What do you think are the challenges that face British Muslim students now a day, especially during a religious month like Ramadan?
Answer
I think there are numerous challenges facing Muslim students currently. From the day to day debate and discussion of extremism and radicalization to coping with tuition fees and coping with the academic workload of a regular degree. During Ramadan, naturally there is greater pressure with Muslim students fasting during the day and praying in the evening, but alhamdullilah students cope well and university staff can be quite understanding.
Name
Mohammed Al-Hindi
-
Profession
Question
Assalamu alaikum
Are the Ramadan activities on British campuses planned specifically to fulfill students needs? This way they will be more involved in those activities and will not be diverted by any false propaganda. Thanks.
Answer
Islamic Societies at different university campuses are societies setup by Muslim students to cater for the needs of local students. They lead the way in providing services for students during the holy month.
Usually Islamic Societies proved food to open the fast as well as regular reminders for students. Often Islamic Societies use this month as a means of encouraging students to get involved in local da’wah activities as well as building the bonds of brotherhood between brothers and sisters.
Naturally all of this costs money so the individual societies are often busy in the days and weeks leading up to Ramadan trying to find sponsorship or donations.
Name
me
- United States
Profession
Question
Assalam Aleykum wara7matullah wabarakatu, i am a new exchange student and i was wondering abt where i can get help from, sinces i dont know many muslims at My new Uni so how will this fosis thing help me during ramadan while away from home???? coz back at the states we have MSA's and if they are similar or not
Answer
University campuses in the UK have similar setups to the MSAs back in the US. You just need to get in contact with your local MSA. If you let us know which university you're attending we could try and put you in contact with your local MSA (called Islamic Society in the UK). My email address is president@fosis.org.uk
Name
Tomasz
-
Profession
Question
AsSalamu Alaykum:
What is the situation like for Muslim students in Britain? Can you walk around wearing Kufis and not be seen as a threat to national security?
What about employment, that is can you be employed and still wear the kufi while working?
Answer
The situation for Muslims in the UK is obviously a lot more challenging since the tragic events of 7/7. There is still a lot of suspicion directed at the Muslim community particularly from elements within the media and as such things can be a little difficult in the UK.
London is very multi-cultural and very diverse and you can dress in traditional clothing and not receive any problems, depending of course on the time of day and the where you’re walking! Other parts of the UK maybe slightly different depending on the ethnic makeup of that particular town or city.
At many university campuses you can see sisters freely wearing the hijaab and some wearing the niqaab without encountering any problems at all. Brothers also dress in a variety of different ways without experiencing any problems.
In regards to going to work in traditional dress, that depends very much on where you’re working and what their dress code policy is. Generally speaking at most major companies you couldn’t go to work wearing traditional dress, which is understandable.
There is a lot of work still to be done in the UK in terms of building better relations between communities and in time inshaAllah we’ll get there.
Name
Kadry Ismail
-
Profession
CEO
Question
The issue of extremism among Muslims (especially youth and students)in Britain is really escalating, how can we prove the real situation which is the opposite?
Answer
All our researches and experiences do not, for a second, suggest the problem of extremism amongst the Muslim student community is increasing. Muslim students have always been at the fore of condemning extremism, speaking out against it and trying to change the perceived stereotypes. The problem naturally is the media and how things are reported in the media. There is a tendency to sensationalise and exaggerate. Which is problematic.
I think the key is grass root engagement, the Muslim community has to interact outside of the context of the media. Non-Muslims need to get to know Muslims not via the media but through one-to-one interaction. That will help greatly in breaking down barriers and portraying a true picture of exactly what is going on.
In the mean time, if the media could be more responsible in their reporting that would be of great help.
Name
A British Jewish Student
-
Profession
Question
Dear Faisal,
I am a Jewish British student and I do face a lot of obstacles because of my religion…Not all Muslim students but some of them do treat me badly??/ What is your suggestion??
Answer
I think Muslim students share a great deal in common with students from many different religious persuasions in terms of what they need and what they require from their individual academic institution. It is a real shame when there is hostility and tension between religious groups as opposed to harmony and cooperation.
Where students treat you badly I would suggest you get in contact with your local Islamic Society and explain to them what is going on and see if they can help you out. If that does not work then feel free to get in touch with us and we’ll do our utmost to help resolve the situation.
Name
Marwan KL
-
Profession
Question
Which university have you ever been to and find any offensive reaction to Islamic performances of Ramadan?
Answer
I have studied at Queen Mary, University of London and Sussex University. I also regularly visit universities across the country and have not yet heard of any incident of negative reactions to Muslims observing the month of Ramadan.
Name
Kadry Mansy
- Norway
Profession
Question
Salamu Alikum Brother,
Would you present some solutions to the problem of the week Muslim student unions among British universities?? How can I build up a Muslim student union at my university?
Answer
Muslim students are unique in that; they gather together five times a day to pray as well as once a week for jum’uah. This is not found in any other religious group. During this time it is a useful opportunity to meet different Muslims and build cooperation between the Muslim student body. Perhaps if there are particular issues you may be facing it would be a good opportunity to sit down and discuss the concerns with the rest of the Muslim students at university.
