Islamic Society of Britain
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The Islamic Society of Britain (ISB) was set up in 1990[1][2] for British Muslims to promote Islamic values. Its youth wing is The Young Muslims UK (YMUK).
Contents
Background
The ISB's first president was Zahid Parvez. On 16 November 2013 Sughra Ahmed was elected president of ISB, the first female to hold that post.[3] According to Islamic Organizations in Europe and the USA, the society caters to non-Arab Sunni Muslims, born and brought up in Britain.[4] Anti-Islamist author, Ed Husain, who participated in an ISB "Usrah" religious study group in the 1990s, describes the society as "proudly British", predominately middle class and professional.[5]
According to the book The Muslim Brothers in Europe: Roots and Discourse, the society is "based on a chaotic partnership" between members or former members of the Muslim Brotherhood and former members of Jamaat-e-Islami.[6] R. Geaves describes ISB as one of several movements that "have their ideological roots in the activism of Sayyid Qutb and Maulana Mawdudi", but whose "radical voice that called for an Islamic state has been toned down to a gradualist approach and the emergence of `British Islam`."[7]
According to Husain, the society broke with Jamaat-e-Islami, and has taken a "vehement stand" against the global, neo-caliphate Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir.
In 1997, some supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood "broke off" from ISB to form the Muslim Association of Britain, and Husain writes, some bitterness remains between the two groups.[8] According to Anshuman A. Mondal, the society "has been one of a large number" of British Muslim "organizations, individuals and processes ... that have been contesting older Islamist ideas, to varying degrees."[9]
Methods of working
The Islamic Society of Britain 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
Membership and structure
The Islamic Society of Britain is a nationwide organisation that has local branches in addition to a national guiding body, the 'Shura' - consisting 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 is an organic body of Muslims with no hierarchical structure other than individual participation. Membership is open to all Muslims irrespective of gender, age or background.
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 programs
- Study circles
- Dinners and social gatherings
- Jumu`ah (Friday prayer) provision at schools
- Sports tournaments
ISB also produces:
- Information leaflets
- Booklets
- Magazines
- Audio and video material
They run many national projects including:
- The Young Muslims UK
- Islamic Scouts of Britain
- Living Islam
- Islam Awareness Week
- Knowledgeseekers
- Weekend4Women
- Nasheed Extravaganza
The Islamic Society of Britain is an affiliate body of the Muslim Council of Britain.[10]
Notes and references
- ↑ Islamic Society of Britain. Last accessed April 15, 2008.
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- ↑ Muslim Council of Britain. Last accessed April 15, 2008.
