BERN, SWITZERLAND

CITY OF SINGAPORE , SINGAPORE

The Presidency of European Muslim League, the President Amb Alfredo Maiolese, the Secretary General Dr.Yvonne Ridley, together with all the members of EML, are glad to announce the nomination of a new Ambassador of Peace in the Republic of Singapore. Congratulations to Dr Mrs Nazhath Faheema for this important role in her Country.

ROME, ITALY

GENOVA, ITALY

The academy was born to strengthen and develop within the organization the important notions of the Islamic religion. The team of EML members scattered around the world is made up of Mufti, Scholars, University Professors in Islamic Studies and connoisseurs of Sharia and the more heterogeneous aspects of Islamic doctrine. The courses are reserved for members only and held in rotation by the various teachers under the supervision of the board of directors in charge at that time. They change in rotation every 12 months. Topics concerning current issues in the field of Sharia are also covered and are carried out to remove barriers. The courses are conducted using the new methods offered by the internet. Professors and students have the privilege of enriching notions and studies, exchanging experiences and knowledge.

CONAKRY, GUINEA CONAKRY

The Presidency of European Muslim League, the President Amb. Alfredo Maiolese, the Secretary General Dr.Yvonne Ridley, together with all the members of EML, are glad to announce the nomination of a new Ambassador of Peace in the Republic of Guinea Conakry. Congratulations to Dr. Mohamed Bintou Keita for this important role in his Country. In this difficult moment, EML is strengthening its presence in the various continents.

CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, USA

An important agreement of collaboration was signed between the International Council for Cooperation and Peace, agency of European Muslims League (ICCP- EML) and the Harward Humanitarian initiative of Harward University.
With this protocol the EML by its hand ICCP, continues its presence to support the capacity of humanitarien professionals in understanding the needs and vulnerabilities of civilian populations, and the protection of civilians.

LONDON, GREAT BRITAIN

We are all in this together

It is now four months since a deadly pneumonia was detected in Wuhan, China and in that time our whole planet has changed along with our way of life.

Normal is no longer a word we use in our vocabulary, instead phrases like social distancing, self isolation and lockdown are in daily usage.

As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to rip through our communities without mercy there is no end in sight to the heartbreak and misery it has caused on all points of the compass.

One of our greatest concerns at the European Muslim League - along with the spread of the virus - is the spread of misinformation, fake news and hoax stories which are emerging on the social networks.

These lies and distortions, news of false cures and miracle medicines serve no purpose at all other than to fuel more conspiracy theories and spread fear through uncertainty.

We at EML would respectfully remind our brothers and sisters in Islam of this verse in our Holy Qur'an: "O you who believe! If a Faasiq (evil person) comes to you with any news, verify it, lest you should harm people in ignorance, and afterwards you become regretful for what you have done" [al-Hujuraat 49:6].

Similarly our co-religionists in Christianity and Judaism have similar advice in the third section of the Hebrew Bible, and thus a book of the Christian Old Testament: "Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. [Psalms 34, verses 12-14].

In this uncertain world there is only one certainty, and that is that we are all in this together regardless of our personal beliefs. Covid-19 moves without mercy targeting people of all backgrounds and all faiths; from princes to paupers, prime ministers, pensioners, health workers and celebrities. We are all targets.

At EML we have in place a great team of ambassadors of peace working from their own countries and regions to allay fears and protect others by delivering sound advice. If you are in doubt or need information seek their advice or check with other trusted authorities such as the World Health Organisation (WHO).

We can only deal in facts and what we know. This virus is changing our way of life, possibly forever. We are told there is no silver bullet. Masks alone cannot stop the pandemic. Countries must continue to find, test, isolate and treat every case and trace every contact, says WHO.

The advice is simple: keep your distance, clean your hands, cough or sneeze into your elbow, and avoid touching your face.

We know the closure of mosques, synagogues, churches, temples and other places of worship around the world have caused consternation but we need to balance our faith with logic and reason in these troubled times.

Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam, peace be upon him, issued sound advice back in the 9th century when faced with the equivalent of a pandemic. He said: "If you hear of an outbreak of plague in a land, do not enter it; but if the plague breaks out in a place while you are in it, do not leave that place."

He also said: "Those with contagious diseases should be kept away from those who are healthy." In other words he was advocating self isolation.

While those of us who believe in God also put our trust in God it is worth recalling another hadith or story involving our beloved Prophet, peace be upon him. He noticed a Bedouin man leaving his camel without tying it and asked: "Why don't you tie down your camel?" The Bedouin answered, "I put my trust in God." The Prophet responded: "Tie your camel first, then put your trust in God."

In other words it is wise to take precautions and, in the case of Covid-19, that means self isolating and safe distancing.

Vaccine research is underway and more than 70 nations have joined WHO's Solidarity Trial to accelerate the search for an effective treatment which should be shared equitably with all countries and their citizens.

In Europe alone are capital cities have fallen silent. Hotels, restaurants and our cafe society have closed. Schools and community centres are locked and entire families are self isolating behind sealed doors. There are similar stories elsewhere in democracies where curfews and lockdowns are alien to lifestyles.

Every single one of us needs to play our part, whether we are on the front lines as health workers fighting Covid-19 or simply staying at home.

As part of our service, EML plans to bring you facts and information from the frontlines on a regular basis. We will only use trusted sources and verified information.

Stay safe and stay blessed.

* At the time of writing this article EML learned that the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who went into self isolation ten days ago when he began to show mild symptoms of Covid-19 was admitted to an NHS hospital in London on Sunday evening. We understand he was moved to an intensive care unit as his symptoms worsened by Monday afternoon at St Thomas' Hospital. Our thoughts are with the Prime Minister and his family in these difficult times as they are with all of you who have been blighted by this virus.