From isb-sheff.org.uk

Islam Awareness Week 2008 - Promoting Shared Values

IAW Launch @ Sheffield Town Hall

To mark the launch of Islam Awareness Week in Sheffield, ISB Sheffield organisated the opening event at Sheffield Town Hall on Tuesday the 18th of November 2008. The launch was marked by our chief guest Judge Mornington, who spoke about our Shared Values as a community and as a nation. The evening followed with speeches from the leader of Sheffield City Council, the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Rotherham and Doncaster.

Unity & Diversity - Promoting Shared Values

Our second seminar of the week took place at Notre Dame High School, where our learned speaker spoke about the unity and diversity.

Open Jummah & Questions and Answers Special

The last two event of the week was the Open Jummah the special Friday prayers which Muslims around the world have to perfrom each Friday. Moez Masoud joined us special from Egypt to deliver the Friday Sermon and also to answer any questions at the end of the sermon. Owing to his many talents and achievements, Moez Masoud was recently named one of the 20 most influential religious figures. Following the Open Jummah in the evening we had a special Q&A evening where members of the general public we able to in and visit the Mosque and ask the local Iman any questions which they might have.

An Evening with Dawud Wharnsby Ali

It was an honour for ISB Sheffield to welcome on the top Muslim song writers in the world. Dawud Wharnsby Ali orginally from Canada has writen over 15 inspirational albums. On Sunday the 16th of November he joined us for a very special evening of entertainment at the SUFC Platinum Suite.

ISB Sheffield join St Marks to bid farewell to Revd Adrian Alker

ISB Sheffield together with St Mark of Broomhill have been working very close for the past years with the estemed Revd Adrian Alker. To mark his leave from St Marks to Leeds ISB Sheffield presented him with a special token of apprication for the work he done for community relations.

Interfaith Seminar - Rotherham Show

The Islamic Society of Britain and REMA took front stage at the Peace Tent at the annual Rotherham Show at Clifton Park. With a panel of senior faith represenatives covering all fiaths including Jews, Muslims, Christians and Hindus. Each member of the panel discussed how their faith relates to their daily lives and GOD.

Islam Festival 08

Islam, Peace and the Modern World

How are popular expressions like “religion of peace” and “holy war” to be understood in theory and practice? What does Islam teach about jihad, and what is its stance on terrorism? By Sheikh Ahmad Saad (Bridges Foundation)

Who’d be a Muslim these day?

Idris Tawfiq is a British writer and educator who was a Roman Catholic priest before deciding to embrace Islam around six years ago. He spoke about life for Muslims today, and why the faith is so widely misunderstood.

Unity & Brotherhood - In light of Allama Iqbal

"There is one common gain and one common loss for all Muslims. One Prophet (saws) for all and one Iman for all. One Ka'aba, one Allah and one Qur'an for all. How great it would be if Muslims also were one!", Our expert panellists and speakers highlighted his poetry and message, and how he endeavoured to motivate, inspire and unify a whole nation of diverse backgrounds towards a common goal & vision.

Islam Festival: Live @ Mount Pleasant Park

The Finale of the Islam Festival was a spectacular evening of entertainment for the whole family with UKs top leading nasheed artists, comdians, muslim theatre act. With Live perfromances from Aashiq Al Rasul, Khaleel Muhammad, and Khayaal Theatres.

Festival of Islam Marquee

A public event promoting the multi-cultural and multi-ethnic ethos of Islam and its contributions to British Society. To promote a greater awareness and understanding of Islam and Muslims. The marquee event allows people of all faiths and backgrounds to experience the sounds, colours and tastes from Muslim countries.

Sheffield Interfaith Walk

For the 5th year the Islamic Society of Britain (South Yorkshire) and the Yorkshire & Humberside Faith Forum have come together to organise a peace walk through Burngreave to show that all the faiths in Sheffield stand united against any force of evil and that we all have more in common with each other and to campaign against the BNP in Sheffield.

