4/ In the run up the International Khilafah Conference in London on July 9 2011, Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain, the global Islamic political party, has launched a website to present its vision for change in the Muslim world. The demand for change in the Muslim world could not be clearer with the Arab streets courageously rising up against decades of repression.
As the Muslim world attempts to move into a new era, the new ‘Our Vision for Change’ website will:
•address latest developments
•present solutions rooted in Islam to tackle contemporary issues faced in the Muslim world
•profile Hizb ut-Tahrir’s conferences, demonstrations and rallies in its global struggle for political change in the Muslim world
The Our Vision for Change website can be accessed from here. khilafah2011
Muslim Marriage & Networking Events & Notices for June 2011 Assalamu 'alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu, Please find below details of forthcoming marriage related events, courses, notices and social network functions. CONTENTS - Islamic Circles Marriage Events in Brief and detail - Other Marriage related & Network Events in Brief and detail Please NOTE Islamic Circles does NOT take responsibility for any of the events, notices or comments, presented in this e-mail bulletin, other than its own. Those who are interested in taking part in any event or enquiring about a particular notice, should contact the appropriate organisations or individuals. This e-mail is offered as a community service, and is compiled on a best endeavours basis. If you wish to put up an announcement please email Islamic Circles. We reserve the right to edit submissions and not to include requests. Please forward to those who may be interested! ********ISLAMIC CIRCLES MARRIAGE WORKSHOPS IN BREIF ************** 1) RECLAIMING THE MUSLIM MANHOOD-ISLAMIC CHIVALRY & COURTLY LOVE,18 June 2) WHERE TO LOOK FOR SPOUSES AND WHAT AM I DOING WRONG ?: 18 June, London Full information see details below. ***** ISLAMIC CIRCLES MARRIAGE EVENTS IN BRIEF ************************ 1) MAURITIAN MUSLIM MARRIAGE EVENT: 18 June, London 2) INDIAN MUSLIM PROFESSIONALS MARRIAGE EVENT: 25 June, London 3) ARAB PROFESSIONALS MUSLIM MARRIAGE EVENT: 16 July, London 4) BENGALI PROFESSIONALS MUSLIM MARRIAGE EVENT: 17 July, Manchester Full information can be found onwww.muslimmarriageevents.org **** OTHER MARRIAGE RELATED & SOCIAL NETWORK EVENTS IN BRIEF ************** 1) EMERALD LOUNGE: 3 - 24 June, London 2) RE-EXAMINING GENDER IN ISLAM: 4 June, London 3) PETALS AND THRONS - FIQH OF MARRIAGE & DIVORCE: 4-25 June, London 4) FAMILY MARRIAGE EVENT IN MANCHESTER: 11 June, Manchester 5) DIARYFORYOUREVENT MARRIAGE EVENT: 18-25 June, London 6) PREPARE FOR MARRIAGE -INVEST IN YOURSELF: 26-28 June, London 7) EMERALD 100 - 1 July, London 8) MARRIAGE COURSE - JOURNEY TO HALF YOUR DEEN: 9-10 July, Birmingham 9) STAR EVENTS BIRMINGHAM MARRIAGE EVENT: 24 July, Birmingham *********** ISLAMIC CIRCLES NOTICES ************************************ Islamic Circles supports the following research - Please do contribute! CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS FOR RESEARCH INTO MUSLIM MARRIAGES I am an experienced British Muslim sociologist currently seeking participants for a research study into contemporary Muslim matrimonial practices. I am interested in for instance, exploring what a 'halal' relationship means to British Muslims looking to get married. What are your experiences in trying to find a partner? What are your expectations and hopes for marriage? What difficulties have you encountered? If you are interested in taking part or require further information, please contact Dr Fauzia Ahmad onfauzia.ahmad@aku.edu The research is open to British Muslim men and women of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and levels of religiosity. I am particularly interested in hearing from women over 30 and divorcees. All interviews will be conducted in the strictest confidence in accordance with British Sociological Association's Ethical Guidelines. Contact details: Dr Fauzia Ahmad Research Fellow Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations The Aga Khan University (UK) 210 Euston Rd London NW1 2DA Email:fauzia.ahmad@aku.edu Tel:020 7380 3853 http://www.aku.edu/ismc/research-fauzia.shtml