From isb-sheff.org.uk

Presidential Message

The call of Islam is a universal one. God Most High has said in the Qur’an: say (O Muhammad): “O mankind surely I am a messenger from God to you all; the messenger of him to whom belongs the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth. There is no god but He…: so believe in God and his messenger….. :( So) follow him (the messenger) that you may be rightly guided (7:158)."

The Muslims community owe it as a duty to the British nation that has given them hospitality, accepted them as part of their society, to share with them the benefit of the call of Islam which is defined in the Qur’an as a mercy for God's creation: 'O Muhammad we have only sent you as a mercy for all the worlds' (21:107). It will therefore be an act of selfishness on the part of the muslim community not to share this “mercy” with the great nation which has given so much. Islam, the complete, perfect and final word of God, is the religion of peace, justice, compassion, and which teaches a high sense of moral and social responsibility. It is the religion of true and universal brotherhood which does not recognise colour, language or geographical barriers - Islam the gift of god to be shared with all his creation.

And finally I have said on many occasions, it is vital for the future of our own society and of the world community that members of the different faith communities come to understand each other better, for it is from such understanding that a sprit of true tolerance will grow. Such tolerance does not mean that peoples have to compromise their own integrity, but it does require that we learn to listen to and to respect each other.

Abdool Kadir Gooljar - Presdient of ISB Sheffield

IAW Supporters

“We must work together for deeper understanding and love both within and between our communities.  I pledge myself to do all that I can to support this task of mutual understanding and to help wipe away all prejudice, violence and bitterness so that we can all live in deep peace and harmony with one another as God would have us do. I welcome IAW 06 with the theme of ‘One World’ “

Rev. Jack Nicholls – Bishop of Sheffield

“I welcome Islam Awareness Week most warmly. It is crucial for life of our city and region that we grow in understanding of one another’s faith, culture and tradition. People of different faiths need to speak clearly to and listen carefully to one another and this week plays an important part in that process.”

Rev. Vernon Marsh - Chair Sheffield Methodist

"It is indeed one world and people of faith recognise it to be God's world - and ourselves to be God's children - and all of us, therefore, sisters and brothers to each other and having a charge under God to care for one another. May this Islam Awareness Week increase that sense of oneness in all of us."

Rev. John Rawsthorne - Bishop of Hallam

Faith is a live issue, it is a daily item on the news. Faith diversity is an enrichment, not a problem, because we are all different we have something to give each other, and this enlarges us all. So we celebrate and seek to promote diversity. There are those who welcome religious diversity and others feel threaten by it. Prejudice and discrimination today is about religious identity as well as race and racial identity.

Pluralism is essential to our well being. Faith communities are at the heart of community cohesion. I welcome and support all that Islam Awareness Week does to create better understanding and relationships of respect among us.

Inderjit Bhogal – Director of Yorkshire & Humberside Faith Forum

Islam Awareness Week – A Beacon of Hope

Islam is arguably the most talked about religion in Britain today. It is very much misunderstood, often misrepresented and seldom appreciated. The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) congratulates the outstanding efforts of its affiliate the Islamic Society of Britain (ISB) to showcase Islam; its beliefs, customs, values and culture. This week of activities has now become a permanent feature of the British Muslim calendar and a beacon of hope for many. We take this opportunity to commend the Sheffield branch of the ISB and wish them every success in this week’s activities.

Say (O Muslims): "We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) prophets from their Lord: We make no difference between one and another of them: And we bow to Allah (in Islam)." [2:136]

Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari - Secretary General, The Muslim Council of Britain

“One World “ – the theme of Islam Awareness Week 2006 (IAW06) – is a timely reminder to all Faith Communities to continue to lead the way to mutual understanding and tolerance in our city, and in the country at large . Getting to know more about each other is a vital process on this path, and IAW06 is worthy to support from all of Sheffield’s diverse faiths and culture.

Bernard Rosenberg – President, Representative Council of Sheffield and District Jews

At a time of growing misunderstanding, and in some cases, fear of the Islamic faith in this country, Islam Awareness Week is an incredibly important way to set straight some of the misconceptions that have grown up. The week will also help to promote tolerance and understanding of the religion.

The theme of this year’s Islam Awareness Week, One World, is particularly apt, as it is only by all of our communities standing together against hatred and extremism that we will be able to tackle these problems. It is only by reaffirming our common values of justice, equality and peace that we can truly oppose those who would seek to undermine these values.

It is for these reasons that I am glad to be able to support Islam Awareness Week. I hope that this year’s event, with its theme of ‘One World’, will allow us to celebrate and value the wide range of communities, originally hailing from every part of the world, that help to make South Yorkshire the diverse place it is.

Sir Bob Kerslake - Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council

“As President of Hallam Students’ Union I am extremely proud that our building, (The HUBs) is hosting the launch of Islam Awareness Week (IAW). Hallam Union is dedicated to challenging prejudice and promoting equality and diversity and as such we entirely support IAW”

Lisa King – President of Sheffield Hallam Students’ Union

"I applaud every effort made by the organisers of the Islam Awareness Week to educate the public and to increase community understanding and cohesion. In our One World all major faith traditions have a part to play in working for the common good of humanity. I pray for every blessing on the week’s activities."

Revd Canon Adrian Alker - Vicar of St Marks Church Broomhill

My best wishes to the Islamic Society of Britain during Islamic Awareness week. We share a common concern for cohesion and understanding in order to encourage peace in our communities. I appreciate what the ISB has to offer and its important work. We live in a time when fear is so common; it is through dialogue and cooperation that we have overcome this fear. I am committed to this and know that Islamic Awareness Week is welcome and important. I hope this will encourage good communication and partnership throughout the year.

Graham Brownlee - Yorkshire Baptist Association Regional Minister