Looking foward for this

WOMAN NATIONAL SEMINAR 2006

Building Community Cohesion

For Muslim and Non Muslims (Women only!) Saturday, 16th December 20061pm - 6pm (Doors open 12pm)

Venue: FRIENDS HOUSE 173 – 177 EUSTON ROAD LONDON NW1 2BJ Nearest tube: Euston Square British rail: Euston Station Ticket hotline: 07957 927 123

• Kids area available for children aged between 3-6 years
• Book stalls available
• Exhibition on Islam
• Food and refreshment available
• Coaches from major city (please contact ticket hotline for further details)
• Ticket priced £3• Children free (aged 3 years and below)

Programme

1:00 – 1:30

Chairs Introduction/ Quran Recitation / Documentary

SESSION I: MUSLIMS IN BRITAIN

• 1:30 – 1:45: Talk I

LIFE IN BRITAIN (Sultana Pervin)

The government foreign policy, together with its draconian anti terror legislation had lead to the current feeling of anger and frustration amongst the Muslim community. The first talk will examine how government policy as well as the media portrayal of Islam and Muslims has impacted life in Britain and the relationship between Muslims and Non-Muslims.

• 1:45 – 2:00 Talk II

WHY ISLAM IS HATED (Non Muslim Guest Speaker)

Have you ever wondered what your-Muslim colleague, neighbour or friend really thinks about Islam and Muslim? Is it the case that the average person in Britain really knows why Islam has become the enemy? This talk given by non-Muslim will provide a unique opportunity to understand how misconception can lead someone to be hateful and fearful of Islam and Muslims.

• 3:00 – 3:45: BREAK FOR ‘ASR

SESSION II:

COUNTERING THE PROPAGANDA AGAINTS ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

• 2:45 – 3:30: Talk III

KEY OBSTACLES IN BUILDING COMMUNITY COHESION (Shazia Akhtar)

One of the biggest obstacles Muslims and non Muslims face is how they can live side by side and build community cohesion. Recent comments regarding the face veil, lack of contribution from Muslims in British society and the lack of integration have raised questions of whether community cohesion can be created. This talk will explore the way forward in building bridges between Muslims and non-Muslims.

• 3:00 – 3:30 Presentation 4

ARE WOMEN OPPRESSED IN ISLAM (Rumena Begum)

The age old allegation against Islam is that it oppresses women. Whether it is on the issue of Hijab, marriage, or politics, the charge is that Islam seeks to strip the women of her rights. This interactive presentation will explore the common misconception about women in Islam and discuss the ways in which to dispel the common myths.

• 3:30 – 3:35 Presentation 5

HOW DO I EXPLAIN MY POLITICAL VIEWS WITHOUT BEING LABELLED (Ruji Rahman)

Muslims have their own political views based upon their belief. In the current climate, believing in the right to resist occupation or the establishment of Islamic governance can cause us to be labelled as extremist. This interactive presentation will look at how Muslims can convey their own political views to break misconception held by so many in the society without being labelled.

• 3:55 – 4:30 BREAK FOR MAGHRIB

SESSION III:

BUILDING RELATIONS BETWEEN MUSLIMS AND NON MUSLIMS

• 4:30 – 4:45 Talk 6

DISPELLING MYTHS: DIALOGUE WITH MEDIA (Dr. Nazreen Nawaz- women media representative of Hizbut Tahrir Britain)

It is well understood that the media is one of the biggest tools of propaganda. Muslims for a long time have been at the receiving end of the media’s bias and lies. This talk will discuss the importance of impacting the mainstream media and look at how many Muslim can be involved in creating a voice within the media.

• 4:45 – 5:00 Talk 7

HOW I CONVERTED TO ISLAM (Alya Musa)

Every Muslim must shoulder the responsibility of inviting all to the guidance of Islam. Our discussion with non Muslims can lead people to re-think their position in Islam. This is an opportunity to hear first hand what caused a non-Muslim woman in British society to embrace the truth.

• 5:00 – 5:20 Talk 8

ADDRESS – DUTY OF MUSLIMS IN CARRYING DA’WAH IN BRITAIN (Hodan Yusuf – Wife of Reza Pankhurst (ex-Egypt Prisoner)

Every Muslim living in Britain is an ambassador for the Deen of Islam. This final address will remind us of the noble duty of carrying the da’wah and how this work is vital in bringing the system of Islam back to the Muslim world.