Hon Research Fellow, Centre for the Study of Ethnicity and Citizenship, Bristol University, UK Advisory Board Member, Association of Muslim Social Scientists (UK) ********* ISLAMIC CIRCLES MARRIAGE WORKSHOP IN DETAIL***************** Islamic Circles presents: 1) RECLAIMING THE MUSLIM MANHOOD - ISLAMIC CHIVALRY (FUTWWA) & COURTLY LOVE Delivered by Islamic Circles Muslim Marriage Events Team* Date: Saturday 18th June 2011 Time: 9.30am – 1pm Venue: Birkbeck College, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX BOOKING DEADLINE: MONDAY 13TH JUNE 2011 after which prices increase. Allah says in the Qur'an: "Men are the protectors and maintainers of women because of what Allah has preferred one with over the other, and because of what they spend to support them from their wealth." (An-Nisa, 4:34) Since time immemorial men in all cultures have generally been responsible for looking after their womenfolk and leading the family unit. However, with the industrialisation of societies and the advent of the feminist movement, significant changes have taken place, particularly during the 20th century. While the effects of these changes may have been felt primarily in Western countries, Muslims living in the West and beyond are amongst those whose have been notably affected. Many Muslim men have become stripped off their masculinity and are much more submissive in their relationships today? I-phones, computer games, fast food and urban living have all contributed to this demise. At the same time, there has been the rise of so-called “liberated” Muslim women, particularly “feminist hijabis”, who rather than emulating the Mothers of the Believers (ra) and being ‘surrendered wives’ while making important contributions to society, they simply want it all and think they can achieve it all! Nowadays far too many Muslims are involved in marriages that devolve into an empty observation of duties and an equally vacuous demand for the fulfilment of rights. While such practices may be laudable in their proper context, when they are divorced from kindness, consideration, empathy, and true commitment they define marriages that become a fragile caricature. Such relationships are irreparably shattered by a silly argument, a few wrinkles on the face, unwanted pounds around the waist, a personality quirk or a whimsical desire to play the field to see if one can latch on to someone prettier, wealthier, or possibly more exciting than their spouse. Many Islamic organisations and shaykhs are also afraid to challenge these deviant ideas because ‘feminist hijabis’ are often the very individuals who provide their main sources of energy and income. Indeed there is a crisis among Muslim men, who have very little support to help them address the social challenges that confront them. Many of their relationships end up in divorce and a significant number prefer to marry a spouse from overseas. This brief workshop will focus on the following: * Reminding Muslim men of their God given rights and responsibilities * Understanding Chivalry both Western & Islamic (Futuwwa) * Understanding Feminism and its equivalent amongst Muslims * How to become a real Muslim man in today's societies Aimed at Muslim men but all welcome including sisters BOOKING DEADLINE: MONDAY 13TH JUNE 2011 after which prices increase. Ticket price: Pre-registration online: £10 (E-invoice will be sent) After deadline : £20 either cash or online To book please email your name, mobile, total number of tickets required tomarriage@islamiccircles.org ************************************************************* Islamic Circles presents: 2) MARRIAGE WORKSHOP - WHERE TO LOOK FOR SPOUSES & WHAT AM I DOING WRONG? Delivered by Islamic Circles Muslim Marriage Events Team* Date: Saturday 18th June 2011 Time: 2am - 5pm Venue: Birbeck College, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX "Allah will not change the condition of people until they change themselves." (Qur'an, 13:11) This workshop will look at the following: writing a good profile for marriage introductions; where to look for spouses; what to say during meetings; knowing yourself, your limits and potential; identifying where you might be going wrong and taking necessary action, plus more. Feedback from previous workshops: "Excellent, very