Beyond Bilal: Black History In Islam

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Understanding Women’s Activism in Iran Through Cinema – A special screening of Mahshad Afshar’s documentary Women on Both Sides of the Camera followed by a discussion with the director. In support of Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM), this November the University will be running several events to raise awareness of Islamophobia as well as highlight the positive contributions of Muslims in the UK. This is the tenth year the annual campaign has run, with events taking place across the country.

This year I want to document more to do with food heritage and history so watch this space or reach out. ISocEd events – ISocEd was formed in 2001 to provide a space for all who are interested in Islam. With a combination of social and informative events, the society works to represent and assist all Muslim students at the University, and promote a positive understanding of Islam and Muslims to the wider Edinburgh community. The society has various events planned during November including a talk by journalist Hamza Syed, a panel discussion exploring being a Muslim student in the UK and an event looking at Islam and the History of Arabic Calligraphy. Sumayyah (ra) was assured by the Prophet (saw) that her destination was Paradise. She was one of the early converts to Islam and has the exalted status of being the first martyr of Islam. Julaybib (ra) teaches us the lessons of being beloved in the sight of Allah and His messenger (saw). Julaybib went on a journey from being an outcast to a beloved. He was derided by his own society, due to his outward appearance, but was beloved to the Prophet (saw) and was gifted the death of matyr. Umm Ayman (Barakah)I'm a simply striving to be better and improve in different areas of my life through more self awareness, experiences and learning more about the deen.

The University recently adopted the working definition of Islamophobia developed by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims alongside the guidelines from the Coalition Against Islamophobia. This came about after several teams across the University championed the definition, and the University community led on several awareness-raising discussions that took place during Islamophobia Awareness Month in 2021. This ultimately encouraged an endorsement of a formal proposal by the Edinburgh Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the University Executive. On a special note, I throughly enjoyed the whole book but the last chapter was by far my favourite. As a Muslim women there is something tremendously beautiful about learning how our female ancestors played very active roles in keeping our traditions alive. Muslim women have always been at the forefront of the preservation and furthering of the deen whether that be as teachers, spiritual guides or mothers. Reading that last chapters filled me with absolute joy and gave me a sense of pride. Talha commenced the event with an introduction to Ustadh Mustafa Briggs and his book, and asked about his visiting Gambia and meeting the President of Gambia, Adama Barrow. The origin of these Companions is often overlooked, yet in their origin is a great lesson for us. The Prophet (saw), the greatest gift to mankind exalted and raised the status of these companions. He embodied the teachings of Islam, of kindness, equality and love for all believers. We say we truly love him, then surely we should aim to follow in his footsteps, in all ways. Umm Ayman (ra) was the first among the early Muslims and like others, faced punishment of the Quraish. She remained steadfast in her belief and loyal to the Prophet (saw). Her ultimate concern was the affairs of the Muslims and the protection of the faith. During a visit from the Prophet, he asked: “ Ya Ummi! Are you well?” and she would reply: “I am well, O Messenger of Allah, so long as Islam is.”Dr Robin Darwall-Smith, University College, University of OxfordA History of University College, Oxford. Advice & Wellbeing Oxford SU is home to the Student Advice service and wellbeing communities for your college. Find out more about our services here.