Farewell to the Rt Revd Jack Nicholls, Bishop of Sheffield

SHEFFIELD'S Bishop Jack enjoyed a farewell dinner as special thanks for his work in bringing all faiths closer together, which was organised by the Islamic Society of Britain, South Yorkshire.

Abdool Qadir Goojar, president of the South Yorkshire branch of the Islamic Society of Britain, said: "We hosted the event to mark Rev Nicholls' distinguished legacy as the Bishop of Sheffield.

"Since his appointment in June 1997 he has worked tirelessly to promote his faith. His time in office has encompassed such diverse achievements as aligning the Diocese of Sheffield with the Fairtrade movement, bringing the multi-cultural communities of Sheffield together, and becoming a member of the House of Lords as a Lord Spiritual."

Islam Awareness Week 2007

IAW Launch - Monday 19th November

This year’s Islam Awareness Week took the theme of One World: Our Children, Our Future and in conjunction with this theme IAW was proudly hosted by Notre Dame High School in Sheffield. The week started with a VIP launch ceremony which was attended by the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Lord Mayor of Doncaster, Master Cutler, Bishop of Sheffield, Bishop of Hallam, the Head of Methodist Church, Fadel Soliman from Egypt. The evening started with an opening speech by Abdool Gooljar (President of ISB South Yorkshire) which was followed by speeches of support from various dignitaries, Fadel Soliman then provided us with an enlighten speech about Islam caring for all especially children. The evening soon came to a close and which was followed by a buffet. This year’s launch hit an all time record with over 250 people in attendance at the beautiful location of Notre Dame High School.

IAW & DARNALL Mosque Open Day - Tuesday 20th November

Islam Awareness Week came to Darnall for the first time this year with two events, one in Attercliffe and the other in Darnall. Local residents were invited to visit the Quba Culra Mosque opposite the Don Valley Stadium where there was an exhibition about Islam and a chance to be present for one of the five daily prayer times at the mosque.

IAW & DARNALL Christian Muslim Dialogue - Tuesday 20th November

In the evening at the Darnall Forum Community Learning Centre, on Main Road in Darnall, forty local community leaders also gathered for a seminar with two Muslim scholars, Imam Fadel Soliman who is the director of the Bridges Foundation – an international charity dedicated to building reconciliation between Muslims and other communities, and Mufti Yusuf Akudi who is closely involved in Muslim and inter-faith projects in Dewsbury and in the wider Yorkshire and Humber Region.

Mr Soliman, who describes himself as a survivor of the 9/11 attack in New York, told the meeting how his narrow escape from death had convinced him that he was called to spread understanding between Islam and people from other faiths and none. Mr Akudi described how the 7/7 attacks in London were first reported to him in the middle of an inter-faith meeting. Those attacks had made it all the more important, he said, for people from the Muslim community to work with other people to breakdown division and bring about regeneration in communities like Darnall.

The Revd Vernon Marsh from the Sheffield District of the Methodist Church, and Mr David Missing, who convenes the Darnall Churches Together organisation, gave a Christian perspective on inter-faith community work. Mr Marsh said, “Every part of the city of Sheffield should be a place where people can flourish. People from all faith traditions share a concern for the well-being of individuals and communities. As a Christian I believe it is important to link arms with people from other faith groups to find ways of addressing the problems which diminish people's lives in places like Darnall.”

Bringing the meeting to a close, Mr Abdool Gooljar explained how Islam Awareness Week had grown from small beginnings, with a gathering of only ten people for the first ever meeting fifteen years ago, to events which now attract hundreds of people.

Inter-Communal Dialogue Part II – Wednesday 21st November

After the great success of the first Inter-Communal Dialogue seminar, we came back to the drawing board and launched the second part of this fantastic dialogue series and hosted it during Islam Awareness Week. Once again we had the great pleasure of welcoming back Bernard Rosenberg (Chair of the Jewish Council), Graham Brownlee (Chair of the Baptist Minister), and Fadel Soliman to join us on panel discussion. With the discussion mainly based around the theme of Our Children, Our Future, once again this dialogue seminar proved to be a truly bridge building experience with over 100 faith members attending.

