|
With
such an enormous amount of attention being focused upon the Islamic
world it's sometimes hard to pick the reality from the myth.
Arshad
Sharif - one of the organisers behind this years open day - describes
this weight of information as almost unstoppable, and at times overwhelming.
"We feel like we're drowning", he said.
"You've
got to speak out and you've got to be honest because people have
all sorts of misconceptions about Islam", he added.
"But
there's this great media juggernaut constantly giving this type
of information and there's us at a grass roots level trying to counteract
it - what we're trying to do is very humble in comparison."
And
according to Arshad this continued misunderstanding of his faith
is starting to have an impact at a local level - in our community.
"This
year there is a feeling that communication is starting to break
down between the Muslim and non-Musilm," he said.
"We
feel that unless we try and reach out and try and explain ourselves
- in the absence of that - the void will be filled with bad-feeling
and rumour."
The
message from Arshad and the organisers of the awareness day is simple
- come along and listen.
"Don't
feel shy - just because you're in a mosque you don't have to worry
that you might be offending people - we have absolutely nothing
to hide."
"OK
- Islam is an alternative outlook on life - we have certain views
that may differ from views of this culture - but we're quite open
about them," he added.
The
emphasis of the day is on dialogue and openness - the event is intended
to be lively and to stimulate debate.
 |
| Yvonne
Ridley is one of the speakers. |
"The
talks are very short - about half and hour - and then there will
be plenty of time for questions and answers," said Arshad.
"From
past experience we've found that the Q&A sessions are when things
really get going - and it's probably the most interesting part.
"We're
hoping that people will mingle, and talk and create some dialogue
- we're just trying to light the touch paper - get things started."
The
former Daily Express Journalist, Yvonne Ridley is one of the speakers.
In 2001 Ridley spent 10 days in a Afghan prison - arrested by the
Taliban on suspicion of spying.
The
experience changed her life and led her to eventually convert to
Islam. Ridley will be talking about her experience.
"In
our own small way we thought the least we can do is try and do something
in Southampton to bridge this communicating gap", added Arshad.
|
