The next e-circle will take place on

TUESDAY 15th MAY 9pm

BUILDING A GODLY FOUNDATION

by FARAZ MIR

How do we know our Creator? How do we submit to God more completely, to earn God’s pleasure and avoid error? What can we learn from the Qur’an, and from the one person who best exemplifies what it truly means to submit?

These are questions that the scholars of Islam have been helping answer since the passing of the Prophet Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace… and questions that continue to be asked. As we strive to understand what Islam stands for in our lives and in our world, addressing these questions remains as important as ever.

This session will look at the role of reason and revelation and how the interaction of these two led to the development of the science of Usool, that is, the foundational principles that underpin the Islamic legal framework. Principles that help yield a Godly foundation, where our existence and purpose remain true to the Divine.

About the teacher:

Faraz Mir completed his Arabic studies in the UK and Egypt, where he pursued introductory studies in the Sciences of the Sharia. He is a member of the Islamic Society of Britain’s Shura Council and a teacher at its Knowledgeseekers residential course. A Project Manager in the retail e-commerce sector, he is also a Scouts Leader for a local scouts group. Faraz is married and lives in Luton.

To join the e-circle, click on the image below:

BUILDING A GODLY FOUNDATION

by FARAZ MIR

How do we know our Creator? How do we submit to God more completely, to earn God’s pleasure and avoid error? What can we learn from the Qur’an, and from the one person who best exemplifies what it truly means to submit?

These are questions that the scholars of Islam have been helping answer since the passing of the Prophet Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace… and questions that continue to be asked. As we strive to understand what Islam stands for in our lives and in our world, addressing these questions remains as important as ever.

This session will look at the role of reason and revelation and how the interaction of these two led to the development of the science of Usool, that is, the foundational principles that underpin the Islamic legal framework. Principles that help yield a Godly foundation, where our existence and purpose remain true to the Divine.

About the teacher:

Faraz Mir completed his Arabic studies in the UK and Egypt, where he pursued introductory studies in the Sciences of the Sharia. He is a member of the Islamic Society of Britain’s Shura Council and a teacher at its Knowledgeseekers residential course. A Project Manager in the retail e-commerce sector, he is also a Scouts Leader for a local scouts group. Faraz is married and lives in Luton.

To join this live e-circle, click on the camera:

3rd MAY 2012

As we approach the local elections across the UK and the Mayoral elections in London, members of the Society are out campaigning and playing an active part in encouraging people to get out and vote.

Julie Siddiqi, Executive Director, said: “I’ve been to a few meetings this week all connected with the elections in one way or another. It’s really encouraging to see Muslims of all backgrounds coming out and recognising that being a part of the democratic system is crucial and the only way to effect change and be a positive force for good in their country.  I’ve met some great young people that give me a lot of hope for the future. Of course we all know that ‘politics’ can be frustrating at times and we can’t expect everything to go the way we always want but that’s why it’s so important to be at the table, discussing, debating, being part of the solution.  We have always focused on the ‘Britain’ in our name and have pro-actively encouraged our members to be part of the mainstream political parties, not sit on the fringes of society criticising and not willing to be part of the change”

In a recent article for our Student Leadership Weekend, Dilwar Hussain, President, wrote: “Being a citizen and living in a non-Muslim society, or indeed any society, involves taking up an active and positive role. Most scholars have argued that Muslims must participate actively in the political process of their country, not just to protect their own interests but for the interests of the society at large. Many scholars have now declared the compatibility between Islam and democracy and stated that “Voting is a deeply-rooted Islamic system.”

And in a presentation given in France to young Muslim students last week, London Imam and ISB member, Ajmal Masroor, spoke with passion about the need for young people to get involved, to make a difference, to speak out and be recognised and become positive role models. “If young people like you don’t stand up and be counted, far right parties will fill the gap with hate filled speeches that will effect us all. We can see what is happening across Europe and we must all make sure that doesn’t happen even more in France, in the UK or any of our other great European countries and cities’.

See our ‘bite size’ article in our information resource PlainIslam.com

GOD AND HIS OTHER BEAUTIFUL NAMES

by Dr Rizwan Syed

This video will show you the FAITH@HOME  e-circle that was streamed live in April 2012. It covers a topic that impacts directly on how we understand the Creator and how we convey His essence to people. Addressing the spiritual dimensions of faith as well as a key contemporary issue, it is based on a scholarly paper by Shaykh Umar Faruq Abd-Allah called One God, Many Names,  and also touches upon communication concepts based on a paper by Shaykh John Ederer on balancing ‘Arabisation’ in Islam.