Medina Mosque Open Day – Wednesday 22nd November

It was a great pleasure this year to have the IAW Mosque Open Day at Madina Masjid which is the fabulous purpose built mosque in the heart of Nether Edge. The day started with an opening ceremony at which the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Lord Mayor of Doncaster, Deen of Sheffield Cathedral and other dignitaries attended the opening of this glorious building. The day soon became extremely busy with an unexpected 700 people visiting the mosque throughout the day till early evening. On display was a fantastic discover Islam exhibition with special tour guides at hand to answer any questions.

Youth Dialogue Evening – Friday 23rd November

To commemorate the end of Islam Awareness Week 2007, we invite the youth section of the Islamic Society of Britain the Young Muslims to come and host an event to end this week. In their great enthusiasm for the week and sheer hard work they pulled off an exciting and constructive week. With live entertainment from London, comedy from Manchester, interactive quizzes and much importantly constructive dialogue between one another’s faith. This was truly an enlightening evening with a hall packed full of youth from Notre Dame Sixth Form, Young Muslims. With guest speakers from FOSIS and Notre Dame Chaplaincy, the evening came to a close with a social formal dinner to conclude the week.

Exhibition Islam – Mon 19th – Fri 23rd November

Once again during Islam Awareness Week we held the exhibition Islam series which this year was specially aimed to school children and was held at Notre Dame High School Library. At which was fascinating posters on science, medicine, British history, the Prophet PBUH legacy, our heritage and much much more. Together with Notre Dame we have over 500 school children visiting this exhibition from all over Sheffield and adults visiting later on in the evening.

The Modern Muslim - Life in the 21st Century

“To each is a goal to which he turns, so vie with one another in doing good...”Islam is negatively portrayed in the media - so how can we stay true to our deen, and still participate and contribute to a better society? - ‘A Special One Day Seminar For Brothers And Sisters’

ISB South Yorkshire launched the biggest islamic conference in Sheffield at the prestige location of Sheffield United. With a crowd of over 450 people top speakers address the conference including, Br Shabir Ally (Canada), Dr Abdullah Hakim Quick (South Africa), Dr Abdullah Omar Nasseef (Saudi Arabia), Dr Tasneem Zaman (UK). Overall this was an excellent event with great knowledge past on by some fanstastic speakers from abroad.

Community Cohesion Q&A Seminar

An interfaith program on how we can work together to build cohesion in our communities, took place in the intimate venue of the Sheffield Library Theatre. The panel represented the Muslim, Christian, and Buddhist faiths, and the audience participation was very active in questioning each speaker about some difficult topics.

The Event

• Date: Wednesday 27th June 2007
• Time: 18:30 PM
• Venue: The Library Theatre, Surrey Street, Sheffield, S1 1XZ

Multi-Faith Challenge

The Islamic Society of Britain, South Yorkshire participate in the major faith cohesion programme in North Lincolnshire at the Normady Castle. Where the Mr Abdool Gooljar the ISB, South Yorkshire President delivered the maiden speech on behalf of the Muslim Community.

He said "Muslims, Christians, and Jews share common history. We tell stories of the same events and people, all unified around the theme of dedication to worship of the same God, and all affirming fundamental human values: fundamental values of family, the search for knowledge, compassion, peace, justice, respect for all life and for the Creator of that life.

Family issues, greed in the marketplace, falling educational standards, prejudice in the workplace, inter-religious and intercultural conflicts: these and many other issues cry out for the attention of all people of faith. By responding to such needs, we can build mutual understanding and partnerships among our diverse religious communities. We can become better Muslims, better Christians, better Jews, better Hindus, better Buddhists, and better believers by any name. We can help to re-awaken the essential goodness that resides within every human being. We can fulfill the trust that we bear. “For,” as Allah (swt) instructs us in the Holy Qur’an, ...every community faces a direction of its own, of which Allah is the focal point. Vie, therefore, with one another (as in a race) towards all that is good. Wherever you may be, Allah will bring you together; for Allah has power over all things (Qur’an 2:148).

