From the Pulpit to Action: How One Imam Is Making a Difference for Palestine

An Oldham Imam is aiming to unite over 20 scholars and faith leaders around the issue of the ongoing genocide in Palestine.

Mawlana Akmal Hussain, who is in his 40s, will be introducing an educational and political campaign starting on Sunday 7 January. The event will bring together multiple scholars and Imams from different Islamic denominations – a rare feat in Oldham.

He has had a traditional Islamic education and is a qualified Aalim (scholar). He has a BA (Hons) in Religion and Education and has been an Imam for the past twenty years.

He is a trustee at Compass Learning Centre, which is a mosque and Islamic school. He also runs Compass Matrimony Service and manages a few businesses for financial security.

The Mawlana said: “I’m generally a quiet activist. I am always looking at improving situations, whether it’s locally or nationally. I am always looking at ways of developing and improving the community and myself.

“I went into business to assure that I am financially secure. I have done well in business and I am very progressive in everything I do.

“When I see something that is needed or is missing I try to start new projects. For example, I started the Compass Matrimony Service because marriages were becoming difficult for people within the Muslim community.

“The Palestine cause is an issue close to my heart and is a relevant campaign. It is a desperate and dire cause and people want to do something but what is missing is how to be effective in campaigning.

The Palestine cause is an issue close to my heart and is a relevant campaign. It is a desperate and dire cause and people want to do something but what is missing is how to be effective in campaigning. Mawlana Akmal Hussain

“Everyone recognises the cause but what’s missing is finding sustainable action that will bring about change for the future. That’s what I am trying to do by bringing Imams and scholars together. The aim is to collectively pledge action. It is a long-term project that will depend on collaboration,” he added.

“We need to make a commitment to support the campaign by motivating ourselves. When you read about the struggles of the Palestinians it creates a guilty conscience because we as Muslims have been inactive for the past seven decades.”

He believes it’s only after this latest “massacre” that people want to become involved with the “Palestinian struggle” because the situation is so much worse compared to previous Israeli assaults on Gaza. Over 22,000 Palestinian civilians have been killed since October 7; a majority of whom were children.

“The problems didn’t start recently but in fact 75 years ago, and we haven’t really stood up for the Palestinians.

The problems didn’t start recently but in fact 75 years ago, and we haven’t really stood up for the Palestinians. Mawlana Akmal Hussain

“Sometimes feeling guilty can be a positive thing because it makes you want to act or do something.”

Mawlana continued: “I encourage people to learn about the Palestinian cause and be educated and motivated. Also, people can carry out short term actions but pledge long term support. We can try to boycott on a long-term basis. Campaigners should learn and talk about the cause to enact a perception change.

“Be active with protesting and petitioning and don’t leave it to someone else.”

He hopes the event will “galvanize” people even though they are so “far” from the realities of Palestinian suffering.

He stated: “We want to renew and maintain people’s passion for Palestine. The struggle hasn’t gone away, and the problems haven’t gone away. I want to motivate people to be proactive.

“If all the Imams motivate and educate their congregations it will be a community wide initiative not an individual mosque, school or person.

“I have rallied and tried to bring as many Imams together as possible as we are all connected. At the very least everyone can pray for Palestine and raise funds and awareness.

“If we come together, we can mobilise more people which will be helpful for future development. Racism and hate crimes are on the rise, and many Muslims are suffering. Through this event we can slowly mobilise more and more people to face these challenges.”

He expects over 300 people will attend the event. He said it was “difficult” to get the Imams together due to having duties and responsibilities. Some are studying at university and trying to develop themselves. While others are busy with teaching duties.

“My general hope is that we will support each other as we are part of the same Ummah (community). We want to motivate people to take steps towards becoming God conscious and standing up for what’s right.”

The event will be held on Sunday 7 January: 4:10pm at Compass Learning Centre, Stock Lane, Oldham

My general hope is that we will support each other as we are part of the same Ummah (community). We want to motivate people to take steps towards becoming God conscious and standing up for what’s right. Mawlana Akmal Hussain