Introduction

In this increasingly interconnected world, all our futures are tied together. ‘One World’, is the global village we inhabit; the things that we have in common are more significant than the differences that exist between us.”

Last year the theme of Islam Awareness Week was One World and we focused on making the world a better place by looking after our environment and by understanding each other better.

It is often said that ‘our children are our future’, but it is up to all of us to give them a solid foundation from which to build a better world. In traditional Islamic teachings children are viewed as a blessing and a trust, upon all of us. Children have the right to be loved, valued and protected from all forms of abuse. They have the right to an equal chance in life and the opportunity to reach their full potential.

“The future lies in the hands of our children, so if we really want the world to be a better place, then we should look to the ones who will be taking care of it and make sure we take care of them first.”

All children are born innocent

In the Islamic tradition, all children are born innocent. They are born with a clean slate, but they do also have an innate sense of right and wrong.

Children are a blessing and a trust. They are source of joy and happiness but are also a tremendous responsibility. However, God promises us in the Qur’an that,

“No soul will be taxed with more than its capacity. No mother shall be injured on account of her child, nor a father on account of his child.”
(2:233)

The rights of a child

There is much public debate about the quality of childhood today and this year, as part of Islam Awareness Week, we would like to share our concerns about children in the UK and around the world.

The issues have been grouped around 5 themes:

1. Health & Safety
2. Child Poverty
3. Education
4. Family
5. Childhood.

Where relevant, we have highlighted organisations and campaigns that we urge you to support. The most important document behind many of those campaigns, however, is the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. www.ohchr.org/english/law/crc.htm

It is significant that this convention has been ratified by nearly every single member state of the United Nations. It is a testament to the value of working together and co-operating together on the basis of our shared values, which is what Islam Awareness Week is really all about.

We hope the material and events listed on this website
will inspire you to come and join in the activities later this year
Monday 19 November to Sunday 25 November 2007
and in future years - because everyone can be a part of Islam Awareness Week.