I truly believe that love, compassion, tolerance and forgiveness are the true pillars of dialogue and that goodness, beauty, truthfulness, and being virtuous are the essence of the world and humanity. Whatever happens, the world will one day find this essence and no-one can prevent this."

Sheffield Refugee's Week

As part of the Refugee Week in Sheffield the Islamic Society of Britain, South Yorkshire provided a three course meal free of charge for all the refugee's in Sheffield.

"We are called to answer the hunger of the hungry, the needs of the needy the suffering of the sick whoever and wherever they are – and to see every death from hunger and disease is as if it is a death in our own family" The neighbor holds a special status in Islam. Islam encourages Muslims to treat their neighbors in a gentle way that reflects the true and genuine spirit of Islam as exemplified in its tolerant aspect especially with people of other faiths. It makes no difference whether the neighbors are Muslim or non-Muslim. ‘A’ishah, the Mother of the Believers, (may Allah be pleased with her) stated that she once asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), “O Messenger of Allah! I have two neighbors. To whom shall I send my gifts?” He said, “To the one whose gate is nearer to you.”

Inter-National Food Festival

The Islamic Society of Britain, South Yorkshire join with the Yorkshire and Humberside Faith Forum to celebrate the inter-national food festival in Sheffield. Providing a typical islamic meal for the thousands who passed through the Sheffield City Centre.

Experience Islam Exhibition

A public event promoting the multi-cultural and multi-ethnic ethos of Islam and its contributions to British Society. To promote a greater awareness and understanding of Islam and Muslims. The marquee event allows people of all faiths and backgrounds to experience the sounds, colours and tastes from Muslim countries.

Faith is here to help us deal and cope with fellow man's injustices. It is through that great capacity to forgive that each of one of us has. Forgiving, especially from the position of strength, is in many cases the most effective way of breaking that spiral of injustices and counter injustices. It is sometimes the only way to turn hearts and minds around from deep seated hatred to friendship, love and peaceful coexistence. This is well reflected in the actions of many of the great prophets. Prophet Muhammad [pbuh], on the day he re-entered Mecca, his birth place city from which he and his companions were unjustly driven out by the Meccans, he addressed the people of Mecca, who were expecting nothing but revenge for what they have wronged against him and that would have been justified in their eyes by the norms of the time, he addressed them by saying: "O people of Quraysh! What do you ponder that I would do with you today?" "You are a noble brother and son of a noble brother", they replied. Then the Prophet mercifully announced "This day let no reproach be (cast) on you. Go, you are all free."

Inter-Communal Dialogue 2007

This event was the first of a series of fascinating series to promote constructive dialogue in the community looking for common concern on topical current affaires issues. Set in a question and answer format with a learned panel representing different faith groups. With over 180 people in attendance this event was a true success. We evening began with an opening speech from Sheikh AbdoolAziz Al-Harbi, which was then followed with the main discussion session.

The Panel

• Chair: Revd. Jack Nicholls - Bishop of Sheffield
• Muslim Rep: Sr. Sara Saigol - Manchester Inter-Faith
• Christian Rep: Graham Brownlee - Cheif Exec of Yorkshire Baptist Association
• Jewish Rep: Bernard Rosenberg - President of the Jewish Council
• Hindu Rep: Dr Shiv - Hindu Council

Discussion Topics

• Good neighbours: the challenges: Living with Multi-Culturalism
• The Global Village - What does this mean? (Environment Responsibilities)
• Virtue & Morality in the 21st century - Society, Government, money.
• Audience - Questions and Answers

Comments

"Thank You for thinking to ask me to last night's Inter-Communal Dialogue, for making me so welcome, and for such an interesting and worthwhile evening. I thought the panel idea worked well, and it was great opportunity to meet people."

Lord Lieutenant David Moody

"I attended the Inter-Communal Dialogue on Tuesday and i should like to thank you very much for arranging it. I thought it was a very worthwhile evening, and that this is something very important for us to do both in Sheffield and throughout the country."

