Topics
- One Ummah
- Social Justice
- Community Leadership
Talk
Breaking the Shackles of ʿAṣabiyyah: The Beauty of One Ummah
More than 1,400 years ago, the Prophet ﷺ declared: "There is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, nor of a white over a black, except by taqwa." Those words still echo through the corridors of history.
Drawing on history and his own experiences across the Muslim world, Sheikh Yaffa takes us from the Sokoto Caliphate to Mamluk Cairo to the Ottoman lands. He shows how the beauty of Islam rises above the jāhiliyyah of racism and tribalism.
Hailing from Sierra Leone, Sheikh Mohamed Yaffa has travelled and studied across diverse Muslim countries and is fluent in Arabic and Urdu, among other languages. He has served for nearly 30 years as an imam and community leader in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Sheikh Yaffa has a wealth of knowledge and experience that spans various aspects of Islamic studies and community engagement. With a Master’s Degree in Islamic Studies and Arabic, alongside his Ijaza in Hadith books and narrations linked to Prophet Muhammad (SAWS), he possesses a profound understanding of Islamic teachings. For more than two decades, he has served as an imam and Khatib at the Centre for Islamic Development and Dalhousie University in Halifax, where he skillfully bridges the gap between traditional Islamic values and contemporary life. Sheikh Yaffa’s commitment to the youth and community shines through his work with organizations like NYM Ink, Guyana Islamic Trust, and MSA students in Nova Scotia, reflecting his dedication to nurturing the next generation’s connection with their faith.
Sheikh Yaffa’s influence also extends beyond religious institutions. His active involvement in social justice initiatives exemplifies his dedication to fostering positive change. Holding the role of Senior Advisor for Planning Development and Research for African Nova Scotian Affairs with the government of Nova Scotia, he advocates for equity and inclusivity within marginalized communities. Additionally, Sheikh Yaffa’s skills as an adult educator, group facilitator, and trained mediator underline his ability to foster understanding and cooperation among diverse groups.
Sheikh Yaffa’s journey is a tapestry woven with deep religious knowledge, community empowerment, and a strong commitment to social justice. His multifaceted roles as an imam, educator, mediator, and advocate demonstrate his unwavering dedication to enriching lives from an Islamic lens.