SAC Blog

VP Student Affairs- January/February

In the name of Allah, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy

Assalamualaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuhu

January and February in summary have involved a lot of upholding the truth and trying to preserve the special status of Universities that we believe in.

We remember always the Islamic teaching of balance, with truth and justice as it's backbone - the Qur'an states (translated) "He has raised up the sky. He has set the balance so that you may not exceed in the balance: weigh with justice and do not fall short in the balance" (55: 7-8), "We sent Our messengers with clear signs, the Scripture and the Balance, so that people could uphold justice" (57:25).

Detroit Bomber stuff

In my last blog I covered much about our thinking and work following the alleged attempted-Detroit-bomber attack. You can find it here. The reality is that University Islamic Societies play a crucial role for students and continue to be active, engaging and transformational bodies. There is arguably no other community of students than Muslim students more prosperous in raising money for charity; in raising awareness about their belief; in bringing students together like they do. Yet by manipulating to a climate of fear (of terrorism), some commentators and groups have immediately jumped to resurrect dangerous and discredited claims around Universities and extremism - quite irresponsibly - with a distinct lack of information rushing to conclusions. Evidence, not conjecture, is what we must demand to reason. And whilst it is only natural to wish to understand extremism at Universities - there remains absolutely no evidence to suggest that Universities are hotbeds of radicalisation. Crucially due legal process must be allowed to take its course and a full investigation needs to be completed before such conclusions are drawn. And I think Faisal said it best when he mentioned, "At the core of it all other than dividing communities, undermining cohesion and empowering the far right this clouding of the debate undermines everybody's effort in fighting terrorism, be it the Muslim community, the police or the security services."

As I mentioned in my last blog, Muslim students were empowered through their Islamic Societies to proactively get on the front foot (including our toolkits on stepping up the work of ISocs and working wisely with stakeholders) and the response from Universities and Unions was welcoming. As were the responses from University Vice-Chancellors when we wrote to them. We have maintained a constructive dialogue with the wider sector on the issue, including the Universities dept of the government, the NUS, and other bodies including the police. We held a major workshop in London with Islamic Societies to strategise ahead; joined by the NUS President and MCB Secretary General. Our Media presence sustained on the affair, led by the Media team. Yet there are concerns to tackle following the affair - some natural, some disingenuous.

Data Protection

A particular concern was the manner in which counter-terrorism police sought to gain information on masses of Muslim students without permission, which would then be kept on databases for 7 years and which could be passed onto foreign intelligence agencies. This took place at UCL Students Union. This is real, it's happening. There is nothing wrong with specific fact-finding for a case; but such overkill is bizarre. It could be illegal, is unjust and shows utter disregard of responsibility for an entire student community. Our Civil Liberties Division has specific ongoing work on the UCL Case with Muslim students, and at the same time we have now issued thorough legal guidance to Islamic Societies on data protection and privacy. The NUS too released this to Student Unions together with Liberty, in harmony with what we've provided to ISocs. If there is any approach made by police for contact details - please do contact us asap or contact Zín on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Freedom of expression

Our work on Freedom of Expression continues. Universities play a critical role in learning and intellectual adventure. We believe in full freedom of expression except that which incites to violence - and you can read our stance here. We have dealt both nationally with the narrative - with national organisations and in the Media - but also locally with specific cases including those at SOAS, Manchester University and others.

Some claims to prevent freedom of expression are made, I believe, in order to prevent exposure of the crimes of the Israeli government (it is natural for a sympathiser of the Israeli government to not have exposed its inhumanity and barbarism in bulldozing the lives of so many Palestinians, restricting access to water and food for large cities, inhumane expansion of illegal settlements over the rubble of Palestinian homes, contempt for basis human rights and so forth). Some claims are made to restrict views of social values that many people find distasteful - for example views in religion about homosexuality. There is legitimate discussion to be had in many areas, and it's important that we're aware of why attempts are made to restrict it. Key to the approach of preventing freedom of expression by the right-wing is the conflation of distinctly separate discourses. There is a discourse (let's call it discourse A) of political criticism (for example - dislike of the Israeli government), or of socially conservative values. Then there is a discourse of violence (condoning acts like 7/7) - discourse B. They'll play to your fear and tell you that if a speaker is promoting discourse A, then he is also of the same type of people that promote discourse B. This is completely untrue - and not only undermines debate on campus but undermines efforts to counteract extremism - for example some "discourse A" folk are the strongest voices against "discourse B"! See our stance for further details.