Vicar Philip West - Christ Church Stannington

Islam Awareness Week (IAW), 2006

Islam Awareness Week (IAW) is a dynamic vehicle for people to reach out and connect with others of different beliefs and values. The week is a means of enhancing community cohesion. It seeks to remove the stereotypes and misunderstandings of the Islamic way of life that often hamper a meaningful dialogue.

President Message

IAW Launch – “One World”

The official launch of Islam Awareness Week 2006, was a truly be an enlightening evening, as we all reminded ourselves how we all have come together to share the one world we all live in.

The launch was very well received, and notable attendees included:

- the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Jackie Drayton

- the Deputy Chair of Doncaster Council, Richard Walker

- the Bishop of Sheffield Hallam, John Rawsthorne

- the Assistant Chief Constable of the Association of Chief Police Officers, Robert Dyson

- the Rt Revd Adrian Alker, St Marks Church, Broomhill

Opening and closing speeches were given by the President of ISB South Yorkshire, Abdool-Qadir Gooljar. The invited guests delivered speeches emphasising our duty to work together for community cohesion and better understanding between different groups. A short presentation was given by the ISB South Yorkshire’s Public Relations Officer, Shehzad Yousaf. This was to illustrate the work of the ISB, past events and future plans, and the amount of examples presented showed that ISB really has been instrumental at a grassroots level, at building cohesion.

DVD Movie Night, "Legacy of Prophet Muhammed (PBUH)"

Legacy of a Prophet tells the story of a seventh century prophet who changed world history in 23 years, and continues to shape the lives of more than 1.2 billion people. Three years in the making, the film takes viewers not only to ancient Middle Eastern sites where Muhammad's story unfolds, but into the homes, mosques and workplaces of some of America's estimated seven million Muslims to discover the many ways in which they follow Muhammad's example.

           Date:   Tuesday 21st Nov 06
           Time:   6:30pm – 8:30 pm
           Venue: Vestry Hall (behind Waitrose), Cemetery Road, Sheffield

Mosque Open Day / Islamic Exhibition

ISB Sheffield invited people of all faith or no faith to come along and discover the true meaning of Islam through a series of detailed exhibition explaining the Islamic way of Islam and its history whilst discovering the Islamic place of worship. The day was on overall success as over 60 school children, 20 church leaders, 10 Medical Staff and over 20 from the general public visited 'The Message Centre' Mosque at Upperthorpe.

On display we had a series of ISB Exhibitions on Islamic Hertiage, Neighbours and One World

The True, Peaceful Face of Islam: Panel

On Thursday, an audience gathered for a question-and-answer session with converts to Islam. One of the panellists arrived from Manchester, and gave some very insightful answers about his conversion to Islam, and how it emphasised living in peace with one’s neighbours.On Thursday, an audience gathered for a question-and-answer session with converts to Islam. One of the panellists arrived from Manchester, and gave some very insightful answers about his conversion to Islam, and how it emphasised living in peace with one’s neighbours.

Climate Justice, Social Justice

Climate change is not only an environmental issue, but is also an issue about justice. The impact of climate change looks set to hit the poor the hardest. Simultaneously, climate solutions which ignore or worsen inequalities between the rich and the poor are not solutions that can be considered just or sustainable. So, what kind of solution does capture these qualities? Is there a solution that encompasses both precaution and equity? And how can the historical ecological debt owed to poorer countries be recognised and balanced?

Two eminent speakers on the fields of social justice in Islam (Mr Abu Sondes), and environmental justice according to Islamic principles (Dr Fazlun Khalid), gave lectures on each of these topics. The event was attended by an almost full Vestry Hall, and generated a lot of debate and discussion after the lectures. The audience was very mixed, comprising of church leaders, the Somali community, a diverse group of Muslims from all around Sheffield, and many members of the local Green Party.

