Strolling down Bonners Lane through De Montfort University campus this afternoon (just on my way to a routine appointment at my GP in the West End), I spy a table loaded with boxes of Krispy Kreme donuts. Now, that's likely to get my interest for a start. As my innmer Homer Simpson slows down to pay a bit more attention, one of the students running the stall asks if I want to buy a box. When I ask him what they're selling them for, he tells me that they're in aid of "Discover Islam Week" - partly to cvover the costs of the week, partly to raise money for good causes. I'm not aware of this event at azll. I don't know if it's something confined to colleges and universities, or if it's related to Islam Awareness Week, that normally takes place in November. Nevertheless, I'm happy to stop and chat with the students. While I'm rummaging around in my bag for one of my new business cards, I'm greeted by Zubair Sidat, President of the University's Islamic Student Society (ISOC), whom I remember visiting our exhibition in Highcross during National Inter Faith Week last November. I'm chuffed to see that he has one of the social media flyers that we were giving out at that event, well-creased and a bit distressed, but he has it in his pocket. Zubair is in the centre of the group photo above.
I enjoy the chat but resist the Krispy Kremes. Well, they offer me a free one and who could say no to that? Mind you, it's the only time I've ever uttered the words, "I love Islam and I love doughnuts" in the same breath!
I ask Zubair's permission to take some photos and record ask if I can record a few video interviews with the students taking part. He's fine about it, but some of the others are a little apprehensive to start with. Can't blame them for that, although I soon win them over. As well as the two pavement stalls, one on either side of the road, they've set up a marquee outside the university library. I spend a quarter of an hour in there, where I also do a little filming, with their consent and participation.
There are some interesting talks scheduled for each evening of the week. Sadly, coincidence of short notice and Half Term mean I won't be able to get along to any of them.
I offer a loan of the Council of Faiths "Muslims" banner, if someone can phone me Wednesday morning and pick it up from Pilgrim House.
Watch the videos I recorded on the Council of Faiths YouTube channel.
I shared the link to the YouTube channel (and to this blog entry) on the DMU Discover Islam Facebook page.
Leicester mosque serves up a treat for homeless
About 70 homeless people, refugees and asylum seekers were provided with support, advice and a hot meal at Leicester Central Mosque.
The Conduit Street building held an open day this week as part of national Islam Awareness Week.
The annual campaign aims to raise awareness of issues in the community which affect people of any religion.
In previous years it has included climate change and childcare.
On Monday people seeking shelter were invited into the mosque for free guidance by charities including City of Sanctuary and Refugee Action.
Hot meals were dished up by the Pakistan Youth And Community Association.
Visitors were also provided with bags of fresh fruit and vegetables and toiletries to take away.
Islam Awareness Week is run by the Islamic Society of Britain and coordinated in Leicester by volunteer Sughra Ahmed.
She said: "It has been about people of faith and non-faith collaborating to provide a service for those in need."
Other events taking place have included a ladies' fundraising meal for Rainbows.
This evening is the official launch of National Inter Faith Week for the city and county at County Hall, Glenfield (seat of Leicestershire County Council). Since I stayed at Highcross for the change of shifts at 1800, I arrive at County Hall after most of the food and drink has gone. Thanks to Sugra Ahmed, for guiding me to some vegetarian items that were left. Thankfully there aren't many vegetarian Muslims here this evening.
This is a well supported meeting, in the Council Chamber, in the presence of the Leader of the County Council, Councillor Roger Wilson, the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Leicester (for the second time today) and the Bishop of Leicester. It’s chaired by the Venerable Paul Hackwood, Archdeacon of Loughborough and Chair of the Interfaith Forum for Leicestershire. There’s an interesting mix of speakers and topics: Islam Awareness Week; Faiths Forum for the East Midlands; an “inter-faith recipe book”; an extract from a panto staged by Loughborough Council of Faiths; the signing of an “Inter-Faith Charter” by faith community leaders and representatives. Resham Singh Sandhu (Vice-Chair of Leicestershire Inter-Faith Forum and former Chair of Leicester Council of Faiths) delivers a typically rousing closing address. The evening concludes with a solo musical performance by Naim Cortazzi. I find out later that this was the first time a guitar had ever been wielded in the Council Chamber at County Hall!
Noel Singh gets a well-deserved ovation for his work in co-ordinating the week’s events and for being directly involved in organising this evening. In his own presentation, introducing the County Council’s small grants for community cohesion work, he's clearly conscious of the schedule running over by almost half an hour; I’ve never heard him speak so fast!
The keynote speaker is Dr Maureen Sier, Interfaith Development Officer for the Scottish Government. Scotland has had its own annual National Inter Faith Week for several years (theirs starts next week) and Maureen was speaking about the Scottish experience, how it has developed over the years and what we might learn from it as we hold the first such week nationally in England. I’ve known Maureen for over 30 years and I’m glad she was able to come down from Glasgow to speak at this event. She’s given me a lot of encouragement and support in the two-and-a-half years I’ve been at Leicester Council of Faiths and has been something of a touchstone to me in this important work that I'm fortunate enough to be doing.
Islam week aims to raise awareness
People from different backgrounds are being encouraged to get to know each other and celebrate what they have in common this week.
Today marks the start of Islam Awareness Week, which aims to improve community relations and raise money for charity. It is also the first ever Inter Faith Week in England.
Sughra Ahmed, co-ordinator of the week's activities in Leicester, said: "It's really important that we understand each other better, but most importantly that we put our words into practice – we have to go beyond talk and actually do things to make our city better."
From 11am to 3pm today at Leicester Central Mosque, in Conduit Street, food and shelter will be offered to asylum seekers and homeless people.
Fundraising events are planned and Canadian musician Dawud Wharnsby will perform at city schools.
Muslim women are encouraged to take part in an initiative called Dine at Mine and take non-Muslim friends out for an evening of traditional food and fun.
