Wales Blog - November 2008

Assalamu Alaikum wr wb

A great Eid Mubarak to you all, what a busy time of the year it is. Exams, assignments, events, Eid. Alhamdulillah

During the great month of November; We’ve had our first and biggest event of the year, the FOSIS Wales Annual Award Ceremony, and for the first time in FOSIS Wales, a rep from each Islamic Society in Wales was present, yep including Bangor! A jam-packed evening full of entertainment by the well respected Amir Sulaiman and more, Awards recognising all the ISocs achievements for the past year and of course Food. The Charity Week Countdown and video was also revealed for the first time – Check it out on youtube if you haven’t seen it yet. This event was buzzing, and everyone left with a massive grin on their faces. Not only was the event enjoyable, but it also helped the publicity of Islamic Societies and build stronger relationships with their university by bringing back well deserved awards; again this is another event that words cannot do it justice. It was also through this event we were able to start making contact with the different universities, inviting their Chaplains and Vice- Chancellors; and have maintained contact since. It is extremely important we maintain good relationship and contact with the universities; to keep the trust going and support. The aim is to meet up with each university by the end of the year insha’Allah.

We have many more projects coming through; alhamduillah with the things that have taken place so far, a Highschool college has actually shown interest to start up their own Islamic Society; a spark for a new project in Wales. Various other projects are underway such as the ‘Dawah Packs’, containing relevant and useful information for those who want to learn about Islam; its slightly like fresher packs, but can be used in IAW and any other event or stall or time. The ISoc Discount Card, proved to something very popular when consulted the students during our visits, and insha’Allah we are pushing to bring that through soon insha’Allah.

Reflecting on what the ISocs have been up to, ‘Iman week’ was just finished; done during the 10 days of Dhul Hijja – a way to help muslims on campus to raise their Iman; Feedback so far has been good; two ISoc took part Cardiff and Swansea. Something that other ISocs should defiantly look into.

An Inter-ISoc Ice Skating Eid social took place as well; Alhamdulillah a good turn out as well; but masha’Allah something that really caught my eye was Cardiff ISocs Eid Nando’s social which attracted 35 sisters – 5 of which were from the Christian Union; just shows – when you mention food, everyone comes! Masha’Allah Cardiff ISoc this year has maintained excellent contact with their Christian Union; something we all should strive to do that same iA.

Anyywwaay, Im sure you’re all bored of reading this, that if you’ve gotten this far into the blog.

Please remember us in your Dua’s, for it is only with Allah’s will that all this has happened, and with his guidance alone will we prosper insha’Allah.

JazakAllah khair

Alaa Khundakji,

Wales Chair