7th Annual Islamic Exhibition - April 2005On Monday 11th of April, Councillor Christopher Townsley - Lord Mayor of Leeds was guest of honour for the opening of the 7th Annual Islamic Exhibition at the Leeds Grand Mosque. In his opening speech, the Lord Mayor spoke about the importance of understanding amongst the diverse population of Leeds who come from over 70 different countries. Other speakers included Fiona Beavers, Schools' Adviser, Diocese of Bradford and Ripon and Leeds, Chris Dobbins Interfaith Convenor, Diocese of Ripon and Leeds, and Chris Edwards, Chief Executive Officer, Education Leeds. All congratulated the Grand Mosque on organising an excellent event that emphasised the Muslim message of peace and tolerance towards other faiths. Other dignitaries included the Lady Mayoress, MP’s, local councillors, and representatives from Interfaith groups, Education Leeds, the universities, hospitals, police, fire authorities and the local Muslim community. Over the next four days, around 1000 school children from 30 different schools in Leeds passed through the mosque and the various sections of the exhibition. The aim of the exhibition was to give schoolchildren an insight into Islam and Muslims, with the specific aims of understanding the basic beliefs of a Muslim, the role of the Mosque in the community, and to emphasise mutual understanding and respect between faith groups. This was achieved by dividing the exhibition into separate sections focusing on different aspects of the planned visit outcomes. The first section was used to introduce specific features in the mosque to generate discussion about what they are used for as well as the role of the Mosque in the community. The next section was a general video of children giving an overview of what it is like to be a Muslim, with questions and answers on the material covered by the video. The next two sections used posters in interactive sessions to cover the Standard Quality Assessment’s curriculum on Islam. The first of these poster sections covered the pillars of belief and of Islam, the concept of God, respect for other religions and the faith’s emphasis on human rights. Older children (key stage 3 upwards) were also introduced to the role of women in Islam. The second of these poster sections concentrated on stories about the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him), the night that changed his life, the revelation of Qur’an and why Muslims follow his example. They were able to see different Qur’an's, and hear Qur’anic readings using an interactive computer game. This section also introduced Muslims respect for Jesus and Mary, while older children were able to learn about science and the Qur’an, the history of the spread of Islam, and the importance of family and community to Muslims. The last section of the exhibition proved particularly popular, where children were able to look at different artefacts, and given the opportunity to wear traditional Muslim dress and have their pictures taken. The exhibition concluded with refreshments for the children and the presentation of an attendance certificate, with a reminder of the pillars of belief, to the school. A visitor’s book was available for teachers to sign and make comments about the exhibition. A folder with an English translation of the Qur’an and other relevant information on Islam and Muslim children, with a 5 page worksheet about the Mosque visit was given to each school. Most schools took advantage of the opportunity to have the children’s names written in English and Arabic on a card for each child to take home as a personal reminder of their visit. An evaluation form is being posted to all schools to get some specific feedback to try and improve future exhibitions. After announcing the exhibition to schools in Leeds by post as well as via Education Leeds’ internal e-mail and schools newsletter system, the management committee of Leeds Grand Mosque were pleasantly surprised at the level of demand from schools wishing to attend. The internet booking system using the Mosque’s website proved particularly popular with most schools booking their visit this way. Volunteers who guided the children through the various sections of the exhibition found their young visitors to be very interested and highly enthusiastic. Teachers commented on how well the exhibition focused on the national curriculum requirements as well as the ability of the volunteers to keep the children interested. The success of this exhibition demonstrates the need for greater awareness of Islam and Muslims.
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