Article
by Sr Naaila Khan in Ripple (Students' Union) Newspaper |
Over 1.5 million Muslims make up the UK population according
to the 2001 census, that makes it the second largest
religious group after Christianity, but how much do
you know about Islam? Islamic Awareness Week (IAW) returns
to University this year with a series of evening lectures,
art exhibitions and various stalls. The week organized
by the University of Leicester Islamic Society (ISOC)
will fall upon the second last week of this term that
is the 10th of March till the 14th of March.
The
aims of the activity packed week are to educate and
raise awareness of Islam-it's principles, beliefs as
well as current issues surrounding Muslims. It also
hopes to highlight achievements and contributions of
Muslims to society that often gets ignored, in the form
of constructing a timeline of Islamic history to be
on display.
As part of the organisation process, a survey was conducted
this year by the society questioning students on what
they already know, would like to know and their biggest
single source of information on the Muslim community.
In response a series of short lectures by distinguished
speakers will be delivered throughout the week. Jihad
versus Terrorism (Monday), Islam and Women, and Islam's'
influence on the West will be just some of the topics
to be covered. The findings of the survey also suggest
that the majority rely solely on the media as a source
for information, this would explain why when asked what
is Islam a significant portion said conflict and terror.
The media at times can be biased, only reporting those
stories that sell, portraying a false image to be associated
with Islam. Britain often prides itself as being a multicultural
and multifaith society, in order to appreciate this
we need to respect and understand each other.
Throughout
the week, 9.30-5.00, information stalls and an art exhibition
will line up the foyer of the student union. On Tuesday
and Friday Queens Hall will be hit with a clothes stall
(hats and headscarves), book stall, free food, henna
artist, leaflets and a selection of Islamic artefacts
from around the world. There will also be the opportunity
to dress up in costumes from different parts of the
Muslim world. Copies of the Koran in English will be
available. Also on display will be a model of the Kaba.
This is in Mecca and followers attempt to pray in this
direction five times a day, every day.
For location and times of evening lectures and further
information, look out for flyers and posters during
the week.
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