24-25 March 2012

The next step of the journey…join us again for a weekend of leadership skills training, as well as spiritual reminders, to help you make a difference.

Go to the Facebook event page

You can read about the first event below:

Your Country Needs You! (Part 1)

Students Today, Leaders Tomorrow

80 Students came together from all over the country to part in the first Student Leadership Weekend, in October 2011. The weekend was a mix of workshops, talks, panel discussion and music. It focused around getting the young people to see the important role they play in this country and how they can and should be involved in every aspect of society. Discussion groups were help throughout and seen as a highlight for many of the young people who saw that as a good way to discuss their issues and concerns on a variety of topics in small, mixed gender groups.

Healthy stuff: click here to see photos

Asked to describe the weekend in three words, this is what they said about it:

“Interesting, challenging, engaging”

“Inspiring, educational, thought-provoking”

“Fun, interactive, flexible”

“Bangin’, networking, engaging”

“Mind opening, interactive, reflective”

“Inspirational, educational, ambitious”

“Enjoyable, tiring, inspirational”

“Educational, eye opener, acceptance”

“Awesome, tiring, amazing”

“I HAVE CHANGED!”

“Beneficial, fun, awesomeness”

“Motivated, excited, buzzing”

“Friggin’ Awesome!”

They also said:

“Alhamdulillah it was amazing. Very inspiring and uplifting. U know when you feel down and feel demotivated and lose a sense of direction, well this was the perfect retreat to bring me personally back up to the surface, well for me anyway”. 

“Subhanallah still reminiscing on the fantastic weekend. Jazak’Allah ISB for organising a fantastic event ”

“Admittedly I came with friends, not knowing what to expect and SubhanAllah I was blown away! This truly was a much-needed fun, unforgettable and inspiring event . JazakAllah khair to all the ISB organisers, the amazing speakers and all the inspirational people I met. May it be a means for us to learn and change ourselves and our world for the better. Ameen”. 

“Jazak Allah ISB, really enjoyed the weekend, inshallah we can have some more in the future, which inshallah will be more longer” 

“The weeekend was awsome !”

“Jazaka’Allah for this amazing event ISB! Truly motivational. I have met some inspirational people Alhamduillah, and learnt so much! May you all be rewarded Insha’Allah! Looking forward to future events” 

“Thank you ISB for putting up such a brilliantly organised, educational and inspiring weekend” 

“Alhumdulillah one of the most inspiring events that I have EVER attended!

Jazakallah Khair for everything that all the hard effort that all the organisers put into making this such a successful event! It has been just an amazing experience!” 

“Alhamdulilah great weekend! Learnt so much and highly motivated to do so much more inshallah! Jazakallah to all the organisers ”

“Returned from a heart awakening and mind changing programme delivered by ISB/YM mashaAllah! JazaakumAllaahu Khair for making it a memorable event! May we become effective change makers”

“Well, to be perfectly honest, I was a little sceptical about signing up to this thing. I had this image in my mind of it being some kind of Al-Qaida HQ extremist jihad thang, but alhamdulillah, my preconceptions were obliterated. It was inspiring, relevant, and a good kick in the backside. On a side note, I’m glad events like this are being organised- we need ‘em! There’s this saying, “the revolution has always been in the hands of the young. The young always inherit the revolution”. Cool story bro, but to create a revolution outside of you, you first have to create a revolution inside of you. This weekend was nail-hit-head in this respect. For honestly- we all know that nothing does zeal, enthusiasm and energy like youth does, and young people are often the most angry- injustice, oppression, corruption, poverty etc riles us. And rightfully so. It’s awesome that we’re being encouraged to channel this restless energy in a productive and positive way, rather than, ya know…getting wasted, or depressed, or high,or wrist-slitty, or riotous, or extreme…. ”

“T’was amaziiinnnggggg ”

“MashAllah was awesome! Can’t wait till the next one!”

“Well done ISB team for organising a great camp ”

12-18 March 2012

We initiated national Islam Awareness Week in 1994, to raise awareness and remove misconceptions surrounding Britain’s second largest faith group.

Sadly, since then we have seen both genuine misunderstanding and the unfair misrepresentation of Islam and Muslims increase sharply in society. We believe that this must be tackled, both within wider society and amongst Muslims themselves, if we are to see the progressive development of a Britain at ease with its diversity. IAW is an opportunity for all of us, to come together and address the threats posed by misunderstanding.

During the week, communities throughout the country volunteer their time to organise a range of events aimed at opening dialogue, developing contact and celebrating art and culture.

With thousands of events having taken place over the years, we believe IAW has been influential, and made an important contribution to community relations.

The theme for 2012 is: LOVE

“You do not truly believe until you have ‘rahmah’ for others.”

Muhammad (s)

Every year, during national Islam Awareness Week (IAW), we take the opportunity to try to bring to light various aspects of Islam that are misunderstood or unknown to most people. The theme of the 19^th IAW is one that is overlooked by many, even though it is so important that it is on our lips every day, several times a day. A theme about bringing people’s hearts together, in an open, honest and civilised way, online and offline.

