Assalamualaikum wa Rahmatullah

Today was the last day of the Idris Tawfiq Ireland Tour. It was an amazing series of lectures, workshops, and meetings. High lites of the tour were:

* Interview on the Gerry Ryan Show on RTE2 - over 400,000 listeners!
* UCD lecture - "My Journey to Islam"
* Meeting with the Archbishop of Ireland
* Meetings with the Lord Mayors of Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway
* Lectures in Cork and Galway
* Interview on Ireland AM - Ireland's no.1 Morning Show
* Trinity lecture - "Is Religion Relevant Today"


I want to write a short note about the milestone event we had in Trinity College Dublin this evening (24/10/08). Br. Idris Tawfiq delivered a well-thought out and inspiring lecture on the topic "Is Religion Relevent Today?" There was a large crowd, mostly Muslim, but a handful of people of other faiths as well. The crowd literally hung off every word said by our eloquent speaker.

We were able to also hand out certificates to those who have helped us a great deal during the tour and in Charity Week. Subhanallah everyone appreciated us recognizing these people and it is truly the proper adab of a Muslim organization to thank those who have assisted you.

Allahuakbar, a sister took Shahadah after the lecture!!! It was really a touching moment, and I feel very lucky to have been a part of it, and I hope I might get even a fraction of a fraction of the reward for it.

Someone after the talk came up to me and said "this was the best FOSIS event I have ever been to!"

Special thanks to Sis Munirah, our Co-Head of Islamic Societies, who single-handedly organized and run Charity Week Ireland. Literally every cent raised is attributable to her hard work, dedication, and perseverance, even when ISocs were ignoring emails or not too keen to help out and when the committee was busy with the Idris Tawfiq tour. I still feel I don't have a good understanding or comprehension of the amount of work (I have heard some stories!) she put in to Charity Week, but Allah knows and thats what matters.

Another Special Thanks goes to Sis. Intan Syafiqah, Sisters' Vice-Chair. She is the architect and coordinator of the Idris Tawfiq tour. This tour mashallah was planned to the t. We had concerns over our organization, however Sis. Intan's attention to detail impressed our speaker, Idris Tawfiq, and anyone else who has been involved in the tour. She did this even while having exams during the tour. Once, again, I dont think I will ever truly understand the amount of work Sis Intan put into the tour, but Allah knows and thats what matters.

Alhumdulilah, I am truly blessed to have such personalities on my committee. I am humbled by their work ethic and dedication. The thanks and credit I have given them does not even come close to what is due. May Allah reward you both and raise you in rank and grant you nearness to Him. Your faith is inspirational to us all.

Also, keep your eye out for the Trinity Muslim Student Association. There is a young, active, group of brothers and sisters (especially sisters!) who will be making a mark on the Islamic Society scene this year and years to come.

Upcoming events in Ireland:
Azzam Tamimi November 7th, Islamic Revivalism in the 20th Century; November 8th, Chronicles on Political Islam
Ireland National Council Meeting November 15th (moved from October 17th)

your brother,

Jawad Vaid

Ireland Chair