NEW York based Guyanese Muslim Scholar, Shaikh Safraz Bacchus, is slated to deliver the feature presentation as The Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC) and the Guyana United Sadr Islamic Anjuman host their annual National Programme in observance of Eid Milad un Nabi (Youman Nabi) on Sunday January 11, 2015 at 13:00 hrs at the ACIC on the West Coast of Demerara.Shaikh Safraz was born at Patentia, West Bank Demerara where, in 1993, as a result of his outstanding performances, he was awarded a full scholarship sponsored by the Government of Egypt in collaboration with the Government of Guyana to pursue studies in the famous Al-Azhar University.

He completed his studies in Islamic Jurisprudence & Arabic Language with training also on Islamic Methodology and Islamic Economics from Al Azhar University in 2004.

He had the privilege of sitting and studying with famed Scholars such as the Grand Mufti of Egypt Dr Ali Gomah, Shaykh Habeeb Ali Jiffri and Dr Omar Hashim, former Chancellor of Al Azhar. Upon his return to Guyana, Shaikh Safraz spearheaded a surge in Islamic knowledge sharing, training and Dawah and held many roles within the Muslim community.

Shaikh Safraz also hosted several TV Programmes for Islamic Dawah and his work allowed him to travel extensively internationally as well to Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bosnia, United States, Jamaica, Chile, Trinidad and Suriname.

Shaikh Safraz migrated to New York in Feb 2013, with his family, to take on the role of Lead Imam of the Central Mosque of New York (Masjid Al Abidin). He authored several books, his most recent being ‘Concept of Justice in Islam’.

According to a statement from ACIC’s Public Relations Executive, Reyaz Hussain, the programme will also coincide with the historic hosting by ACIC, as it joins Muslims in 70 cities around the world in an event themed ‘International Mawlid in the City Event’ on January 11.

ACIC, which is representing the Republic of Guyana, will join cities in North, South & Central America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia in an event for which the original inspiration was drawn from the hugely successful event held two year ago outside Google’s London headquarters.

The intention of the organisers is a very simple concept – offer a rose as a peaceful gesture to people and at the same time convey the true message of Islam. This can be viewed as an extension of giving the message of Islam, the celebration of mawlid or in many eyes, an extension to the substantial amount of work being done for upholding the honour of the Prophet – by presenting the beauty of his teachings and overall, the positive message of true Islam.

“Islam and Muslims are not represented by extremist Muslims and others, nor should they be given such a platform by the mainstream media,” Hussain said in the statement.
“Islam is of the balanced middle way and always has been, and we need to reaffirm this position. The rose-themed events seek to further isolate extremists of all kinds and to promote peace,” he added.