clear, concise, anyone who is looking needs to attend this" - Aisha, 2010 "Thank you so much , needed this to kick start my search!" - Hamza, 2009 "If only I wish someone told me about these methods and techniques earlier on but now my search will be more focussed" - Fatima, 2009 All welcome BOOKING DEADLINE: MONDAY 13TH JUNE 2011 after which prices increase. Ticket price: Pre-registration online: £10 (E-invoice will be sent) After deadline : £20 either cash or online To book please email your name, mobile, total number of tickets required tomarriage@islamiccircles.org ********* ISLAMIC CIRCLES MARRIAGE EVENTS IN DETAIL***************** Islamic Circles presents: 1) MAURITIAN MUSLIM MARRIAGE EVENT Date: Saturday 18th June 2011 Time: 6.30pm - 9pm Venue: Birkbeck College, Malet Street, London, WC1 7HX Book online at:www.muslimmarriageevents.org BOOKING DEADLINE: MONDAY 13TH JUNE 2011 after which prices increase. A matrimonial event especially geared towards to Muslims of Mauritian origin. People of all ages, statuses, "castes" and economic levels are welcome to attend. Non-Mauritians Muslims are also welcome to take part if they are open to marrying Muslims of Mauritian origin. **************************************************************** Islamic Circles presents: 2) INDIAN MUSLIM PROFESSIONALS MARRIAGE EVENT Date: Saturday 25th June 2011 Time: 6.30pm - 9pm Venue: Birkbeck College, Malet Street, London, WC1 7HX BOOKING DEADLINE: MONDAY 20TH JUNE 2011 after which prices increase. A matrimonial event especially geared towards to Muslims of Indian origin thus it includes those of UP, Gujarat and the other 26 states and union territories that make up modern India. People of all statuses are welcome. Non-Indians Muslims are also welcome to take part if they are genuinely open to marrying Muslims of Indian orgin. Book online at:www.muslimmarriageevents.org **************************************************************** Islamic Circles presents: 3) BENGALI PROFESSIONALS MUSLIM MARRIAGE EVENT Date: Sunday 17th July 2011 Time: 1pm - 4pm Venue: K.D. Grammar School, Alexandra Road South, Whalley Range, Manchester M16 8GW DEADLINE FOR BOOKING: MONDAY 4TH JULY 2011 after which prices increase. A matrimonial event especially geared towards Muslims Professionals of Bengali origin. People of all ages, statuses, "castes" and economic levels are welcome to attend. Non-Bengali Muslims are also welcome to take part if they are open to marrying Muslims of Bengali origin. Book online at:www.muslimmarriageevents.org **************************************************************** Islamic Circles presents: 4) ARAB PROFESSIONALS MUSLIM MARRIAGE EVENT* Invited Professor Tariq Ramadan* [Oxford University] and Ustadh Moez Masoud* [Founding Director of "Al-Tareeq Al-Sah" Institute] Date: Saturday 16th July 2011 Time: 6.30pm - 9pm Venue: Birbeck College, Malet Street, London WC1E 7H DEADLINE FOR BOOKING: MONDAY 4TH JULY 2011 after which prices increase. Hal tab7athu 3an shareekati 7ayaatika? A maa zilti tab7atheena 3an ash-shakh9 al-munaasib li bintiki aw ukhtiki? *Arab Professionals Muslim Marriage Event gives an opportunity for Muslim brothers and sisters from an Arab background to find suitable spouses in an halal environment. People of all statuses, ages and backgrounds are invited to participate. Muslims of non Arab orgin are also welcome but subject to the proportion of Arab Muslims attendance meeting the minimum threshold and will thus be put a waiting list. Book online at:www.muslimmarriageevents.org *********** NOTICES IN DETAIL************************************** CAN'T FIND WHAT YOURE LOOKING FOR IN THE UK ? CROSS OVER THE ATLANTIC: Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) presents: MATRIMONIAL BANQUET AT ISNA ANNUAL CONVENTION 2011 Date: Friday 1st - Sunday 4th July 2011 Venue: Rosemont Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road Rosemont, Illinois, IL 60018 Platform for 50,000 Muslims to come together and interact in an Islamic environment. This banquet will be held during the 48th ISNA Annual Convention in Illinois. The banquet program will start with a short talk from a speaker on Matrimonial matters followed by interactive session arranged in groups and rotations. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with others in the group. The duration of the program will be about four hours. Please bring a business card or brief resume to share with others. Register:https://www.instantreg.com/registration/register.jspx?id=dca5b76ba8dd4956 To BOOK or for more information please visit:www.isna.net Tel: USA(317) 839 8157 ext 244 Emailakhan@isna.net/matrimonial@isna.net ************************************************************* MAURITIAN MUSLIM MARRIAGE WEBSITE An opportunity for single Mauritian Muslim’s to meet potential marriage partners. The site has over 600+ Mauritian Singles and has had a number of successes. Registration and search is free. £10 annual membership to contact members. Register now at: www.mauritianmuslim.co.uk Email: info@mauritianmuslim.co.uk **************************************************************** MEDIA REQUEST - BBC DOCUMENTARY ON YOUNG, SINGLE AND MUSLIM BBC 3 has commissioned 4 x 60 MINUTE SERIES looking at different faiths: Islam, Judaism, Christianity and Sikhism religions will be in focus. Young, single and Muslim will look at the conventions of dating and marriage in Britain today. How do young Muslim men and women find their prospective husband or wife? There are many methods employed by the community to find that perfect partner. Sometimes dictated by the complexity or the strength of the person’s beliefs, young Muslim men and women find their own technique. Whether that maybe traditional conventions through the guidance of the family. A 'Halal' methodology that is respected and acknowledged by the family and more importantly the community. For example an arranged marriage or a recommendation through a community leader. Less rigid and more modern ways are also employed like agencies or events. This series will look at the lives of 3 young singletons trying to fulfill their dreams of becoming matched with that partner. We will observe these lives over a period of time so we can see how this may evolve. Access to the family and the characters lives is essential. It will be told in a warm, energetic and entertaining way hoping that someone will find love and eventually marriage?! Age range between 18 and 29 years. Any geographical location will be considered in the UK. This is the initial process and stage of casting so filming will not be essential at this point. Just conversations and character finding! For more information please contact Afi Khan: Tel: 0207 017 1650 / 07973 785252 Email:afi.khan@rawtelevision.co.uk 2nd Floor Solecast House | 13-27 Brunswick Place | London | N1 6DX Switchboard:+ 44 (0) 20 7017 1650| Fax:+ 44 (0) 20 7017 1651 www.rawtelevision.co.uk ************************************************************* SAKOON MUSLIM COUNSELLING SERVICES - Peace of Mind....... If you have a problem that is seriously affecting "YOUR LIFE" such as marital disputes, physical or verbal abuse, family arguments, emotional relationships or feeling depressed then its important to seek professional help. Sakoon is a professional counselling organisation who are BACP registered, insured and CRB cleared, they can provide the support you need and empower you to live a better life. For more infomation please contact: Tel: 07960 735611 Web:www.sakoon.co.uk *********************************************************************** SAKINAH MUSLIM COUNSELLING SERVICE Are you Having problems with your parents or your partner? Are you having problems with your children and feel helpless? Do you feel that people don't understand you? Are you feeling lonely and depressed? For all kind of emotional issues, Sakinah Muslim Counselling Service is here to listen to you and explore ways of finding a solution within the boundaries of Islam Insha Allah. For further information please call 0870 005 3084 or 0791 991 1920 Email:info@sakinah.org.uk Website:www.sakinah.org.uk ******* OTHER MARRIAGE RELATED & NETWORK EVENTS IN DETAIL********** 1) EMERALD LOUNGE - UK'S LEADING MUSLIM PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL NETWORK Date: Friday 3rd June - Friday 24th June 2011 Times: 6.30pm - 10.30pm Venue: Hayfield Masala, 156 Mile End Road, London E1 4LJ UK's leading Muslim Professional Social Network, EmeraldLounge. A social space for Muslims, includes prayer space, delicious halal cuisine and great decor. A chance to enhance your