About the Teacher: Dr Rizwan Syed

Dr Rizwan Syed has been studying and teaching Islam in a variety of settings since his early twenties. He has studied Usul al Fiqh with Dr Munir Ahmed. Rizwan has developed a number of Islamic syllabi and has been a course organiser for the residential KnowledgeSeekers course since 2007, where he developed the ten day intensive course Classical to Contemporary. Rizwan has served in the Islamic Society of Britain for over twenty years where he has more recently developed its Birmingham based ‘ISB Campus’, which provides a welcoming, non-judgmental space for young Muslims, mainly graduates in their twenties, to meet, make friends, and cultivate a critical consciousness that explores Islam’s relevance to our contemporary context. Rizwan is married with four children and is a GP.

Click on the rainbow…

For ideas on teaching Islam to schoolchildren, visit our Schools section. To arrange an assembly for a Manchester primary or infant school, send an email to manchester@isb.org.uk.

In our introductory session, we looking at how prophetic teachings (hadith) encourage prayer and discuss some scholarly misjudgments regarding those who do not pray.

Click on the link below to view this on our YouTube ‘BritIslam’ channel.

24-25 March 2012

We took the next step of the journey…

A motivating and inspiring weekend was had by all who attended.

Leading on nicely from our first weekend, young people came from all over the country.

Ahtsham Ali held a session called ‘Gender Relations’ which looked at some commonly used hadeeth that are often misused.  He reminded us how we must use our intellect and question, look at text but ensuring it is linked with time and place and in context. In his usual relaxed but informative style, the young people were given hadeeth to look at in detail and discuss.  They were left with their minds buzzing and saying they want to find out more on this in future programmes and the young women particularly said that these issues effect them on a daily basis whether it be at home or at university.

Oussama Mezoui, Campaigns Manager from MADE in Europe introduced the students to MADE’s recent ‘Toolkit’ which gives practical tips and advice on campaigning.  He motivated the audience by reminding us that campaigning is ‘the only thing that has ever worked’ and he linked that back to the Prophet and how he worked with different people and at different levels of society.

Dilwar Hussain, ISB’s President, showed some powerful images that are commonly seen and associated with Muslims on our TV’s and in newspapers.  He discussed ISB’S approach, how can we work with Muslims and with other colleagues in all parts of society to redress this balance and show a positive and pro-active message, the one we know the Prophet taught and lived by when he was alive.

Shahid Akmal, trainer,  gave the participants lots of food for thought, encouraging them to look at their own personalities, how they relate to others, how communication is so important and can be affected by many aspects in a persons’ life.  He also gave some practical tips and techniques on how to cope with exam stress and how to remain focused but relaxed and in a positive frame of mind.

Mohammed Sadiq Mamdani, founder of the Muslim Youth Helpline told his powerful and moving story of his journey to setting up the helpline. From a motivated 17 year old who put his life on hold to set up the first helpline in his parents house, to a still young but mature 29 year old who speaks with honesty and passion on issues that many in our community are only just waking up to now.

We also had some ‘The Apprentice’ style competitions and the groups had to devise their own project and their own campaign and pitch that to the expert panels of judges.  Unlike ‘Dragons Den’, there was no large cash investment on the table at Markfield (only chocolate for the winning team!) but it taught them some great skills in developing ideas, putting plans together, thinking quickly (only an hour to plan it all!) and of course working in a team and presenting back to the group.  It was a fun exercise but had a serious side and the young people rose to the challenge very well with some genuinely fantastic ideas.

Mixed with the crucial elements of spiritual reminders, collective prayers and quality time with old friends and chance to make new ones, the participants left feeling motivated and inspired.

The sun shone throughout the weekend and everyone left with batteries recharged and ready to face exams, work and other commitments but with a renewed energy and enthusiasm having spent a brilliant weekend around so many like minded people.

Our next Weekend will be planned for after exams.  Watch this space…..

See here for some photos from the Weekend:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/britislam/sets/72157629670687381/

Feedback….

“Once again, Jazakallah to ISB and all the organisers for another inspirational weekend I feel even more empowered than last time and feel a big change in my way of thinking and communicating. You guys have given me a major confidence boost, Alhamdulilah. Was lovely meeting all the just as inspiring sis and br! Hope we all excel far in life Inshallah” – Aneesah, 18

“After spending so long in a spiritual vacuum, it was so nice to spend a weekend surrounded by beautiful, pious, ambitious muslims. Proper iman shot in the arm. I feel so proud to be part of a faith which focuses so heavily on activism and community involvement. It’s times like this that remind me why I’m a muslim and not anything else. Homies, I feel priviliged to love you for the sake of Allah. No lie” – Mariya, 18

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 ”