Global Imams and Scholars Council

Empowering our communities and Ummah through collective action and positive change.

The Global Imams and Scholars Council (GISC) is a platform that unites Muslim Scholars and Imams Councils from around the world, primarily from countries where Muslims are minorities.

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Strengthening our communities and Ummah through the principles or Islam

As inheritors of sacred knowledge, Imams and Scholars of the English speaking nations from diverse theological and jurisprudential backgrounds have agreed to cooperate on mutual productive work. We live in a global village and Muslims from all over the world face similar challenges in their religion and life. Although the various scholarly councils and boards will have divergent methodologies in how they approach issues – pursuant to their local context, they are united in vision. It is with this vision of unity and collective work that a new vibrant and empathetic approach is needed. This new approach needs to be informed by the Islamic orthodoxy and traditional principles and values within the framework of Islam. 

UNITY

LEADERSHIP

KNOWLEDGE

WISDOM

INTEGRITY

Strengthening our communities and Ummah through the principles of Islam.

GLOBAL IMAMS AND SCHOLARS COUNCIL

Strengthening our communities and Ummah through the principles or Islam

Our primary purpose is to strive for the spiritual, social, ethical and intellectual betterment of the Ummah through humility, integrity, decency and service.  In our conduct with others, we seek to emulate the sublime character of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) anchored in a shared sense of humanity and universal values.

We benchmark ideas, thoughts, practices, and worldviews on Islam’s broad epistemological and ontological framework rooted in revelation and the Sunnah of the Prophet. We respectfully acknowledge the nuanced differences and views that enrich mainstream Islam’s legacy of thought and tradition. 

We maintain that diversity of affiliation – whether to groups (Jama’ah), parties, institutions, cooperations or organisations – should never be a barrier to mutual support and collaboration towards the Muslim community and nation (Ummah).

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What does GISC aim to achieve?

Our mission is to unite and connect the English-speaking Muslim scholars and Imams Council through the GISC and preserve the traditional and mainstream understanding of Islam. 

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The Global Imams & Scholars Council

