The Islamic Society would like to encourage all its members on the occasion of al-Hijrah to contemplate the meaning of this event and its spiritual significance in our lives. It is a unique occasion and we should consider the importance of that fact that the Islamic Era did not start with the great military victories, nor with the birth or death of the prophet (PBUH), nor with the Revelation of the Qur’an.  It starts with Hijra, the material sacrifice for the cause of Truth and for the preservation of the Qur’anic Revelation.  The start of the Islamic year reminds Muslims every year not of the pomp and glory of Islam but of its sacrifice and prepares them to do the same. We hope that this a day of constructive introspection for you and ask for your prayers for the success of the Islamic Society in the coming year.

With greetings of peace,

The Islamic Society Committee

1. Read a little of the Qur’an every day – you would just need to read 18 verses of the Qur’an per day to finish the whole Qur’an within the year.

2. Upload the Qur’an onto your iPod or MP3 player with a recitation by a Qari whom you find inspirational and listen to some everyday. The iQuran Pro for iPods has various Qaris, translations, as well as the ability to read in Arabic script.

3. In addition to your annual zakat and the zakat al-fitr given on Eid, perhaps sponsor a child, give a micro-finance loan to someone through an ongoing charity scheme, or find a project such as a school in a developing country where you can have a regular engagement. Such charity gives you an emotional connection to the recipient and will help you in being contented with the blessings that God has provided you.

4. Remember, fasting is not just for Ramadan; the Prophet said, “He who fasts Ramadan, and six days of Shawaal, it is as if they fasted a whole year.” (Muslim, Tirmidi, Abu Dawood, Ahmad, Ibn Maajah) Fasting is also recommended on the day of ‘Arafah (the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah) and the 10th of Muharram. The Prophet said, “Fasting on the day of ‘Arafah expiates two years of sins, last year’s and next year’s, and fasting on the tenth of Muharram expiates the previous year’s (of sins).” (Muslim) Mondays and Thursdays are also recommended days to fast, for the Prophet said, “The deeds of the worshippers are presented before God on Monday and Thursday, I like my deeds to be presented while I am fasting.” (Nasa’I)

More to come inshaAllah…..next: Intentions

Islamic Society is a society for all students without discrimination of colour, race, nation, and religion. It is the society working for humanity and peace. We want YOU to watch out for the Islamic Society this year, as we aim to make a major mark in our Islamic Society history. HOW????? We aim to do this by uniting and spreading awareness of the Islamic faith by opening the door and answering questions, being 100% proactive and standing diverse yet united and grounded in our faith InshaAllah. University time is meant to be the best time of your lives and we hope the ISOC can assist you in getting the most out of your university experience, without compromising your faith and values. We aim to serve the needs of all students whether spiritual, welfare or academic, offering a wide range of activities including lectures, socials, trips, study circles and much more!

Islamic Society strives to create a sense of community. We hope to create a feeling of unity and brotherhood and sisterhood Inshallah. We are an open, friendly society with a diverse bunch of committee members who are open to discussion and debate, so please feel free to approach us with anything that is on your mind.

SUPPORT, ENTHUSIASM AND ENGAGEMENT is what we need from each and every one of you, so please get involved in the society as much as you can, whether its volunteering to help out for an event, putting up or poster, or simply turning up to a social with an empty stomach, we need your involvement! Please take some time out to explore the rest of the website to check out what the society is all about and what it can offer YOU. We pray that Allah blesses us all with wisdom, mercy, understanding and knowledge, helping us all to be closer to our Lord. We welcome you to join us on our journey ahead this year!