It should not be about whether we like a view or not. It's important we rise above all of that - and have freedom of expression on campus - and listen to the views we don't like - whether it be Azzam Tamimi or Benny Morris. Freedom of expression is crucial for a diverse range of ideas and views to be presented and will provide a sincere platform for discussion and debate. Universities, whose students have long been at the forefront of change and facilitating debate, have an important role in leading this. Freedom of expression and tolerance for diversity allows for constructive challenge from a range of views and thereby meaningful progress for our society; restriction of opinion gets us nowhere.

Muslim Student Survey - the quantitative exercise is now underway at Universities around the United Kingdom - led by the National Centre for Social Research, and steered by BIS (which includes the Universities Dept of the Government), the NUS and ourselves. We encourage you to participate if you're selected.

General Election - we're working with "Get Out & Vote" - we believe Muslim students have a special role to play in this year's General Election. Please get involved if you can - http://fosis.org.uk/student-affairs/projects/683-general-election-2010 for further details. This is a serious chance to make a real change on policy - take the opportunity!

Also - I met recently with David Lammy the Minister for Higher Education, where we discussed in particular issues of Freedom of expression but also the important role that University Islamic Societies play on campus. This was a positive meeting and despite all the hysteria surrounding University campuses, the stance from the government surrounding issues of extremism remains one based on evidence - and as such, aligned with the stance of ourselves, the NUS and other credible bodies.

I've got some more to cover but I better end there on the actual work. In my next blog I'll speak a little about our run-up to NUS Conference too.

One last thing - I look back these past few months, praising Allah for the role that he has empowered us with and for some of the justice and positive impact that we've had for students. And boy have we. We could also have done that bit more, and I accept we always could have. To succeed however and reach that, this organisation needs especially two things: one is your d'ua - that Allah makes us successful for His sake in all we aim to do. The second thing we need is your help. FOSIS is made up of diverse students from around the UK and Ireland who decide at some point that they want to do something very useful for His sake. If you want to do that - join FOSIS. If you want to benefit University life, or students, or Muslims - join FOSIS. If you think you need to change things for the better in FOSIS, then join FOSIS.

Til we meet again.

Wa salaam alaykum warahmatullah
Nabil

VP Student Affairs- December 2009

Assalamualaykum warahmatullah

Alhamdulilah, we've been busy. A need to speak the truth, to rise to the responsibility of our special role, to ensure the phenomenal work of Islamic Societies and Muslim students continues to strengthen and not to hinder, to protect the welfare of all Muslim students. FOSIS continues to champion these. It's time like these you learn to love the work, to work for His Almighty sake.

University Islamic Societies continue to be active, engaging and transformational bodies. From a basic place to come together with other Muslim students and pray and fast with, to charitable work, Islam awareness, diverse campaigns and engaging Muslim students with the mainstream. The legacy of diverse Islamic Societies continues to be etched on the lives of Muslim students who have passed through them. No doubt that Islamic Societies and Muslim students were shocked and horrified more than anyone at the alleged acts in the Detroit-bomb-plot and the suspect's Islamic Society connection. There remains no evidence in this case or otherwise to suggest that Universities are hotbeds of radicalisation; some discussion has looked upon the suspect's time on campus where there were no signs of extremism, whilst the serious discussion surrounding the suspect has focused on his post-University period. Conclusions can only be drawn once the full facts of the investigation of the nature and causes of radicalisation come to light - irresponsible conjecture and speculation must be avoided.

Muslim students returning to University should be able to do so without fear and suspicion, or intimidation - with campuses as safe spaces. Castigating Islamic Societies and Muslim students is wrong - and deeply unhelpful - suspicion and fear must be avoided. Indeed, knee-jerk campus responses must be avoided; including for freedom of expression - a principle that must stand firm on University campuses.

