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Welcome to the Islam Awareness Week website!
IAW 2.011 - CONNECTING PEOPLE - Online and Offline
After over 15 years, Islam Awareness Week has moved from its traditional November slot to earlier in the year. This year the dates are
28th March to 3rd April
Initially IAW was aimed at providing information about Islam to whoever was interested. But it has also always been about bringing people together, sharing thoughts, learning from each other, whatever our colour or creed. IAW has also been about providing opportunities for people to work together on issues of mutual concern.
Recently we have seen the dramatic effects of people organising themselves for a common purpose around the world. One of the key factors that has enabled this process of change has been the use of technology, the “New Media”, the Internet, mobile phones, blogs and social networking sites.
For a few years now, many people have expressed concerns about the use of the internet as a tool to find accurate information. Mainly because of the ease of use to propagate ideas it seems to be awash with drivel and misinformation – the so-called “cult of the amateur”. The anonymity of some websites has led to a rising phenomenon of “internet hate” whereby people feel free to abuse others, pour scorn and encourage prejudice and sometimes violence.
Extremism of all kinds seems to have flourished on the internet. Accurate information about Islam on the internet in plain and simple language also seems to be lacking or is drowned out by hate sites. For example, it is important to find out how Muslims themselves understand, interpret and apply Islam in their lives rather than relying only on the newspapers or these hate-filled websites.
We are now seeing some of this hatred and violence spill over on to our streets – all of it fuelled by misinformation or ignorance, perpetuating a cycle of mutual loathing between the extremists on all sides. The time has come for reasonable people, the moderate majority, to stop this madness.
Therefore IAW this year will be about bringing people’s hearts together, in an open, honest and civilised way, online and offline.
More details of events and activities will be posted on this website in the next few days and weeks. If you would like to help, or would like to advertise an event in your area, or just need some more information, then please email us at: admin@iaw.org.uk
