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Muslims Celebrate the Best of Britain
Published: Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:59:18
Islam Awareness Week (IAW) is a national initiative aimed at removing misconceptions and building links between communities. The week brings together the collective efforts of individuals and organisations from across the United Kingdom to enhance understanding of one another.
“It is often said that we don’t realise how good something is until it is gone. The grass always seems greener on the other side – but is it really? Britain today is one of the best countries in the world to live in; but if you were to read our national newspapers every day, it might not seem that way.” Said Tahmina Saleem, National Coordinator, Islam Awareness Week.
So, for Islam Awareness Week this year we are asking people to come and join us in celebrating what’s great about Britain . It can be our institutions, traditions, places, habits, literature or even countryside. The IAW Best of Britain Online Survey revealed today that the most popular response by British Muslims on what they liked best about Britain was ‘Freedom’ followed by ‘Diversity,’ ‘Legal and Political Rights,’ ‘Education,’ and the ‘Environment.’
Several resources on the theme have been produced including an exhibition and leaflet. Also the IAW Barnardo’s Open Eyes Schools Competition is running for a second year.
Dawud Wharnsby the Canadian singer-songwriter and his American colleague Idris Philips are undertaking a tour as part of Islam Awareness Week for the third year running. They will take an inspirational message of shared value to thousands of young people and their communities, visiting London , Birmingham , Leicester, Sheffield and Bradford with presentations in over 60 school and community performances.
The official launch of Islam Awareness Week, will take place at the Jubilee Room, Westminster Hall in the Houses of Parliament on Monday 17 November 2008. A specially commissioned film for IAW on the Best of Britain and Shared Values will be viewed. The film allows us to hear the voices of three ordinary British Muslims with their perspective on life in Britain . The event will also see us launching a new and unique interactive experience on Islam for schools.
“Islam Awareness Week is all about dialogue and developing links within communities, I am thrilled that uptake has increased once more - this is particularly evident amongst local authorities such as Camden , Birmingham , Tower Hamlets, Islington, Bradford, Waltham Forest and Redbridge who are taking a lead in engaging effectively with all their communities around the theme of shared values.” Said Zahoor Qurashi, President, the Islamic Society of Britain .
Commenting on the Islam Awareness Week Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, the Secretary General of Muslim Council of Britain, said, “Since 1994 this week has been a wonderful opportunity for Muslims to build bridges among communities and reinforce the commitment to work for the common good of all.”
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