04 - 10 Sept 2009 06
C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
UK Schools receive free copy of Ramadan message from
Muslim Science textbook Tower Hamlets Council
An educational foundation has announced plans to
distribute free books to UK schools to highlight the
scientific and cultural legacy of Muslim civilisation. Leader Cllr Lutfur Rahman
1001 Inventions is the brainchild of the Foundation
The month of Ramadan, when Muslims across "The message of compassion and justice is
for Science Technology and Civilisation (FSTC) – a
the world fast during the hours of daylight, strong in the Islamic faith, as it is in others, but
network of academics dedicated to debunking the
begins this weekend. not just in the holy month of Ramadan. It is a
myth of the so-called “Dark Ages of Civilisation”.
In a message to the borough's Muslim residents, universal message that unites us all and is
Last month, atheism activist Richard Dawkins
Tower Hamlets Council Leader Cllr Lutfur reflected in our shared vision for One Tower
announced plans to distribute free DVDs to UK
Rahman said: "We wish you, your family and all Hamlets.
schools. Whilst FSTC does not consider it’s 1001
Muslim communities here in Tower Hamlets, "Tower Hamlets is a borough of around 70,000
Inventions campaign a direct challenge to Dawkins,
our sincerest best wishes for this, the sacred Muslims and in Britain over 2 million. Tower
it does hope to encourage debate about the relation-
month of Ramadan. Hamlets and Britain today is a better place
ship between science, faith and culture.
"Ramadan is a time for family and friends. A because of our diversity and openness. Our cul-
FSTC has campaigned for school curriculums to
time when Muslims around the world focus ture and society are stronger because of the con-
acknowledge the scientific achievements of Muslim
more on others than themselves. tribution Muslims make everyday.
civilization for more than a decade. While the
"As you come together for the next month to "As British Muslim communities across Tower
Dawkins campaign, supported by the British
break the fast, thoughts will be of faith, families Hamlets begin Ramadan, may we take this
Humanist Association, positions science and religion
and togetherness. It will also be a time for opportunity to say: may your Ramadan be
as opposing forces, the 1001 Inventions project
prayer, contemplation and reflection; a time to peaceful and blessed. Once again Ramadan
reminds us that for 1000 years the religious and the
remember those who are less fortunate today. Mubarak to you all."
scientific were comfortable bedfellows and led to
unprecedented openness to new ideas and social
change.
The book that accompanies the project is entitled
1001 Inventions: Muslim Heritage in Our World and
Iftar in the park
highlights the thousand years of social, scientific and
Emdad Rahman : London Bangla reporter
technical achievements that are currently under-
Toyris Miah is inviting everyone in sharing Iftar
recognised in schools’ textbooks. The project aspires
present day science. A story that is often missing
this Ramadhan. “The event that my friends and I
to deliver at least 3000 copies of the book to UK
from our textbooks.”
have organised is an Iftar, (the evening meal that
schools by October 2009, and is seeking public sup-
The 1001 Inventions campaign was launched by the
breaks each day's fast during Ramadhan), which
port for the campaign through a sponsorship scheme
Foundation for Science, Technology and Civilisation
will take place in a public park,” he said.
(as has Dawkins).
(FSTC); a not-for-profit, non-religious and non-
Everyone is welcome to attend the event, regard-
Professor Salim Al-Hassani, chief editor of the book,
political body based in the UK but supported by aca-
less of age, race or religion.
explained: “The period between the 7th and 17th
demics from across the globe. The project has
The fundraiser is on behalf of Muslim Aid, to
centuries, that has been erroneously labeled ‘The
attracted the support of leading educators, scientists
raise money for those who will be affected by the
Dark Ages’ was in fact a time of exceptional scien-
and politicians.
harshness of the up-coming winter and other dis-
tific and cultural advancement in China, India and
The book 1001 Inventions comes with a DVD, a
asters in developing countries all over the world.
the Arab world. This is the period in history that gave
poster set for classrooms, a free Teachers Pack and
Toyris added; “We hope that everyone will attend
us the first manned flight, huge advances in engi-
lesson plans. A nationwide campaign will be
our picnic with a twist. It allows an open envi-
neering, the development of robotics and the founda-
launched in September across the UK encouraging
ronment for people to learn from each other, net-
tions of modern mathematics, chemistry and physics.
parents and teachers to provide children with a fair
work and most of all; to understand each other.