Ecclesall Deanery Synod and Chapter

To hear about life in the muslim community and to reflect on ways of deepening our relationship, the Clergy of Eccleshall will welcome Abdool to deliver his maiden speech to be followed by a question-and-answer session.

Sheffield Oratoria Chorus in concert bringing faiths together in peace on Remembrance Day

Karl Jenkins: The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace

Choral Music - by Parry and Bainton

Readings - by students from Firth Park Collegue

Call to Prayer - by Abdool Gooljar (ISB Sheffield)

Soloist - Alison Hudson

Conductor - Alan Eost

ISB Sheffield was welcomed by the Sheffield Oratoria Chorus to participate in the Remembrance Day concert. Abdool Gooljar (ISB Sheffield President) join the cermony by reciting the Holy Quran and Azaan.

For more info please visit Sheffield Oratorio Chorus or Contact Us.

Broomhill Festival 2006

For the first time in the history of the broomhill festival the Islamic Society of Britain Sheffield took an active role in participating in this annual festival in Sheffield. During the festival ISB Sheffield organised a Feed the Homeless Event, and a Mosque Open Day. Both events were very successful as we were able to feed over 60 homeless people a 3 course meal, and over 30 school children visited 'The Message Centre' Mosque in Upperthrope.

Multi-Faith Eid Conference 2005

ISB Sheffield organised the 3rd Annual Multi-Faith Eid Conference. Where people from different faith backgrounds where able to come along and experience what it is like for muslims to celebrate Eid. The day also included an in depth lecture on Why Muslims Across the world celebrate Eid, and How and Why Eid was created by Allah SWT?

Peace Walk 2005

In the light of the cartoons on Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon Him), the Islamic Society of Britian Sheffield organised a special peace walk, where people of any faith gathered togther to walk in the name of peace and respect towards one anothers faith. Special prayers where made at each place of worship as they were passed on the route.

Islam Awareness Week 2005

To download a PDF file about Islam Awareness Week 2005, please click on the following icon:

Launch

Official Launch of Islam Awareness Week 21st November 2005 Sheffield Town Hall

The week was launched with a variety of speeches from certain dignitaries which include the welcoming speech by Abdool Qadir Gooljar (ISB President), 5 minute reminders from all the faiths in Sheffield, the official launch by the Lord Mayor of Sheffield and the launch of this year’s theme “1000 years of Islam and Britain” by Professor Nabil Mattar a historian from California.

The ceremony was then taken to the Sheffield Cathedral for the launch of Islamic Exhibition . The exhibition was lunched by Dr Al-Tahir Hafiz, professor of Linguistics at Tayba University in Madina and the president of ISB Sheffield Mr. Abdool Qadir Gooljar.

In attendance were over 60 people with an audience of the Lord Mayor, Bishop of Sheffield, church leaders, councillors, Mp’s, Mep’s, people of different faith and members of the general public.The event was covered by the Sheffield Star and Radio Sheffield.

Mosque Open Day

ISB Sheffield launched it 5th annual IAW Mosque Open Day at the Message Centre in Sheffield. The Mosque was open to members of the general public and schools. They were able to see an Islamic Exhibition, Islamic Art work and the Islamic prayers of Zuhur and Asar.

Many people came and attended the open day including a school group of children. For many of them it was the first time they had seen the inside of a Mosque before and they all were very appreciated. The day was a great success and as many people came to visit the mosque and were very interested in the prayers.

Seminar 1 – “What Islam has contributed to Britain in the 21st Century?”

The Islamic Society of Britain Sheffield Branch launched their first seminar of the week which was given by Mr. Lamaan Ball on “What Islam has contributed to Britain in the 21st Century”. Mr Ball spook about how Islam and Muslims have contributed to Islam in the past and how Muslims still contribute to the development of the British world today.

Mr Ball lecture on the contribution of Muslims was excellent which gave a more positive message to the audience about Islam and Muslims. After the seminar a buffet was provided and an Islamic exhibition about the Muslim Heritage was on display.

Seminar 2 – “Does Islam indoctrinate Muslims to terrorism?”

