistan, running eye hospitals and sponsoring Quran circle classes at Masjid Aqsa, adding that it is a brilliant charity and should be supported. Al Mustafa trustee Shamama Latif thanked the participants of the Manchester fundraising dinner, saying that the people of Manchester are very generous and that there was a very good turnout at the event. She said the people are very supportive and that the organisation believes in serving humanity and transparency. Earlier, donations were also collected for projects including mosque construction, free cataract eye camps, clean drinking water, hifz and orphan projects.

By our political correspondent:
London:
British PM Keir Starmer says the UK wants a “more sophisticated” and strategic relationship with China, reflecting
The British Prime Minister, who was on a three-day visit to China with 60 top British businessmen, returned to the UK on Friday night at the end of his visit. Speaking to the media in Beijing, he
says the UK wants a “more sophisticated” and strategic relationship with China, reflecting shared interests in trade, economic growth, climate change and global stability, he emphasised this is about “benefitting the British people” and rebuilding ties after years of strained relations. Prime Ministers also announces that UK citizens will be able to travel visa-free to China for trips under 30 days.
Starmer’s official trip to China was the first by a UK prime minister since 2018.

By Tajammul Gurmani:
Manchester:
A tough competition is expected in the Gorton and Denton by-election for the MP seat, which fell vacant after the resignation of former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne due to health problems. According to the latest survey reports, there is close competition between the Labour Party and the Reform Party. The Reform Party is leading with 34 per cent, while Labour is close behind with 32 per cent, according to a local opinion poll. Both parties have already started their by-election campaigns and are trying to convince voters through door-to-door campaigning. Candidates from the Workers Party and the Green Party are also contesting the by-election, which will be held on Thursday 26 February 2026. This constituency includes the areas of Gorton, Denton, Levenshulme, Burnage, Longsight and other parts of Manchester, where the Asian community is expected to play a key role in the by-election. According to political sources, the Labour Party has shortlisted two candidates for the Denton and Gorton parliamentary by-election: Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council, and Angeliki Stogia. Earlier, Labour had six candidates on its longlist, including two British-Pakistani councillors, Cllr Rab Nawaz Akbar and former Lord Mayor of Manchester Cllr Abid Latif Chohan. Labour’s National Executive Committee earlier blocked Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from standing as a candidate.
Voting between the shortlisted Labour candidates will be held on Saturday 31 January at 9:30am at a local community hall on Stockport Road, Manchester.
The Reform Party has selected Matt Goodwin as its candidate, while the Workers Party has reportedly nominated Longsight councillor Shahbaz Sarwar, though he has not yet confirmed his nomination.
Talking to the media, Labour’s deputy leader and Manchester MP Lucy Powell said this is a very critical by-election and urged people to come out and support Labour. She criticised the Reform Party’s campaign and policies on immigration and said they should be strongly rejected, calling on voters to stand behind Labour.