Monday Night Project

London – female only

The aim of MNP – a joint initiative between the Islamic Unity Society (IUS) and various London Ahlul Bayt Societies – is to provide a friendly platform to openly discuss topics that are deemed important to the audience, while enjoying some tea and biscuits. MNP is run by sisters for sisters on a monthly basis.

This season adopted a ‘Question Time’ style format where three panellists voice their opinions on the presented notions, followed a series of fruitful discussion by the audience.

Throughout the three sessions in February, March and April, MNP has been exploring such topics as inadvertent racism within the community and being proud of your culture. The following month MNP delved into the affect of social networking, online communication and internet safety on girls in Muslim communities. The final MNP of the season entitled “Shaking Hands and Ballot Boxes”, was an election special featuring a special presentation by Catherine Heseltine (MPAC), in addition to the panel discussion.

While initially starting in the Dar al-Hikma venue in February, subsequent MNPs took place in the Abrar centre off Edgware Road, London.

Monday Night Project has taken a break for the exams season and will recommence in the early summer months inshallah (God willing). Keep your eyes peeled for round two of the MNP, where you can discuss, debate and deliberate! It is an excellent opportunity to broaden your horizons and make friends at the same time!

More information is available on the previous events in February, March and April.

Be sure to visit the MNP Facebook group too.

Salma Husain

Tuesday Night Project

Manchester – mixed audience

The Tuesday Night Project set up in Manchester in November 2009 by the Islamic Unity Society (IUS) as a regularly weekly activity for Muslim youth in Manchester Islamic Institute. Since then TNP has also successfully attracted people from other school of thought and religions to participate and lead the discussions.

TNP has created a platform for people within the local community to bring together their thoughts and ideas. The issues debated are suggested by the audience from the previous week. They have ranged from “This house believes the headscarf oppresses women” (26 January) to “Jesus, God or Prophet” (16 March) to “Is Islam and Sport compatible?” (27 April).

A debate creates an atmosphere for free thinking and allows us to question both our beliefs and those of others, and in doing so allows us to either strengthen our opinions or at the very least respect those of others that differ.

It is hoped that such weekly discussions can nurture a future generation of young adults who can contribute towards a more complete and coherent society.

The Tuesday Night Project Facebook group is updated regularly with the details of the next planned TNP.

Mohammed Altayar

Friday Night Project

London – male only

On 12 February 2010 the ball was rolling once again for Friday Night Project after a short break from the successful Autumn 2009 series.

Primarily FNP aims to provide the participants a platform to express their opinions on the controversial (and sometimes sensitive!) topics being discussed, but also an opportunity to understand the opinions on that same topic from different perspectives. At the same time youth get to perfect their debating and communication skills.

As always the topics did not fail to cover a wide spectrum, with provocative debate motions such as “Religion has no place in politics” and “Piracy: the socially acceptable sin”. The team behind the project strived continuously throughout the weeks to select relevant topics and find debaters to argue for and against the motion.

The previously successful ‘Friday Night Insights’, a look into the week’s news and current affairs, was continued and inevitably fuelled heated exchange of opinions regarding events and stories in the newspapers.

As an alternative format to the regular debating, some Fridays saw an experimental “Scenario special”. Typical everyday scenarios that a young Muslim is likely to encounter were suggested and the audience discussed each one in detail. This triggered a range of responses and left everybody pondering and contemplating what their actions would be.

The most significant change during the Spring 2010 season however, was the merging together with Abrar Youth Club (AYC).  AYC has invested in a table tennis table, fusball and three pool tables for members to use. It’s a massive asset for the community, and ultimately a great opportunity for recreational activity for the youth.

Examples of FNP debates in previous weeks can be seen here and here.

Check out the FNP Facebook page, and the AYC Facebook group, to keep informed about when the Summer 2010 series will start again.

Hassan Al-Abadi

With thanks to the contributers who wrote the summary for each project.