University of Aberdeen students will celebrate all aspects of the Islam culture with a series of events launching tomorrow (Saturday 25 April).
Aiming to promote awareness and understanding of the Muslim faith and life to students and the wider community, Aberdeen Islam Awareness Week 09 will see a range of activities showcasing all aspects of the culture.
Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Peter Stephen will launch the week's opening event – Islam Unveiled – which brings together elements of Muslim life from cuisine to henna painting and calligraphy art, tomorrow at 2.30pm at the MacRobert Building on the University's King's College Campus.
The show, which is free to attend and open to the public, will include live performances of Islamic music by Quarnica and Sajid Sabri.
Activities will continue throughout the week from Monday 27 April to Friday 1 May with each day exploring a different aspect of Muslim faith and life.
Farihah Tariq, President of the University of Aberdeen Muslim Student Association said: "Aberdeen is increasingly becoming more culturally diverse and to enhance integration it is vital that we learn more about each others cultures. Aberdeen Islam Awareness Week 09 aims to do just this and we hope to involve both students and the wider community in the vast range of events which will take place throughout the week promoting all aspects of Muslim culture."
The programme of events is as follows:
Monday 27 April, Muhammed: legacy of a prophet
A lecture highlighting the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) which will be held from, 7pm-8.30pm NK10, New Kings, King's College University of Aberdeen.
Tuesday 28 April, Discover Islam
A short talk and question and answer session with Imam Ibrahim will provide the opportunity to discover more about Islam. Visitors will learn the ritual cleaning performed before prayer, listen to the prayer call and try some mouth-watering complimentary Arabian refreshments. The event takes place from 6.30pm-8.30pm at Aberdeen Mosque on the Spital, Old Aberdeen.
Wednesday 29 April, Science and Islam
An event providing the chance to learn more about the link between science, health and Islam. Topics covered will include embryology, women issues, and general health from a medical and Islamic perspective. Dr Lesley Wilkie, Director of Public Health of NHS Grampian will open the event. There will be an opportunity to have your weight, blood sugar level and blood pressure measured by professionals. The event takes place from 6pm–9pm in the Auditorium, Polwarth Building, Foresterhill.
Thursday 30 April, Inter-faith dinner and discussion: Hope and Peace
A free meal and discussion on hope and peace from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim prospective led by guests from the University Chaplain, Reverend Easter Smart, Duncan Gibb, Adam Nuhi and Imam Ibrahim Alwawi. The event takes place from 7pm-9pm at the Chaplaincy, Old Aberdeen.
Friday 1 May, 1 day course: conversational Arabic
The chance to get to grips with one of the worlds most important languages at the course aimed at beginners. Cost £5, register by email (href="mailto:aumsa.iaw@googlemail.com">aumsa.iaw@googlemail.com</a>). The course takes place from 5.30pm-7.30pm. NK7, New Kings, King's College, University of Aberdeen.
For more information on Aberdeen Islam Awareness Week 09 visit www.ausma.co.uk