Our work as FOSIS has been unified and energetic over the past few weeks. Our liaison with key stakeholders in the University sector has been pragmatic. Our voice in the Media has been prominent. We have worked closely with Islamic Societies for support and advice, and FOSIS has produced two toolkits for Islamic Societies to help empower them and share best practise. SAC put together "Bismillah, time to act" - a strategy and resource pack to immediately get Islamic Societies and Muslim students informed, protected, engaging and on the front foot all at the grassroots. We have liaised with the wider University sector positively. We have worked closely with the NUS, whose support and role with Unions has been greatly beneficial.

The rest of our work has not only continued since my last blog, but re-energised especially these past few weeks. Grassroots work continues, as does the Muslim student survey, preparation ahead of next semester on key projects including freedom of expression and HE accessibility has taken place, we continue to address prayer room concerns, and so on.

We published our Freedom of Expression stance here, and our briefing for Muslim Student Safety.

Think that'll do for now. If you need support, if you want to get involved on your campus or in SAC nationally, if you have any questions - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it is how to contact us.

For all, our collective responsibility for campus is as great as ever - for reinvigorating discussion, for championing activism, for civic progression. Times like these, for Islamic Societies and Muslim students, should energise us to be the best - I urge you all to get participating as you return in your campus, whether your Islamic Society, Student Union, or otherwise. We're here to help if you need.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) said, "Truly amazing is the believer's affair. Everything transpiring in his life is good for him. This is something that only occurs for the believer. If a blessing is his lot, he gives thanks for it, and this is good for him. And if he is afflicted with hardship, he patiently endures it, and this is good for him."

Best

Nabil

VP Student Affairs- October 2009

Assalamualaykum warahmatullah

I pray this finds you all doing good insha'Allah. It has been a busy month on the scene...

-> A brief update on some issues that have taken place

1. Muslim students at City University were the target of a series of attacks culminating with three Muslims a week ago being stabbed after being surrounded by over 30 youths. Please read our statement on the attacks which can be found here and our advice here, and there is ongoing work on this serious matter led by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

2. Secondly, earlier this month Sister Shawana Bilqes of Burnley College was denied admission for wearing a veil, a very concerning decision, amidst further concern in the way the situation has been handled by the college and the way she has been treated, and all considering her willingness to compromise. Led by Sr Sadia, we have urged the college to reconsider their decision and readmit Ms.Bilqes, and also we believe an investigation is necessary into the manner in which she was confronted. We have sent a letter to the college, the Media press statement on the matter can be found here.

3. We also learned of how Prevent, the government's Preventing Violent Extremism programme, is being used to gather intelligence about innocent people who are not suspected of involvement in terrorism.

-> A quick update on what FOSIS Student Affairs has been up to

Alongside the work in relation to the above matters, the SAC grassroots workshops continue to take place around the country and do make sure you attend. If you don't see one, make sure one is taking place on your campus by contacting us - this is all about empowering Muslim students towards a culture of political participation and our workshops taught by experienced tutors. We've also had our slot at the excellent ISoc101 workshops led by ISCC in regions.

Work across the board in SAC from Civil Liberties to Chaplains continues to progress. Our Welfare team has been busy particularly supporting Queen Mary ISoc in their prayer room campaign. We set policy surrounding the rise of the EDL and similar far-right groups protesting. We had representatives for NUS Zone Conferences and policy submitted. On the Muslim Student Survey 2 the first stage of research is complete. Salman addressed the Joseph Interfaith Foundation's Conference on Confronting anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, and Sr Alaa' attended the National Association of Muslim Police Female Conference and consulted on the Ministry for Justice Rights and Responsibilities Bill. Look out for our work on Higher Education Accessibility and Freedom of Expression this month insha'Allah.

Before I end - I continue to urge you (really really) to get involved and lead in your Student Unions and student societies. Take the lead in debates, create opportunities to make change happen, for all your diverse reasons. It's a powerful solution. As for us, forever we welcome your ideas and your contributions; and do contact us also for any issues representation, prayer rooms or otherwise, if you want to get involved, and so forth. We keep listening at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

And remember always..the Islamic teaching of balance, with truth and justice as it's backbone - the Qur'an states (translated) "He has raised up the sky. He has set the balance so that you may not exceed in the balance: weigh with justice and do not fall short in the balance" (55: 7-8), "We sent Our messengers with clear signs, the Scripture and the Balance, so that people could uphold justice" (57:25).