Love is one of the most central attributes of God as it is connected to His mercy and forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace, came to guide us to love and show us how to manifest God’s love in our lives. Love and compassion (the Arabic word is Rahmah) are all around us, between God and creation, between humanity and nature, husband and wife, parents and children, family and friends.

Muhammad taught his companions that “You do not truly believe until you have rahmah for others.” His companions responded, “We all have rahmah.” The Prophet then told them, “You do not truly reach this level of faith by just having rahmah for those who are close to you, but you must have rahmah for everyone.”

Mubashir Khan, National Coordinator for the 19^th IAW, says, “The principle of compassion lies at the heart of Islam and we must do more to relay this message.  Join in, get involved and share your ideas  for Islam Awareness Week.”

Visit the official website www.iaw.org.uk or contact the IAW team by sending an email to info@iaw.org.uk.

Even though Christmas is not a part of our own faith, what is a part of our faith is to be good to our neighbours. From a Muslim point of view, when it comes to encouraging good and forbidding evil, I plan on doing whatever good I can and encourage positive spirit, especially in cold dark winter months where depression is ripe from simple things just like the weather.

Coming from large, tight knit migrant families, it’s hard for a lot of Muslims to realise that something as simple as a drop in temperature renders a lot of people lonely this time of year, especially the elderly. This thought hadn’t hit me either until I attended a Christmas Eve mass at midnight at the local parish church where the priest said quite rightly that Christmas is the light in the darkness of winter. It gives people reason for happiness, joy and warmth- to cook, be with one another and summon up collective ‘festive’ spirit; a love for life in months that are, lets face it, dark and dismal. Even the colours put a smile on our faces; red, green and bright lights everywhere when all the leaves have dropped off all the trees and the meek sun sets on us by four in the afternoon.

Without the excuse of Christmas, even fewer visitors than usual would turn up at each other’s doorsteps just because the weather becomes an excuse to stay indoors and keep to ourselves. On the odd occasion I do go to read the mail out loud for my elderly neighbour, I thank God for Christmas and all the lovely cards he’s been getting since November amidst the drawl of the usual bills and junk mail. It’s such a good break from the mundane. This is why Christmas in Britain is a day, month, season- to look forward to. I certainly don’t want my neighbours buried under loneliness and depression.

On that note, I think Crisis at Christmas is something we can all join in with because we aren’t sitting down with our families opening presents on Christmas Eve. It’s an even better reason to look out for those that are on the streets no matter what time of year it is: http://www.crisis.org.uk/index.php. I’ve been tipped off by regulars from the local synagogue; who, being Jewish, also don’t celebrate Christmas but have come up with positive ways to be productive during the festivities. So, w-ho ho ho’s up for spreading Peace & Love?

It was a brilliant day and I am so glad we were able to go, other Muslims joining in too.  We were warmly welcomed by members of the local Jewish community including Rabbi Jonathan Romain.   The thing that struck me as we walked in was the wonderful family atmosphere. Children of all ages excitedly there on a cold, foggy November Sunday morning all wondering what would happen next!

We were split into groups of mixed ages with some going out to clear the local park, remove a dead tree, plant a new one and plant some bulbs ready for Spring.  Others went to Sainsbury’s where they collected two full trolleys of food and toiletries for local homeless people and for the women’s refuge.  And some stayed behind making cakes, sandwiches and soup for a lovely lunch when we all got together again a couple of hours later.

It was such a fantastic event, well organised and we were shown such good hospitality throughout.   A model that worked so well that I would love to see duplicated in mosques up and down the country.   Surely, this is ‘interfaith’ at it’s very best isn’t it?   Actually out, rolling our sleeves up together or making food together or yes, for some, knitting squares together for blankets to give to people less fortunate.   No deep discussions about the religions and certainly no discussions about politics or the Middle East.   Just families coming together and doing what is so needed in the country and what the British have always been good at, helping other people.   In the evening my son Musa, aged 8 said “that synagogue stuff was awesome” that was a great endorsement I thought!

I was then invited to another event the next day, this time just women and in the evening.  Female Rabbi Sybil Sheridan gave a thought provoking, spiritually uplifting speech that really touched me.   The similarities in the Jewish debates around ‘women’ and those I hear and take part in amongst Muslims are so similar and yet have their own unique qualities too.  I left feeling so glad to have met Sybil and plan to keep in touch and do more work in the future.

There is no doubt in my mind, general interfaith work is excellent and so much needed.  But there is something special in ‘doing’ together and not just in talking.

And I, as a Muslim woman, am really excited about the idea of working with some of the amazing Jewish women I have met over the past couple of weeks.   We have a lot to learn from them and together I think we can do so much.

Thanks to Mitzvah Day for giving me the motivation to be involved in what I think will be some great and much needed work going forward.

www.mitzvahday.org.uk

On Friday 11th November 2011, at the 11th minute of the 11th hour, a growing number of individuals and organisations will be observing the nation’s silence at the Royal Albert Hall, to counter an incendiary protest by the group Muslims Against Crusades (formerly known as Al-Muhajiroun).

