Good afternoon. The first item of business is time for reflection, and our leader today is Imam Dr Yahya Barry of the Shah Jalal mosque.
Deputy Presiding Officer, members of the Scottish Parliament and dear people of Scotland, we are living in a time of polarisation and division. Among the greatest risks that we face as a society are misinformation, disinformation and the loss of trust in one another. There is also fear—the fear of getting it wrong. However, our moral compass—our inner voice of right and wrong—remains as clear as it was in our childhood innocence.
We were born into a world full of trials, but also full of potential—the potential to rise, to reconcile and to renew. As a black African Muslim, Gambian-born, London-raised and Saudi-educated Swedish national who calls Scotland home, I see in this land something that is profoundly hopeful: its breathtaking beauty, the warmth of its people and its courageous civic spirit that opens participation to all.
Here in Scotland, I serve as an imam, yet I also work in film and television, and I have worked in the museum sector and in the creative industries. I have seen that one’s identity does not need to be boxed in. We all have the capacity to contribute meaningfully.
From my Islamic tradition, two concepts speak clearly to this moment. The first is sincerity. The Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him, said, “Ad-deenu an-naseehah,” which means “Religion is sincere counsel.”
True faith calls us to be sincere in our advice, especially to those in leadership. Let this moment be a witness that within this heart of mine rests a prayer, a sincere hope and good wishes for all gathered here and for the nation that we share. May it flourish in justice, peace and goodness.
We are one humanity, joined not only by proximity or law, but by shared values, common concerns and our yearning to live with meaning and purpose.
The second concept is justice. My theology says:
“Indeed, God commands you to uphold justice and excellence.”
My theology teaches me this principle: that divine support—victory, protection and blessing—is granted to the just, regardless of their creed. That is what I believe. Justice is not the exclusive claim of one religion or community; it is the divine measure by which all communities are assessed. It is with hope that I say that, as long as you, the leaders of this land, continue to uphold justice, you need not fear anything. You have every reason to hope for God’s aid, victory and blessing.
May Scotland continue to be a beacon of dignity, fairness and hope, and may each of us carry forward this duty with humility, courage, sincerity and grace.
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