Best
Nabil
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

VP Student Affairs- September 2009

Assalamualaykum warahmatullah

How time flies! Between this blog and my last, we completed Ramadan, celebrated Eid and entered Shawwal. May Allah (swt) accept all of the acts of worship by the Muslims across the world, and I pray that Ramadan is truly a springboard for our success in months ahead.

The strategic, evolved, energised FOSIS Student Affairs Committee has begun strongly and you'll be hearing about all our exciting work as we progress. The Grassroots Operation is up and running. The Grassroots Operation is central to FOSIS and insha'Allah we will be visiting campuses around the UK starting with workshops designed to politically empower you - so get involved.

Taught by experienced tutors, this is all about empowering Muslim students towards a culture of political participation. You'll be able to learn how to get involved with your Union, build transformational policy and become inspired leaders of tomorrow! It's about protecting fundamentals, as much as about the power to make a change. Our Grassroots Team will be delivering these, look out for them or if you don't see one happening contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to move things along!

In the past month I also addressed the student Stop the War Conference, and debated at Leeds University Union against the proposed motion "Should we invite the BNP to campus?".

I urge you to get involved in your Student Unions and student societies as you switch up gear's in this years campus journey, take the lead in debates, take opportunities to make change happen. Forever we welcome your ideas and your contributions; and do contact us also for any prayer room or Welfare issues, anything to do with Civil Liberties, representation, and so forth. We keep listening at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or give us a call.

Finally, amongst all of this, I just wanted to end on priorities, which we need to collectively improve. Prioritise the establishment of our salah brothers and sisters. The Prophet peace be upon him said, 'If someone performs his Prayer at the proper time, makes his ablution correctly, does the bowing and prostration properly and observes due humility, that Prayer will rise up, all bright and shining, and will say "May God take care of you as you have taken care of me!" But if someone performs his prayer at the wrong time, without correct ablution, not bowing and protrating properly and not observing due humility, his Prayer will rise up all dark and gloomy, saying "May God neglect you as you have neglected me." Then when it has reached wherever God wishes, it will be folded up like an old rag and he will be slapped with it in the face'.

Ws
Nabil

VP Student Affairs- August Blog

Assalamualaykum waRahmatullah

A belated Ramadan Kareem and I pray that this finds you in strong Ramadan spirits. 

In August, the main event was our Opening Weekend where we drew up our SAC Strategy for the year ahead, on what was a rather fruitful weekend masha’Allah.  Planning has taken centre stage over the past couple of weeks.  And in these early days, during the course of the month we also did some preparatory work on prayer rooms, Higher Education Accessibility for Muslim students and freedom of expression.

The Muslim Student Survey II continues to progress; and in mid-August in a meeting set-up by the MCB I had the opportunity represent the views of FOSIS on the North-West Students Case to Lord Carlile of Berriew, the Independent Reviewer for Anti-Terror Legislation. 

The evolved, wiser, energised FOSIS Student Affairs Committee is ready to go for the new academic year.  Strategy’s in place, work is prepared, and a new advanced structure too.  Forever we welcome your ideas and your contributions; we keep listening at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or give us a call.  I urge you to get involved in your Student Unions as you embark on your first year or a new year of your campus journey, take the lead in debates, take opportunities to make change happen.  We’re here to help – to empower you towards political & civic participation and leadership.

Finally, I urge myself first and encourage you all to maximise the final straight of this blessed month, and use it as a springboard for your religious success for the year ahead. The pure heart that we strive for is so much more accessible within the mercy of these days, and we have the best opportunity to refocus our minds.

I pray for a successful Ramadan for you, and may Allah prosper you and accept your efforts.

“O humanity, you are in need of God, but God is independent of all needs, worthy of all praise” – Qur’an, Surah Fatir 15:35.

 

Warmest regards

Nabil

VP Student Affairs