Led by the Alliance Against Extremism, an umbrella body for many of the organisations and individuals involved, banners will also be held to send a clear message to Muslims Against Crusades (MAC).

The majority of British Muslims – irrespective of their diverse views on particular armed conflicts – recognise that British soldiers continue to serve in difficult circumstances.

Julie Siddiqi of the Islamic Society of Britain said: “MAC’s choice of venue is deliberate and designed to cause maximum offence and distress, particularly to the friends and families of fallen servicemen.”

“In one sweep, they display an unspeakable disregard for the feelings and common bond of our countrymen and women; a contempt and rejection of our hard-earned democracy and its institutions; a disdain for the majority of British Muslims who do not share their views; and a violation of the example of the Prophet Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace.”

‘Muslim Against Crusades’ is one of several (provocatively named) groups based in the UK that stem from the group Al-Muhajiroun, which was led by the Syrian, Omar Bakri Mohammad.

His leading student Anjem Choudary took over operations but remains under Bakri’s guidance. Both began their preaching in the rejectionist group Hizb-ut-Tahrir and left over differences in strategy to form Al-Muhajiroun.

The counter-protest is being led by Muslim activists and groups, but will include activists of all races, religions and backgrounds.

Although the English Defence League also plan to hold a protest at the time, this group is not related to them and rejects their extremist messages.

The humble poppy is a symbol of our common quest for peace. It represents a stand taken by civil society against fascism, racism and hate preaching.

Tehmina Kazi said: “Anjem Choudary and his handful of followers betray everything this country stands for and the very group of people they claim to represent, which is ordinary British Muslims. We plan to hold a counter-protest to demonstrate that ordinary Muslims are deeply opposed to the values of ‘Muslims Against Crusades’.”

Offering a series of unique seminars with cutting-edge content. A space to relax, make friends, be spiritually nourished, intellectually challenged and thoroughly inspired!

There are no £9000 tuition fees at the ISB campus – the seminars are totally free! There are no age limits for the campus – we offer learning for life – any adults who sees themselves as a students of knowledge, wisdom and understanding are warmly welcomed!

In partnership with the Leaf Network.

Every other Monday 8 – 10 pm at Bordesley Centre, Stratford Road, Camp Hill Birmingham B11 1AR

Your contact for these seminars is: Dr Rizwan Syed  drrsyed@yahoo.co.uk

On Monday 8pm, 14th November: MAKING SENSE OF THE SHARI’A

Shari’a: some swear by it, some swear at it. Who would have thought that in 21st century Britain, the issue of “Shari’a” would drive bitterly opposed parties to the streets of our major towns and cities?

We have witnessed an entire movement erupt out of the fear that an oppressive, medieval and barbaric law is headed for our country.

Are they right? Is Shari’a something to be feared?

Should every self-respecting Muslim at least be embarrassed about Shari’a based law? And does Shari’a even matter in today’s world?

These thoughts no doubt cross our minds, but we may be intrigued to hear that understanding Shari’a can dramatically enhance the way we conceptualise and explain Islam to others and what’s more, understanding Shari’a can make a real difference to our own lives.

So why not join us and experience an interactive and enriching journey into the real meaning and purposes (maqasid) behind the Shari’a at this Monday’s ISB Campus – because an understanding of Shari’a can transform your understanding of Islam…

To learn more about Eat’n'Meet including how you can volunteer, your contact is: Salma Ravat Salma.Ravat@gmail.com.

Children at Moonwalkers enjoy a ‘curriculum’ of prayer, arts and crafts, cookery and discussion. Prayers are held at the start, where children can join in. The arts and craft activities help children develop their understanding of the world they live in. In cookery, children may decorate cakes and biscuits for their parents and also for each other, nurturing the value of parents and of sharing with others. From time to time, charitable events are also held, such as on Comic Relief Day, where children raise money and learn about those with less or with greater challenges.

To learn more about Moonwalkers, send an email to: leicester@isb.org.uk

FUTURE EVENT: Moonwalkers End of Year Performance, Sunday 1 July 2012 at Knighton Parish Church

In Feltham, the 4th Ibn Sina Scouts meet at 95 High Street, Feltham, twice a week during term time, on Saturday morning and Thursday evening. On Saturdays, children can also attend a Saturday School before the scouts group meeting, run by qualified teachers to help improve performance in school and GCSEs.

Saturday: School 9:00 am to 10:30 am, Scouts Meeting 10:30am to 12:00pm.

Thursday: 7:45pm to 9:00pm (in parallel with a local Community Forum at the same venue, suitable for parents).

Your contact for the Feltham based activities is: Dr Obaid Khan 07760 506 761 drokhan@live.co.uk

In Whitton, the Ibn Batuta Scouts meet every Sunday during term time, at 10:00am to 11:30am.

Your contact for the Whitton based meeting is: Zubair Malik  zubairmohammedmalik@hotmail.com