The Global Imams & Scholars Council

GISC is a platform that unites Muslim Scholars and Imams globally

Sunday, 21 December 2025The Global Imams and Scholars Council (GISC) hosted a unique webinar for imams, scholars, muftis, doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and counsellors on the topic: “Do Fatwas Need a Mental Health Check? Reassessing Mental Illness Fatwas”, delivered by GISC board member Shaykh A. Hasan, who is both an imam and a psychologist.The webinar explored the concept of a fatwa, its issuance process, and the underlying principles that guide it. It provided an in-depth analysis of the misapplication of fiqh and Islamic law in relation to mental health issues, highlighting common misconceptions and errors in contemporary practice.Participants also examined the integration of fiqh and authentic scientific approaches to ‘mental illness’ and psychological challenges, emphasising the importance of evidence-based understanding alongside Islamic jurisprudence. The session reviewed various English-language fatwas available online, assessing their accuracy and alignment with both Islamic principles and mental health knowledge.This webinar marks the first in a series focused on the intersection of Islamic scholarship and mental health, aiming to equip religious leaders and mental health professionals with the knowledge to provide informed guidance in complex cases. See MoreSee Less
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Are Fatwas Overdue for a Mental Health Check?Reassessing Mental Illness in Islamic Legal RulingsDate & Time: Sunday, 21 December | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (London, UK Time)Format: Online WebinarTarget Audience: Imams, Scholars, Muftis, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Counsellors, Mental Health PractitionersPresented by: Sh. Abdullah HasanSynopsis:This webinar critically examines how classical and contemporary fatwas address mental illness, highlighting gaps, misconceptions, and the evolving understanding of psychological health in Islamic jurisprudence. Participants will explore the intersection of fiqh and modern mental health science, discussing the ethical, pastoral, and clinical implications of outdated rulings. Through case studies, scholarly analysis, and interactive discussion, attendees will gain insights into integrating compassion, evidence-based mental health knowledge, and religious guidance to better serve communities.Learning Outcomes:* Understand common misconceptions in fatwas related to mental illness.* Explore the impact of non scientific Islamic approaches to rulings on community perceptions and care.* Discuss strategies to harmonise Islamic legal guidance with modern mental health practices.✍️ REGISTER NOW:vist.ly/4grxg See MoreSee Less
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GISC 3rd Annual Retreat in Cape Town – South AfricaStrengthening Global Unity Among Imams and ScholarsThe Global Imams & Scholars Council (GISC) successfully held its 3rd Annual Retreat on 28–29 October 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa, graciously hosted by the United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA). The gathering brought together representatives from member councils and Imams and scholars from across the globe, including:• Australia: Australian National Imams Council (ANIC)• Canada: Canadian Council of Imams (CCI)• South Africa: United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA)• United Kingdom: British Board of Scholars and Imams (BBSI)• United States of America: North American Imams Fellowship (NAIF)Many observers from other regions also participated in this important gathering.The retreat focused on strengthening unity and collaboration among Imams and scholarly bodies in countries where Muslims are minorities, enhancing mutual support, and developing practical initiatives to serve their respective communities. Meaningful discussions centred on shared challenges and opportunities, the preservation of Islamic identity, and collective advocacy for the Muslim Ummah.A new leadership team was elected to guide the next phase of GISC’s journey:• President – Imam Dr Abdulhakim Mohamed, USA• Vice President – Imam Yusuf Patel, South Africa• Secretary-General – Imam Shadi Alsuleiman, Australia• Treasurer – Imam Majidih Essa, AustraliaThe retreat adopted several key outcomes:• Establishing a global Code of Ethics for Imams to strengthen professionalism and integrity.• Hosting three global virtual scholarly meetings in 2026.• Planning an international GISC Conference in partnership with like-minded organisations.• Promoting youth engagement, Muslim women’s participation in dawah, and continued advocacy for the Palestinian cause.• Expanding membership to include additional councils and regions.The Global Imams & Scholars Council (GISC) serves as a platform that unites Muslim scholars and Imams Councils from countries where Muslims are minorities. It is grounded in the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah and adheres to the mainstream understanding of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama‘a. Its mission is to foster cooperation, strengthen unity, and empower scholars to fulfil their role as inheritors of prophetic knowledge.Among GISC’s core objectives are:• Uniting and connecting Imams Councils in Muslim-minority countries worldwide.• Preserving the integrity and authenticity of Islam in minority contexts.• Addressing contemporary challenges and developing unified solutions.• Serving as an inspiring and credible voice for Muslims globally.• Educating and guiding communities on religious and spiritual matters.• Encouraging collaboration and sharing knowledge, experiences, and resources.• Empowering, educating, and developing Imams and scholars globally.Heartfelt appreciation was extended to the hosting member, UUCSA, and the Muslim community leaders of Cape Town for their generous hospitality, warmth, and dedication in making this retreat a success.Special gratitude was also expressed to the outgoing Chair, Imam Abdullah Hassan (UK), for his tireless efforts, dedication, and leadership since the inception of the Global Imams & Scholars Council (GISC). His vision and commitment have been instrumental in building a unified global network of Imams and scholars devoted to serving Islam and strengthening the Muslim Ummah.The retreat concluded with prayers of gratitude and a renewed commitment to uphold unity, knowledge, and service, ensuring that the GISC continues to be a guiding light for Imams and scholars around the world.Global Imams and Scholars Council (GISC)🌐 DOWNLOAD STATEMENT: vist.ly/4d8s4 See MoreSee Less
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Global Imams and Scholars delivering Jumu’ah Khutbahs in Cape Town, Sourh Africa. See MoreSee Less
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Serve Your Community with Knowledge and CompassionImams and scholars are guiding their communities in many meaningful ways. The Islamic Counselling Course will equip you to serve even better – using evidence-based approaches and techniques rooted in authentic Islamic teachings.If you want to take your khidmat (service) to the next level, sign up today!Bridging hearts, strengthening faith – let’s grow together.Register now: vist.ly/4bs2w See MoreSee Less
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