Summary of the VII Andalusian Meetings

The VII Andalusian Encounters were successful and had a profound and inspiring impact on all attendees. A sense of reclaiming a space and meaning had captured our senses as we reconnected with where we are, and who we are as Muslims, in Andalusia.

Beginning with an excellent Khutba by our Imam Hajj Abdal-Ghani, on the importance of Medina and the amal of its people, we continued with a deeply resonant, enlightening and empowering lecture by Ángeles Castaño, Professor of Anthropology at the University of Seville, on Al Andalus from an anthropological perspective.

The following day, all attendees were able to enjoy a family tour guided by Hajj Khalid Nieto through the old quarter of Seville. The tour, free of charge for all those interested, aimed to familiarize people with the Islamic heritage of the city during the Imaret era. Under the title ‘Dar al Imara, Qasr Al Mubarak’, the group was able to get a broader view of Islamic civilization, with its mosques, markets, towers, gates and walls, and how it runs through the veins of what is today, the body of Andalusian culture and identity.

On Saturday night a Dhikrullah evening was held after the salat of Isha, led by the Tariqa Qadiri, Shadhili, Darqawi of Seville. At the conclusion a meal was served and the attendees, coming from various parts of our Andalusian geography.

The next day, Sunday, we gathered again at the mosque. Closing this year’s meetings with a recitation of the Qur’an, the Nasiri Du’a and a speech, connected to our recent Khutba, on the importance of Medina and the Muwatta of Imam Malik by our Imam Hajj Abdelghani.

After establishing the Dhuhr prayer, lunch was served.

We would like to take a moment to thank all those who have traveled to be here with us and ask Allah to strengthen your hearts and your work wherever you are.

We would also like to thank the Seville community for their work, generosity and hospitality in making this event possible.

It was also special to have had with us Sidi Hisham Melara, who recently assumed the leadership of the Great Mosque of Granada. We are confident in his abilities and sincerity, and pray that Allah gives him success in his efforts to serve the community.