social circle of contacts for business and social benefit. To book or for more information please contact: E-mail:info@emeraldnetwork.co.uk Website:www.emeraldlounge.co.uk ************************************************************* Inspire presents: 2) RE-EXAMINING GENDER IN ISLAM Date: Saturday 4th - Sunday 5th June 2011 Venue: Greater London Authority, City Hall The Queen’s Walk, More London London SE1 2AA Academics, scholars and activists will challenge and radically re-examine their understanding of gender in Islam. Speakers: Prof. Mona Siddiqui: Dr Chris Allen : Sheikh Michael Mumisa Prof. Khaled Abou El-Fadl : Dr Chris Allen : Samar Minallah Sheikha Halima Krausen: Mukhtar Mai : Prof. Amina Wadud Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood : Dr Umar Faruq Abd-Allah Dr Ziba Mir-Hosseini : Daisy Khan : Dawud Wharnsby Topics: Patriarchal Interpretations of the Texts Religious Authority in the 21 Century The Impact of Islamophobia on Muslim women Using Film as a Tool for Women's Empowerment Private V Public and Gender Equality My Journey, My Struggle Understanding Gender and the Ideal Relationship Common Misconceptions about Women Arising from Ahadith Women and the Cultural Imperative Islam and Feminism: Opening a New Dialogue Launch of UK Women's Campaign A World of Music and Social Change All welcome For more information please contact: Tel:0770 806 5150 Email:info@wewillinspire.com Web:www.wewillinspire.com **************************************************************** 3) PETALS AND THRONS - FIQH OF MARRIAGE & DIVORCE By Shaykh Abdur Rahman Ibn Yusuf* Dates: Saturday 4th and 25th June 2011 Times: 10.30am - 4pm Venue: Masjid e Quba, 70 Cazenove Road, Stamford Hill, London N16 6AA In day and age where the very act of getting married is becoming increasingly cumbersome and frustrating for many resulting in unhappy and loveless couples it is essential to understand the Islamic guidance pertinent to such an important aspect of life considered half the deen. The aim of the class is to provide a better understanding of the juridical (fiqhi) rulings pertaining to marriage, divorce and related issues. The class will cover the following: The pre-requisites and conditions of nikah (marriage), Unmarriageable kin (mahrams) Issues relating to marriage with the ‘People of the Book’ (Ahle Kitab) Choosing an ideal spouse ; The wali (guardian) Mahr (dowry) ; Kufu’ (compatibility) ; The method of the sunnah nikah Clarifying the differences between cultural and religious practices Polygamy, Zina (adultery/fornication) ; Walima After nikah rights and duties ; Sexual relations Rules of divorce ; Misconceptions of divorce The three types of divorce (talaq) ; Revoking a divorce (raj‘a) The sunnah method of divorce, Khula; The waiting period (idda) Custody of children (hidana) Each class will be followed by an opportunity to ask questions relating to the topics covered. This course is a must if you are thinking of getting married, have recently married, or would like to become better equipped to avoid the hazards that could lead to a troubled marriage. All welcome For more information please contact: Tel:020 8806 6540 Email:info@masjidequba.org.uk Web:www.masjidequba.org.uk ************************************************************* Altrincham Muslim Association Presents: 4) FAMILY MARRIAGE EVENT IN MANCHESTER Date: Saturday 11th June 2011 Time: 5.30pm Venue: Thomas Holford College, Urban Road WA15 8HT Altrincham (Near Manchester Airport) All welcome To book or for more information please contact: Tel: 0161 980 5965 / 0777 931 8780 E-mail:hearingspecialist@hotmail.com **************************************************************** 5) DIARYFORYOUREVENT - MARRIAGE EVENT FOR PRACTISING MUSLIMS Date: Saturday 18th June and 25th June 2011 Time: 2.30pm - 6.30pm Venue: Lancaster Hall 43 Lancaster Gate W2 3NA Join us for an informative and interactive marriage event for practising muslims in a relaxed, helpful, structured & Islamic environment (this event is catered for people looking to get married, who adhere to the basics of the deen). All ethnicies & ages and chaperones welcome. To book or for more information please contact: Email:diaryforyourevents@yahoo.co.uk Web:www.diaryforyourevents.vpweb.co.uk ************************************************************* Barefoot