The theme for IAW 2009

This year Islam Awareness Week will coincide with the first ever Inter Faith week in England.

15th - 21st November 2009

The Islamic Society of Britain initiated Islam Awareness Week (IAW) in 1994 as an annual, week-long programme designed to raise awareness and remove misconceptions surrounding Britain’s second largest faith group. During the week Muslim communities throughout the country organise activities and events to provide information about their way of life, develop relationships with individuals and institutions, promote social interaction and celebrate Islamic art and culture. In 2009 a key theme of the Week will be inter faith dialogue, highlighting the ways in which Muslims are working with other faith communities and promoting good inter faith relations as well as engaging with wider society.

This year IAW coincides with a one-off national Inter Faith Week for England and Wales. Islam Awareness Week activities will be an important part of the events during this Inter Faith Week and are likely, as such, to receive additional publicity. It will also help the commitment of Muslims to inter faith dialogue and co-operation to be celebrated alongside that of Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Jews and people of other faiths. There has been careful consultation between the organisers of the ‘Weeks’ to ensure complementarity and added value. Timing of the Inter Faith Week was also subject to careful consultation with other faith communities.

There will be a free training day in July for anyone who would like to take part in IAW this year. Please click here for more details.

There will be more information about IAW 2009 soon. In the meantime please contact us at admin@iaw.org.uk

For more information about Inter Faith Week, please see the press release from the Department of Communities and Local Government.