Initiated by The Leicester Branch of The Islamic Society of Britain, this specially commissioned exhibition ‘Past and Present: 1000 years of Islam in Britain’ depicting the rich history of interaction between Islam and the British Isles, will be on display at New Walk Museum & Art Gallery from 21st November 2005 – 23rd December 2006.

Launched during Islam Awareness Week, discover a relationship that stretches back to the 8th Century CE, when Muslims probably visited these shores as explorers and traders and Anglo-Saxon sailors ventured to North Africa. The exhibition explores the mutually enriching role that Islam and British culture has played in the past and continues to play today, including a look at the changing face of the Muslim community in Leicester since the 1960s.

This year's theme of "Past and Present: 1000 years of Islam in Britain", highlights the contribution of present day British Muslims, as well as exploring the rich history of interaction between Islam and Britain that extends over a thousand years. All too often, awareness of the contributions made by British Muslims to the welfare and cultural wealth of this country are lost in our politicised climate. This results in a lack of understanding between communities, mutual respect and tolerance. Some of the reactions following 9/11 and the recent events on 7th July in London have highlighted this all too well. We hope that this event will make a positive contribution to redressing the balance. Our objective is to challenge the misconceptions and encourage cross-community dialogue.

Interesting events accompanying the exhibition at New Walk Museum include:

• The Islamic Calligraphy Workshop on Wednesday 23rd November, from 10.00am – 2.00pm. Learn to write your name in Arabic and discover the beauty of Islamic calligraphy. Free
• ‘Bites from the Muslim World’ on Thursday 24th November, from 10.00am – 2.00pm - a fantastic opportunity to sample cuisine from different Muslim countries around the world. Free
• At ‘Dressing up Time!’ on Friday 25th November, from 10.00am – 2.00pm try on different types of Muslim dress from Iraq to Pakistan to Somalia and have your picture taken! £1.00 for activities.

‘Past and Present: 1000 years of Islam in Britain’ will be on display at New Walk Museum & Art Gallery from 21st November 2005 – 23rd December 2006. Admission free. For museum opening times and further details, telephone 0116 225 4900.

ABOUT ISLAM AWARENESS WEEK

In 1997 the Commission on British Muslims and Islamophobia by the Runnymede Trust confirmed the existence of widespread prejudice and discrimination against Muslims in Britain. Their report, 'Islamophobia - a challenge for us all' (1997), launched by the Home Secretary at the House of Commons, proposed sixty recommendations, one of which was the desperate need for awareness and understanding of the true teachings of Islam. This was confirmed by the Commission’s second report on Islamophobia launched in 2004.

Sadly, Islam and Muslims are often portrayed as unreasonable, fanatical, intolerant, violators of human rights and anti-women. These popular images come down from age old myths and fears, often fuelled by political and economic interests and sometimes reinforced by the publicity given to extremists on the margins of British Muslim society. They have led to prejudices and negative feelings about Islam and Muslims.

These misunderstandings breed suspicion, discrimination, racism and even violence. We believe that these misconceptions must be removed if we are to see the development of a truly multi-faith Britain. Only then can we experience the joy of living together. We believe that through awareness and understanding we can create better relations, develop tolerance, respect and harmony in our society. The national Islam Awareness Week (IAW) is an opportunity for all of us to come forward and show our solidarity in addressing the threat posed by Islamophobia in the UK.

There are almost 2 million Muslims living in Britain at present. They consist of a diverse community; representing many backgrounds, colours and languages. They can be found in every field and walk of life. They have played their part in contributing to Britain's wealth and culture at all levels. Indeed, Islam is no longer a foreign and strange religion practised by people living in other countries. It is very much a part of every day life for many Britons. In fact, the majority of Muslims in Britain were born here. Islam commands its followers to respect, preserve and strengthen all that is good in British society. Furthermore, it gives them the sense and inner strength to resist and change those aspects of the society which weaken its human character.

Islam is not a new religion. It is not specific to any people or region. It is a message to all to live in service of their Creator, of good and virtue and in service of each other. In Islam, there is no compulsion or coercion in matters of faith and religion. Tolerance of differences is an essential part of this paradigm.

During the week Muslim communities throughout the country will be organising a range of activities and events aimed at giving information about their way of life, developing contact with individuals and institutions, promoting social interaction and celebrating art and culture. We believe it can make a significant and historic contribution to community relations in Britain.

There are many things that you can do. We invite you to be involved in this campaign this year. The IAW aims to create an awareness of Islam in our society by involving everyone throughout Britain, irrespective of their school of thought or group affiliation. Everyone is invited to come forward and join hands in practical efforts to rid Britain of Islamophobia.

Reprinted from the Islam Awareness Week website, for further information visit www.iaw.org.uk.