University of Aberdeen students invite the communities of the North-east to join them in celebrating all aspects of Islamic culture with a series of events starting this week.
Aberdeen Islam Awareness Week – which runs from 25 Feb - 2 March promotes awareness and understanding of the Muslim faith and life to students and the wider community, and will include a range of activities showcasing all aspects of the culture. The theme of national Islam Awareness Week this year is love.
A book launch and talk on “Anatomy of Love: Dissecting the Muslim Dilemma” by Ajmal Masroor, Imam, TV presenter and politician, will act as a prelude to the week’s events on Tuesday February 21 at 6.30pm in New Kings room 6 on the King’s College campus.
The opening event of the week itself on Saturday February 25 is called Islam Unveiled and will bring together elements of Muslim life from cuisine to henna painting and calligraphy art The event starts at 2pm at the MacRobert Building on the King's College Campus. The show, which is free to attend and open to the public, will include live performances of Islamic music by Omar Esa and short talks on What is Islam and What it means to be a Muslim. Activities will continue throughout the following week to Friday March 2, with each day exploring a different aspect of Muslim faith and life.
Farihah Tariq, a final-year medical student, born in Glasgow and whose family live in Edinburgh, is publicity rep for the Society. Farihah says: “For Muslims, Islam is not only their faith but encompasses a way of life. Living in a very multicultural and diverse community makes it important to understand aspects of each other cultures. We hope the events will enhance understanding of the muslim faith and promote integration.”
Following the opening, the programme of events for the week is as follows:
· Monday February 27 –‘Discover Islam: Question and Answer session’: Imam Ibrahim Alwawi will answer questions from the audience on the Islamic faith and any general questions at Aberdeen Mosque, 6pm for ladies, 8pm for men.
· Tuesday February 28 - ‘Is God a Delusion?’ : This talk, which takes place in MacRobert Building at 6pm, will challenge Richard Dawkins ‘God Delusion’ from an Islamic point of view.
· Wednesday February 29 -‘Walking in the Footsteps of giants’: Dr Omar El-Hamdoon, President of the Muslim Association of Britain, will look at the life of the Prophet Muhammad’s companions. The event will take place at 6pm in New Kings room 6 on the King’s College campus.
· Thursday March 1 - ‘Movie night: Decoding the Past Secret of the Koran’ , 6.30pm screening in New Kings room10, King’s College campus.
· Friday March 2- Dinner and Quiz : Everyone is invited to bring a dish along to New Kings room11 for a friendly meal and quiz.
For more information on Aberdeen Islam Awareness Week visit www.aumsa.co.uk or email: aumsateam@aumsa.co.uk