With Ramadan coming up again, it is good time to bring the Muslims together, perhaps try and provide food for the students to come together and break their fast. Even if the food is not free charge the students a small sum. Many would appreciate it and many would come.
These group activities can then be used as a basis to build cooperation and then start working together.
Muslim students in the UK are becoming more politically active and more politically aware. A huge part of that is education. When students realize just how much potential they have and what opportunities are available to them to make a difference for all students of any faith, they usually cannot wait to get involved!
Name
Fairoz
- Greece
Profession
Question
As-salam alykum,
I would like to know how active the Muslim students are in the British campuses?
and what is the main taken-actions which enable a fully-spiritual atmosphere?
Answer
Muslim students are very active on university campuses across the country. They are at the forefront of campaigning on a variety of issues from bigger prayer rooms, to more environmentally friendly campuses to the international issues such as the Palestinian problem.
Things are alhamdullilah progressing positively and great strides have been made over the past couple of years. There is though still a lot of work to be done particularly around tackling allegations of extremism etc.
Campuses regularly have talks, hold circles, provide da’wah material, do joint events with other societies, all ensuring a positive spiritual atmosphere.
Name
osama
-
Profession
Question
Salamu Alikum IOL & Faisal,
Do you think that British Muslim students are more extremist than the rest of European Muslim students?
Answer
I think we need to define what we mean by extremist. This is very important. Extremism meas different things for different people, for some people praying five times a day is extreme. So we need to be clear.
We've defined extremsim as promoting or condoning the kind of events we saw on 7/7 or 9/11. If you think that blowing yourself up on a tube in London is ok then that is an extremism perspective.
Based upon that definition Muslim students in the UK are not at all extreme.
They are though more involved than their European counterparts and more politically engaged, which is a very good thing.
Name
Hameed
- Denmark
Profession
Question
salams brother faisal,
Do you face any problems or challenges while performing El Taraweeh prayers, or generally what is the main challenges faces you as a Muslim organization in UK
Answer
Walaykumusalaam,
No alhamdullilah as a general rule we do not face any problems praying the taraweeh prayers. Many universities are close to local masjids and therefore students often go there for the taraweeh prayers. Those that cannot perform the prayers at university.
As a Muslim organisation in the UK the main challenge we face is responding to the allegations of extremism. Making sure we get our message our to our non-Muslim friends and colleagues about the true message of Islam and countering the very negative media portrayal of Islam.
It is very challenging but something we're committed to working against.
Name
Jan - Colombia University
-
Profession
Question
Do you think the government should play a role for engaging Muslim students in useful activities and giving them a space to have more Muslim student unions?
Answer
I think if the govt wants to effectively tackle the problem of extremsim they need to look at some of the root causes of the problem. In this case it is an unjust foreign policy (war in Iraq and Afghanistan) and increasingly a domestic policy that is criminalising the Muslim community.
Recent anti-terror legislation now means the govt can lock up suspects for almost a month without charge which is unacceptable. They are now trying to increase it to over 40 days. Many Muslim see this and are outraged by it and see it as an attack on the Muslim community. This can only be detrimental. There is no evidence either to suggest that 28 days or more without trial would effectively counter the terror threat.
So this should be a priority for the govt.
I don't think Muslims require student unions etc as they are doing quite well in existing structures.
Name
Peter
-
Profession
Question
I am sorry to say that but I am a new convert and I moved recently to UK and would like to know more about the FOSIS to participate if I can in the activities you organize??? Would you please help?
Answer
Welcome to the UK! There is plenty of activities during the year, you can find out more on www.fosis.org.uk
It is a bit of a quiet time right now because of the summer hols but once the holidays are over everything kicks off again!
Name
Abdul-Aziz
- Nigeria
Profession
Student
Question
Assalam alaikum Faisal.
Thanks for all the work you're doing on British University campuses.
I would like to ask how you would define "extremism"? In your opinion how much extremism exists on British University campuses, both from your personal experience, and from evidence you have about other universities?
Is it extremists to hold attitudes such as the right punishment for homosexuality is death, stoning for adulterers, and a belief that Shariah should be central in a nation's judiciary and legislature?
We seem to be finding that the definition and boundaries of what constitutes is being constantly set by those who are not actually Muslim themselves.
Thankyou
Answer
Walaykumusalaam,
JazakAllahu khayran for your question.
We have been quite clear as to what we definte as extremism and this is something which many mainstream British Muslim organisations have accepted. Extremism is if you accept, condon or promote the kind of events we saw on 7/7 or 9/11. This is the kind of ideology which we all need to be working together to tackle.
Anything else be it about homosexuality etc maybe controversial given the context of society and society's expectations but is not extreme in the terror context.
Name
Wael
-
Profession
Question
Dear Hanjra,
Thanks for your nice answers, I read all of them.
I want to ask you about your colleagues in FOSIS, are they all students and how can I apply for a position in FOSIS? I am really interested in this organization
Answer
Dear Wael,
Thank you very much for your comments. All of us are students or recent graduates. Get in touch with something about yourself at: info@fosis.org.uk and we'll be more then happy to see how best we can accomodate you!
