Islamic Society of Britain
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[edit] What is ISB
The Islamic Society of Britain (ISB) was set up to provide a vehicle for committed British Muslims to combine their knowledge, skills and efforts for the benefit of one another and British society as a whole, through the promotion of Islam and Islamic values.
Along with their youth wing, the Young Muslims UK (YMUK), they bring together the youth, men and women from all social and ethnic backgrounds, and different schools of thought, for the benefit of all. As such, their membership largely reflects the diversity of the British Muslim landscape.
ISB welcomes all Muslims and non-Muslims, helping them understand Islam and live by its teachings and principles. They strongly believe that working for Islam is not just about campaigning for Muslim rights, but also about sharing Islam's view on God, life and society. They do so as an organised and dedicated group, engaging in sincere and constructive dialogue.
[edit] Why did ISB come about
The Islamic Society of Britain was established in 1990 by prominent Muslims to support an increasingly confident generation of British Muslims. This generation was beginning to realise the relevance of their Islamic faith to contemporary society. They wanted to reconnect to an authentic and pure Islam, free from Eastern cultural biases of migrant generations. They saw that such an Islam would be more adapted to thriving in the British environment.
After all, previous Abrahamic faiths from the Near East (Christianity & Judaism) had become acclimatised to the British landscape and as Islam was in Britain to stay, they saw no reason why it should not also become accepted, once presented in a fair and just manner. This is the need ISB set out to fulfil.
[edit] Aims
The Islamic Society of Britain aims to:
- Promote greater awareness and understanding of Islam in Britain
- Organise, educate and mobilise Muslims in the UK
- Work for the development of the Muslim community in Britain
- Encourage positive engagement with the wider British society
[edit] Methods of Working
The Islamic Society of Britian directs its work into the following areas:
Internally:
- Open and dynamic organisation
- Personal development of members- in outlook, Understanding, skills and character
- Facilitating spiritual progress of members
And externally:
- Promoting a deep awareness of Islam
- Social concern and engagement
ISB pursues these areas of work at all levels:
Through imparting knowledge, ISB helps individuals to become conscious of the Creator and to understand and live by Islam. Additionally, people's talents and skills are developed, they become socially responsible, politically aware and active in society.
ISB recognises that the family is the cornerstone of a stable society. Thus most of ISB's activities are designed to cater for the education and development of the whole family.
ISB develops members that recognise the need to foster a society in which the life, dignity and property of every individual, irrespective of gender, race and religion is respected and protected.
[edit] Membership and Structure
The Islamic Society of Britian is a nationwide organisation that has local branches in addition to a national guiding body, the 'Shura' - comprising of representatives from all the major sections of the organisation. The president and Shura are elected every two years by the membership. Annual Members Meetings provide a formal setting for members to feedback to the leadership, exchange views and opinions and help shape the organisation (although informally this is occurring all the time).
ISB sees itself as a movement and so for ISB each member is a valuable asset. There are no permanent hierarchies, committees or personalities - ISB is an organic body of Muslims that share a common vision. This is why they try to maintain a structure that is open and facilitative. They want each member to feel that ISB is their organisation - they shape ISB and their activities make ISB.
Membership is open to all Muslims irrespective of gender, age or background. Their aim is that members gain from the organisation and that the organisation gains from its members, working together to spread the beautiful message of Islam.
[edit] Activities
The activities of ISB are held at local, regional and national levels. They encompass a range of events, which contribute to fulfilling ISB's aims and vision. These include:
- Islam Awareness Week
- Radio broadcasting
- Exhibitions
- Conferences
- Seminars
- Weekend spiritual development retreats
- Regional and national camps
- Lecture programmes
- Study circles
- Dinners and social gatherings
- Jumu`ah (Friday prayer) provision at schools
- Sports tournaments
- And much, much more.
ISB also produces:
- Information leaflets
- Booklets
- Magazines
- Audio and video material
They run many national projects including:
- Young Muslims UK
- Islamic Scouts of Britain
- Living Islam
- Islam Awareness Week
- Knowledgeseekers
- Weekend4Women
- Nasheed Extravaganza
[edit] Other Information
The Islamic Society of Britain is an affiliate body of the Muslim Council of Britain.
