ISLAM AND MODERN SOCIAL MOVEMENTS

The London Islamic Network for the Environment Monthly Forums:

ISLAM AND MODERN SOCIAL MOVEMENTS

Date: Sunday 11th November
Time: 2.15pm to 4.45pm
Venue: 4nd Floor, Muslim World League, 46 Goodge Street, London, W1T 4LU (entrance on the corner of Charlotte Street); Nearest Tube: Goodge Street (Northern Line)

Speakers:

Anne Gray, Social Activist
Mark Barrett, People in Common

Muslims' commitment to social justice suggests a necessity for engagement in civil society. What challenges and opportunities confront Muslims within European societies in their pursuit of action to preserve the environment, to oppose unjust war and oppression? This topic will be approached from the perspectives of two people who have been political activist(s) for many years before turning to Islam, and who see religious and political commitment as mutually reinforcing. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and offer insights. Within the forum, we will also get to hear about environmental campaigning LINE is actively involved with, and how we can support the upcoming climate demonstration on Sat Dec 8th. As usual no charge and open to all.

About the Speakers:

Anne Gray is an academic researcher in social policy. She has been politically active for many years in the peace movement, solidarity with Palestine, the European Social Forum movement, and in the Campaign against Criminalising Communities, which works to oppose the abuses of civil liberties associated with the anti-terrorism laws. She is also active in the Green Party. Brought up as a Quaker, she practised no religion for many years but then turned to Islam in the last year

Mark Barrett originally trained in law but now works as a tour guide for an educational travel company. He has a strong interest in the relationship between art and politics. His main areas of concern are the question of constitution, community land rights and how to establish a democratic model of globalisation. He is an active member of People in Common which works to end government restrictions on protest within the vicinity of Parliament while exploring possibilities for a new constitutional model. Originally brought to religious life via Buddhism and Quakerism, Mark has also been much inspired by the poet Rumi. He is now exploring orthodox Islam and is particularly interested in the concept of ijtihad and its contemporary relevance.

Website: www.lineonweb.org.uk
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LINE is the UK's first local Islamic environmental group. We hold open monthly forums in central London. Our activities include educational talks and workshops, climate change campaigning, and ethically orientated food and social events. Find out more about us by visiting our website: http://www.lineonweb.org.uk