ISLAM: DESIGNED FOR LIVING

Fronting a table for the Islam Information Centre this afternoon is my friend Zubair Sidat. I got to know Zubair in his capacity as a Director at De Montfort University Students' Union. He and I have worked together on a few projects over the past couple of years, such as Discover Islam Week at De Montfort University, DMU Students Community Fair and the Inter Faith Week 2011 exhibition in Highcross.

I admire Zubair’s relaxed, personable way of interacting with members of the public. He’s able to put people at their ease and impart a good amount of information without making it feel like he’s lecturing them. One woman spends some time chatting with him and flicking through the literature on display. Her sister has recently converted to Islam after marrying a Muslim and she wants to know more about their beliefs.

The table is set up outside Clark's Shoes in Humberstone Gate and yes, I deliberately caught that text in the top left corner of the picture. That’s my kind of coincidence and it fits in with the style and tone of this blog, wouldn't you agree faithful reader? Got to love those Union Flags too, one at each corner of the table. It's Diamond Jubilee Weekend after all and everyone is flying the flag, all over town.

On the table is a wide range of pamphlets on diverse topics. Many of these are new to me and I'm glad to add them to my growing collection of such material. Now I should make time to familiarise myself with the contents. They're all published by Islamic Dawah Centre International. The titles on display are:

• Answers to Non-Muslims' Common Questions about Islam
• Concept of God in Islam
• The Hijab: Reflections by Muslim Women
• Human Rights in Islam
• Islam at a Glance: Muslims' Belief in a Nutshell
• Jihad in Islam
• Life After Death
• The Mercy of Allah
• The Muslim Woman's Dress: According to the Qur'an and Sunnah
• The Position of Women in Islam
• Three Men, One Mission: Moses, Jesus, Muhammad (Peace be upon them)
• The Truth About Jesus: A Muslim Perspective
• What does Islam say about Adultery and Fornication
• Who was Jesus? (Peace be upon him)

I mentioned at the top of this piece that this display is being done for the Islam Information Centre. Here's some information about the Centre, taken from its Facebook page:

The centre is located at 45 Highfield Street in the heart of the multicultural city of Leicester. It’s within a short walking distance of the railway station, City Centre and both Universities.

When the property was acquired it was in a very poor structural state. Through the will of Allah, the help of generous private donations and efforts of the local Ulamma (Islamic Scholars) the property has been transformed into a purpose built Islam Information Centre.

The centre consists of a large ground floor area accommodating a reception area and a permanent Discover Islam exhibition area with a kitchen and ablution area to the rear.

The first and second floor consists of spacious seminar rooms and a resource centre.

The IIC is operated entirely on a voluntary basis and is funded through regular donations from Muslims both locally and nationally. It is principally operated by a group of local Ulamma (Islamic scholars) who are articulate and possess a wealth of knowledge between them about Islam and modern day issues affecting Muslims and non Muslims alike. The centre consists of a large ground floor area accommodating a reception area and a permanent Discover Islam exhibition area with a kitchen and ablution area to the rear.

The first and second floor consists of spacious seminar rooms and a resource centre.

The IIC is operated entirely on a voluntary basis and is funded through regular donations from Muslims both locally and nationally. It is principally operated by a group of local Ulamma (Islamic scholars) who are articulate and possess a wealth of knowledge between them about Islam and modern day issues affecting Muslims and non Muslims alike.

I hope to be able to visit the Islam Information centre before long. When I do, I'll write it up here of course.