Name
Mosaad Fathy
-
Profession
Question
What are FOSIS plans for this Ramadan?
Answer
All of the different committees (which you can see on our website www.fosis.org.uk) are currently in the process of drawing up plans and activities. Right now for Ramadan specifically we'll be looking to help and support Islamic Societies in anyway we can be it providing or advising about resources etc.
Name
Amna Ikl
-
Profession
Question
How can non-Muslim students participate in Muslim activities???
Answer
We have a variety of activities which are for both Muslim and non-Muslim students!
Everything from our justice campaigns (Palestine, Civil Liberties, Environment) , our sports events (football tournaments, basketball tournaments etc), our entertainment events (hand paintin etc) are all open to all students!
Just get involved or get in touch
Name
To Faisal
-
Profession
Question
Dear Faisal,
I would appreciate telling me your opinion on the many incidents of extremism done by British Muslims?? Why do you deny then??
Answer
Thank you very much for your email. I'm not sure exactly what it is I am supposed to be denying but just to clarify my views.
There is clearly a problem of extremsim in the Muslim community. Hence the terror attacks on 7/7 etc. However the threat and the problem is tiny, although the consequences are devestating. Speak to anybody in the Muslim community and no one seems to have any idea where these extremists are. So the threat is small.
When people accuse Muslim students of being more susceptible to radicalisation or suggest university campuses are hotbeds of radicalisation, this is an allegation I reject outright. Simply because there is no proof. Anybody who makes these claims needs to be able to substantiate their allegations, to date no one has been able to.
Name
Yusra Ahmet
-
Profession
Question
Are you pro integrating Muslim students into the non-Muslim performances and charity works?
Answer
I'm not entirely sure I understand the question clearly. I support Muslim students getting involved in charities be they Muslim or non-Muslim.
Name
Mahmoud
- Lybia
Profession
IT Manager
Question
Salamou Alikoum brother,
I'd like to know if you have joint activities between different Islamic unions in UK during Ramadan?
Answer
Walaykumusalaam,
Often Islamic Societies in local areas work together to provide facilities for Muslim students. Towards the end of Ramadan there are big Eid parties in different regions where students all come together to celebrate Eid!
Different areas also sometimes have speakers come down to talk to students.
Name
Danish Muslim
-
Profession
Question
I am a Danish Muslim student; do you know any organization for Muslim students in Denmark?
Answer
The following organisation maybe able to help. It is called FEMYSO (Federation of European Muslim Youth/Student Organisations)
http://www.femyso.net/about.html
Name
Ibrahim
- Egypt
Profession
Sales
Question
Assalamou Alikoum,
I would like to know how can Muslim students in Muslim countries help in Islamic Activities in UK in Ramadan?
Answer
Walaykumusalaam,
Thank you very much for your question.
The first thing they can do is to remember us and all the Muslims in their du'a!
Secondly different organisations and institutions are always looking for financial aid or assistance so if that is possible and properly regulated that is very useful.
Thirdly there is always a need for good quality da'wah material in English!
Name
G.
- Ireland
Profession
Question
Don't you think ramadan events are chance for extremism to spread?!!!!
Answer
Not at all! Ramadan events are an opportunity to mainstream Islamic bodies to put on events for Muslims to come together. If anything it reduces the chance of extremism to spread.
We know that extremist recruiters target people on the fringes, people who are alone and vulnerable. Bringing communities together helps defeat that!
Name
Mohab Khaleel
-
Profession
Question
Do you think Muslim students in uk are movning on the right track in terms of finding a representative, activities, their image, etc?
Answer
Muslim students are certainly more media savvy, more aware of what is going on around them and the fact that we have organisations like FOSIS is a great tribute to the work done by our predecessors in building institutions.
As I mentioned earlier there is a lot of work to be done in the field of media engagement which will take time.
Name
Muftis for Ramadan
-
Profession
Question
Do you offer any muftis for muslim students' questions and inquiries during ramadan?
Answer
We leave that to individual Islamic Societies to arrange, if there are concerns though people are more then welcome to get in touch with us and we can help out in anyway possible
Name
Osman
-
Profession
Question
How can you manage to be a student and active for the president of FOSIS position?? God with you :)
Answer
Thank you very much for your kind question.
All of this is by the grace of Allah and the help of Allah (SWT). I firmly believe that when you work in the cause of Allah then He puts baraka in your time and your work which is a great blessing!
Second to that it's all about time management! : )
Name
,,,,uuuuu
-
Profession
Question
How can we differentiate between extremist Muslim students and work colleagues and non-extremist?
Answer
As I mentioned earlier it is really important to define and clarify exactly what we mean by extremist. Anything which is in conjunction with the shari'ah is mainstream and moderate and anything beyond that is extreme!
If you see people promoting the kind of events we saw on 7/7 that is extreme!
Name
Editor
-
Profession
Question
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Answer
This session has come to an end.
We would like to thank Mr. Faisal Hanjra for speaking to IslamOnline.net viewers today and we also thank all those who participated in this dialogue.
We apologize for not being able to accommodate any further questions. We request our readers to join us in the upcoming sessions.
