Fortnight aims to dispel Muslim myths

Islam Awareness Week (IAW) starts today and Oxford University Islamic Society has organised not one, but two weeks of events.

The national initiative aims to dispel myths and improve understanding of Britain's second largest 'faith community'.
Student societies, charities and a whole host of community organisations will be holding events to further unite Britain's diverse communities, and develop respect and understanding between different race and faith groups.

President of Oxford's Islamic Society, Hassan Malik, stressed the importance of the event. He said: "We aim to provide a true and fair representation of Islam, through a diverse range of events -- especially given the current misunderstandings towards the religion." The theme of IAW 2005 is 1,000 years of Islam and Britain. And as well as highlighting the history of interaction between Islam and the British Isles, many of the events will examine the contemporary Muslim presence in the backdrop of British history. The launch of Islam Awareness in Oxford was held yesterday in the Edward Boyle Auditorium, St Hilda's College.

Events coming up are:

Thursday: 7pm, at the Saskatchewan Room of Exeter College, speakers event, Theme: Why I chose Islam?

Saturday: 1pm and 6pm at the Oakeshott Room, Lincoln College, Shabir Ally talk on Abrahamic faiths and divine justice in Islam

Sunday: Cultural fair: A taste of Muslim cultures and civilisation, from 3pm-7pm at Flora Anderson Hall, Somerville College

Monday, November 21: DVD: Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet, at 7.30pm, Saskatchewan Room, Exeter College

Tuesday, November 22: Tariq Ramadan: What is Shariah Law?, 7.30pm, O'Rielly Theatre, Keble College

Thursday November 24: Muslim Heritage: The dialogue of civilisations -- Islamic influence on European Renaissance, 7pm, Saskatchewan Room, Exeter College

Monday November 28: How the Koran leads the way to science, 7pm, Oakeshott Room, Lincoln College.

Source: Oxford Mail