Islam, Beyond Misconceptions

Sunday, 2^nd August, 3.30 – 5.00 pm (Free)

It is one of the world’s most populous religions, yet perhaps the most misunderstood.

Abdu’r-Raheem Green discusses and clarifies various misconceptions and stereotypes about Islam in our society, often amplified by the media.

Abdu’r-Raheem Green is a British convert to Islam and a world-famous lecturer. He runs a consultancy, Green and Chambers Consulting, as well as making regular appearances on digital television.

Women, Islam and Liberation

Saturday, 8^th August, 3.30 – 5.00 pm (Free)

Farkhanda Chaudhry explains the position of Muslim women in societies and illustrates how they negotiate faith expectations in their personal and civic spheres.

Farkhanda is the first female Muslim Justice of the Peace in Scotland. She has led in the field of equalities, human rights and community development. Over the years she has developed and delivered training at an international level.

The Sacred Art of the Pen in Islam: From Past to Present

Sunday, 9^th August, 7.00 – 8.30 pm (Free)

This presentation will highlight the beauty and principles of this traditional Arabic art form.

By Soraya Syed Sanders (http://www.artofthepen.com)

Soraya is a renowned artist who spent seven years studying the art and received the “Ijazah” (Islamic Calligraphy Diploma) in Istanbul, Turkey.

She attended the Arts Foundation at Central St. Martin’s, London and graduated in 2001 from The Prince’s School of Traditional Arts, London.

Courtesy of Peter Sanders Photography©

Courtesy of Art of the Pen ©

Islamic Calligraphy Workshop

Choose between two sessions:

Sunday, 9^th August, 2.00 – 5.30 pm

Monday, 10^th August, 1.00 – 4.30 pm

Learn about the basics of Islamic calligraphy and the principles of geometric proportions that govern the letter forms. Create a beautiful unique artwork using traditional tools, inks and materials.

This afternoon workshop with Soraya Syed Sanders will offer you a rare opportunity to discover the art of Islamic calligraphy.

Soraya is a renowned artist who spent seven years studying the art and received the “Ijazah” (Islamic Calligraphy Diploma) in Istanbul, Turkey. She attended the Arts Foundation at Central St. Martin’s, London and graduated in 2001 from The Prince’s School of Traditional Arts, London.

Cost £25 per person; register by email (course@islamfestival.com) or at the Exhibition. Booking in advance is essential to ensure a place.

Courtesy of Art of the Pen ©

The Qur’an and Modern Scientific Discoveries

Friday, 14^th August, 3.30 – 5.00 pm (Free)

Has religion been made irrelevant in this age of scientific exploration?

In his lecture, Dr Jamal Badawi explains how in Islam sees religion and science as going hand in hand.

He also explores several cases where the Qur’an, revealed fourteen centuries ago, anticipated modern scientific discoveries such as in human embryology.

Dr. Jamal Badawi is Professor Emeritus at St. Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, where he served as Professor of both Management and Religious Studies. During its May 2008 Convocation, the University granted him an Honorary Doctorate of Civil Law in recognition of his promotion of “a better understanding of Islam” and contribution “to civil society around the world”.
He is also the author of several works on Islam, including books, chapters in books and articles, and the audio “Islamic Teachings Series” available online.

Is Jesus the Son of God?

Friday, 14^th August, 7.00 – 8.30 pm (Free)

British writer Idris Tawfiq was a Roman Catholic priest before becoming a Muslim nine years ago.

In this talk, he will explain how he has come to reconcile his former beliefs with what he believes today as a Muslim and why, in his opinion, Jesus came to be regarded by Christians as divine.

A Journey to the Qur’an

Saturday, 15^th August, 3.30 – 5.00 pm (Free)

The Qur’an! A unique revelation with an eternal and universal message, it contains guidance on all aspects of life.

The Qur’anic text remains unaltered, guiding people today as it did over 1400 years ago. Its beautiful recitation and eloquent language provides its audience with a heart-rending experience.

Sheikh Ahmed Sa’ad, who will be speaking and reciting, graduated from the prestigious Al-Azhar University in Cairo and is the Imam of North London Central Mosque. He is an expert on the Qur’an and its recitation, having multiple certified chains of narration to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

What’s Holy About War? The Real Meaning of Jihad

A question/answer session

Saturday, 15^th August, 7.00 – 8.30 pm (Free)

Does the Qur’an teach hate and violence against innocent, peacefully co-existing non-Muslims?

In recent years, a lot has been said and written about the supposed connection between the text of the Qur’an and the recent wave of violence involving a handful of Muslims.

In this Q/A session, Dr Jamal Badawi clarifies the concept of Jihad and answers all your questions.

Whose Holy Land? Islam’s View on Jerusalem

Sunday, 16^th August, 3.30 – 5.30 pm (Free)

Jerusalem and the Holy Land are at the heart of the three monotheistic religions; Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Khalid El-Awaisi and Idris Tawfiq explore Islamicjerusalem’s rich history and explain why the Holy Land is significant to Muslims.

Khalid El-Awaisi is the Director of the Centre for Islamicjerusalem Studies at Al-Maktoum Institute – University of Aberdeen.
His latest book is “Geographical Dimensions of Islamicjerusalem”.

Idris Tawfiq is the author of eight books about Islam, his latest being “Looking for Peace in the Land of the Prophets”. (www.idristawfiq.com)

3-Day Course: Conversational Arabic

Monday, 17^th – Wednesday, 19^th August, 2.00 – 5.00 pm

Get to grips with one of the world’s most important languages in these classes aimed at beginners.

Cost £25, register by email (course@islamfestival.com) or at the Exhibition.

Booking in advance is essential to ensure a place.

Fasting in Ramadan:

Exploring the significance of an age-old rite in today’s world

Sunday, 23^rd August, 3.30 – 5.00 pm (Free)

An interactive discussion with Professor Aziz Sheikh marking the beginning of the month of Ramadan.

Aziz Sheikh is professor of Primary Care Research and Development (Division of Community Health Sciences at the University of Edinburgh). His personal and professional experience will allow him to shed both a practical and spiritual light on the concept of Ramadan.

You Already Speak Arabic!

A Visual Gallery/Presentation of Islam’s Contribution to European Languages

Saturday, 29^th August, 3.30 – 5.00 pm (Free)

The talk aims to provide an informative cultural and linguistic insight and understanding of a collection of commonly-used English words of Arabic origins.

The Arabic language has had a great and long-lasting impact on many European languages, namely Spanish and English. This presentation aims to act as a reminder to us all of one of the many incredible contributions of Islam to the West.

The speaker will be using a selection of high-quality inspiring visuals to illustrate that we all already speak some Arabic!

Mourad Diouri is an award-winning e-Learning lecturer in Arabic studies at CASAW (Centre for the Advanced Study of the Arab World), University of Edinburgh. He has travelled across the UK giving lectures and conference presentations in his areas of expertise. He is also currently in the process of authoring a number of books on Islam and Arabic language learning and  teaching.