Institute presents: 6) WORKSHOPS - PREPARE FOR MARRIAGE - INVEST IN YOURSELF Ustadh Ajmal Masroor and wife Ustadah Henrietta Szovati (Barefoot Institute - Authors of "10 Things You Should Know About Marriage")* Date and Time: i. Sunday 26th June 2011 Muslim Community & Education Centre, 30 Oakthorpe Road, Palmers Green, London, N13 5JL ii. Tuesday 28th June 2011 Venue: Idea Store Canary Wharf, Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London E14 5RB Marriage preparation programme that is: • Practical and based on real life experiences • Guided by core Islamic principles • Centred around modern counselling and coaching techniques Marriage should be a simple process. Yet, many struggle to navigate through the initial stages of finding a suitable partner and the relationship. Topics included Discover Yourself: barriers to finding a suitable partner Expectations: better understanding of what you are looking for and what you are offering, roles and responsibilities Communication: learning practical skills for effective ways to listen and articulate your thoughts and feelings Intimacy: exploring and challenging issues related emotional intelligence and a physical relationship Developing shared vision: you and your spouse, in-laws, extended family and children The courses are open to all but spaces are limited. Entry is through prior registration only. Prayer facilities available and coffee/tea provided during break sessions The Trainers Ustadh Ajmal and Ustadah Henrietta have been married for over eight years. They bring a fresh approach to the field of marriage counselling by combining both practical and theoretical knowledge. The couple live in London with their two children. To book or for more information please contact: Tel: 07508 026 050 or 07983 066 426 Email:info@barefootinstitute.com Web:www.barefootinstitute.com **************************************************************** 7) EMERALD 100 Date: Friday 1 July 2011 Times: 6.30pm - 10.30pm Venue: St Ethelburgas, 78 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AG Emerald is delighted to announce details of the 100th London event celebration. Details will be finalised soon, featuring food, fashion, photography, artwork. A chance to enhance your social circle of contacts for business and social benefit. To book or for more information please contact: E-mail:info@emeraldnetwork.co.uk Website:www.emeraldnetwork.co.uk ************************************************************* As-Suffa Institute presents: 8) MARRIAGE COURSE - JOURNEY TO HALF YOUR DEEN by Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam Date: Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th July 2011 Time: 9.30am - 7.30pm Venue: Main Building, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET “And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquillity in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.” [30:21] The significance attached to marriage in Islam is reflected in the many Islamic proclamations, directives and laws aimed at supporting and protecting this sacred union. Marriage is regarded as a form of worship, a safeguard on chastity, and essential to the growth and stability of the family structure; it is a covenant between two destined individuals who unite to display their obedience to God and attestation to the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet, May the Peace and Mercy of God be Upon Him. For more information please contact: Tel: 07825 703828 or 07939 015351 Email:info@as-suffa.org Web:www.as-suffa.org ************************************************************* 9) STAR EVENTS BIRMINGHAM MARRIAGE EVENT Date: Sunday 24th July 2011 Time: 11am - 5pm Venue: Gables Hotel, Old Damson Lane, Solihull, B92 9ED 3 course Buffet Meal and drinks. Donations from this event will be made to the Pakistan Floods Appeal To book or for more information please contact: Tel:077 373 093 49/ 07854837000 Email:info@stareventsteam.co.uk Web:www.stareventsteam.co.uk For more information about Islamic Circles Matrimonial service please contact: Tel: 07914 481 776 / 07956 983 609 / 0779 4253 856 E-mail:marriage@islamiccircles.org Website:www.muslimmarriageevents.org Wassalaam 'alaikum wa rahmatullaah. Admin, Muslim Marriage Events - Islamic Circles-
