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Recognize humanity, celebrate diversity, respect the other |
Islam Awareness Week (IAW) was initiated by the Islamic Society of Britain and has been taking place across the UK in the third week of November for the last 15 years. Initially the aim was simply to provide a platform for British Muslims themselves to help remove misconceptions about Islam, which is now the UK’s second largest faith.
Since then, it has also become an opportunity for people of all faiths -and none- to come together in a spirit of understanding and co-operation. IAW is also about helping to build links between people, a celebration of art and culture and getting people to work together for the common good.
The theme for IAW in 2009, 'Walk the Talk', has been chosen to mark the occasion of the first ever Inter Faith Week in England, which is taking place at the same time as IAW this year, from 16th to 22nd of November.
Walk the Talk
“Walk the Talk” is about encouraging everyone to know people of other faiths, who you may not otherwise get a chance to meet or they are just your neighbors and colleagues wherever you live. Talking face to face and listening to each other lead to a better understanding of each other and that will hopefully lead to create a better future.
In 1997, the Commission on British Muslims by the Runnymede Trust confirmed the existence of widespread prejudice and discrimination against Muslims in Britain. Their report, “Islamophobia - a challenge for us all” (1997), launched by the Home Secretary at the House of Commons, proposed sixty recommendations, one of which was the desperate need for awareness and understanding of the true meaning of Islam. This was confirmed by the Commission’s second report on Islamophobia launched in 2004.
Negative Image About Muslims
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| IAW in Brimingham 2008 |
Sadly, since then we have seen misunderstanding and misrepresentation of Islam and Muslims increase in society to the point where today it appears to be an acceptable form of denigration. Muslims are depicted as unreasonable, intolerant, violent violators of human rights and anti-women. These popular images come down from age old myths and fears and are fuelled by political and economic interests and reinforced by the actions of extremists on the margins of society.
We believe that through awareness and understanding of one another we can create better relations and develop respect and harmony in our society. The national Islam Awareness Week (IAW) is an opportunity for all of us to come together in addressing the threats posed by misunderstanding each other.
IAW Activities
With a national team of volunteers the target is achieved through consultation, we then seek to work in partnership as much as possible with others. Nationally we encourage and support local activities and provide resources to supplement events. Our website highlights activities undertaken and provides useful ideas.
We also encourage schools to get involved by offering a range of resources. These include a specialist webpage for schools, a teaching resource pack, leaflets and volunteers who are available on request to conduct specially commissioned classroom presentations.
Muslims in UK
The UK’s 1.6 million Muslims consist of diverse communities, representing many backgrounds. They can be found in every field and walk of life, and do play their part in contributing to Britain’s wealth and culture. Indeed, Islam is very much a part of everyday life for many Britons. Islam guides its followers to respect, preserve and strengthen all that is good in British society. Furthermore, it helps them inculcate the inner strength to resist and change those aspects of themselves and society which cause harm.
During Islam Awareness Week communities throughout the country will be organizing a range of activities and events aimed at opening dialogues about their way of life, developing contact with individuals and institutions, promoting social interaction and celebrating art and culture. Thousands of events have taken place over the years; they have all had an impact within communities. We believe IAW has already made a significant and historic contribution to community relations.
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