“Whilst the Dawkins DVD teaches young people
and accurate understanding of the debt modern soci-
“To this day, people’s religions, traditions and
about ‘the experimental scientific method’, it fails to
ety owes to other civilisations.
ways of life are still not understood.
point out that it was pioneered by a religious physi-
Further information is available at www.1001inven-
Unfortunately these misconceptions lead to prej-
cist called Ibn-Al Haytham, who saw no conflict in
tions.com or by visiting www.MuslimHeritage.com,
udice that may create animosity; we want to
being both a Muslim and a scientist. Our campaign is
which are the world’s leading online sources for
encourage community cohesion.”
working to tell the story of the cultural origins of our
Muslim heritage information.
The organisers will be holding a Samosa compe-
tition to see who really does make the best
Samosa. “If you would like to enter then please
weather permitting, it is hoped that Taraweeh
ISLAND FC KIT LAUNCH EVENT
bring 3 of the same Samosas with you on the
prayers can be performed in congregation.
day,” said Toyris. “For example, 3 chicken
Samosas, 3 lamb Samosas or 3 veg Samosas.”
Attendees should bring:
Participants can enter any type of Samosa as long
•Food for Iftar
as the ingredients are Halal.
•Picnic blanket to be used as prayer mats as well
Also taking place will be a charity auction at the
•If possible a camping light or torch.
event for various different items, which have
kindly been donated.
Event Details
If anyone is interested in sponsoring the event by
Time: 6:00pm - Late
offering financial support or by donating any-
Date: 5th September
thing, from some napkins to some food to share
Price: FREE! Bring your own food
with guests, then they can get in touch with
Venue: Higbury Fields, N5
Toyris.
Contact Details: 07833393508 e-mail: toyris-
Also in attendance will be Nasheed singers and
miah@googlemail.com
Molten Festival - Global Village Fete
Emdad Rahman : For 2009 London
International Festival of Theatre
(LIFT), and Molten Festival, Barking
and Dagenham's annual celebration of
art, culture and diversity, joined forces
to bring you LIFT Molten Festival!
LIFT Molten Festival had something
for everyone to love with an irre-
sistible programme of dazzling spec-
Island FC celebrated the launch of their new kit on League
tacle, interactive performances and
Wednesday 19th August 09. The event, held at The new team, put together by Island Neighbourhood exclusive commissions involving a
Millwall Park on a warm sunny evening was attend- Project is funded by a grant from the Football host of local participants and a fantas-
ed by Jim Fitzpatrick MP, players, management and Foundation. The Foundation is dedicated to revitalis-
tic line up of artists from the breath-
supporters. ing the grass roots of the game, constructing modern
taking Transe Express to the ever-
Players have been brought together from all corners football facilities, developing football as a force for
saucy Whoopee Club.
of the Isle of Dogs, they train every Wednesday social cohesion and as a vehicle for education in
evening at the park and will play their first league communities throughout the country.
LIFT's ingenious portable perform-
game next month in the Inner London Amateur
ance space, The Lift, took centre stage
on Abbey Green as the venue for this
year's programme and for the final
+ STOP PRESS + STOP PRESS + STOP PRESS +
weekend was transformed into a huge
open stage for some fabulous events!
Do you have any interesting works of poems, short stories or reports? Would you like
A wonderful outdoor experience and
to see your work published on this page. Email us – emdad@londonbangla.com
plenty of fun in the sun!
– Donʼt forget to include your full name, age and school.
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