The second seminar was given the title “Does Islam indoctrinate Muslims to terrorism?” because of Jack Straw’s comment “Islam indoctrinates Muslims to terrorism”. We invited Ajmal Mansoor from Islam Channel to come and tell the audience of Sheffield if Muslims are indoctrinated to terrorism.

Ajmal Mansoor explored all the misunderstanding and assumptions that terrorist acts are Islamic. The audience was every touched by his lecture as they rallied a 45 minute questions and answers.

Seminar 3 – “Does Islam Promote Peace?

The Last seminar of the week was given by the President of the Islam Society of Britain Sheffield Branch Mr Abdool Qadir Gooljar.

Mr Gooljar described in depth how Muslims have promoted peace in the past at the time of Jesus and at the time of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). He also explained how the ISB promote peace across the UK and what individuals have to do to keep this peace within their communities and families.

IAW 05 Exhibitions

7th – 19th November 2005, Central Library, City Centre, Sheffield

For the first time an Islamic Exhibition was on displayed at the Sheffield Central Library by the Islamic Society of Britain Sheffield. The exhibition Discover Islam was on display in Sheffield’s main library in the town centre for two weeks. In which over 500 people have viewed the exhibition and left with free Islamic Literature.

21st – 26th November 2005, Sheffield Cathedral, City Centre, Sheffield

It is the first time that Sheffield has experienced an Islamic Exhibition in the main Cathedral of Sheffield. On display was a 300 year old Qur’an which brought along many visitors. All together over 500 people view the exhibition after the Sunday mass. With two school groups which came and visited the exhibtion.

Comments on IAW 05

Lord Mayor of Sheffield (Councillor Roger Davison)

• “As Lord Mayor I want to be a focus of peace and understanding between people of different faiths or none. Islam isn’t unique in thinking that it is a victim of perceived misconceptions. Most religions are subjected to some form of stereotyping. Any form of bigotry, ridiculing or the peddling of hatred is unacceptable no matter where it comes from. The persecution of religion cannot be defended by any who support the existence of a just society and certainly not by any who claim to worship a just and holy supreme being.”

The Rt Reverend Jack Nicholls (Bishop of Sheffield)

• “I am delighted that Islam Awareness Week has become an important part of the annual calendar. I cannot stress too strongly how important it is that ignorance is replaced by real knowledge in our interfaith relationships. We have much to be thankful for in each other and I rejoice at this opportunity of learning more about Islam.”

Rev. June Pettitt

• "Thank you for the event, which I managed to attend both at the Town Hall and the Cathedral. I think it was a very appropriate idea to move from the Town Hall to the Cathedral, bring Islam awareness into those two main places of Sheffield. I look forward to next years events. Thank You"

The Rt Reverend John Rawsthorne (Bishop of Hallam)

• “I very much welcome another week to help us all grow in our awareness of the Muslim Communities in our midst. I do hope that the contacts we make as a result of this week will lead to greater personal friendships across Faith boundaries. Those friendships have to be the basis for really deep understanding of each other.… And I hope that the rest of us will all work hard at making it easier for our Muslim sisters and brothers to understand us and our Faith.”

Jan Wilson (Leader of Sheffield City Council)

• "I very much welcome Islam Awareness Week 2005, which provides an invaluable opportunity to promote a greater understanding of the Islamic faith. The welcoming of other faiths and beliefs is the cornerstone of a peaceful society. For communities to live together in unity, we must promote a better understanding of all faiths and dispel the myths which breed ignorance. Sheffield is fortunate to have a rich and diverse population and I wholeheartedly support the aims of Islam Awareness Week in contributing to the unity and cohesion of communities within Sheffield."

Inderjit Bhogal (Director of Yorkshire & Humberside Faith Forum)

• "I welcome and support the Islamic Awareness week, and thank all those who ensure that this is annually marked. Understanding each others faith is essential today as is challenging the misrepresentation of any faith…..Let us together choose to be good neighbours, and work and pray for each other.”