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How can we bridge the growing cultural and
religious divides in the Norwegian society?
Open meetings and seminars
Terrorist attacks and suicide bombers have given the West the impression
that Islam is a violent religion. Among those who are working to correct this
misunderstanding, is British Imam Ajmal Masroor. He states: “Islam as a
religion of peace has a vital role to play in making peace in the world today.
The blessed Prophet once said, “Spread peace”. I do not think this essential
message of Islam is fully realized by Muslims and non-Muslims. Teachings of
regeneration and renewal are at the core of Islamic faith. With a huge captive
audience and a great network with close to 100 mosques in Norway, the
Muslim community can play a greater role. With greater awareness and real
partnerships bridging the cultural divides, Islamic organisations can help our
shared communities to see change for the greater good.”
Ajmal Masroor
Imam, journalist, broadcaster, partner and chief communications officer at
Alchemiya Media Limited, and relationship counsellor,
London, UK
Initiatives of Change (IofC)
Sophus Lies gate 5, 0264 Oslo
http://www.no.iofc.org
[email protected]
Initiatives of Change (IofC) has invited the well-known British Imam Ajmal
Masroor to Norway 25th-29th of April 2015. The aim is to overcome the
mistrust that now prevails between our different cultures and beliefs.
Masroor has experienced that many Europeans think that Islam is not
welcome in Europe, but are afraid to say this out loud. He also thinks that it
is the Muslims responsibility to both listen to and respond to this.
The Muslim minority must do more to create a truer picture of Islam. This
may be achieved by clear and credible dialogue and actively working to deradicalize extreme Muslims.
In the Norwegian society, people with different backgrounds, can find and
learn to trust each other by serving together in a great common task: To
bring peace to this divided and blood-stained world.
Ajmal Masroor is an Imam, journalist, broadcaster, partner and chief
communications officer at Alchemiya Media Limited, and relationship
counsellor. In 2014 he was recognised in the ‘Muslim 500’ as one of the
most influential Muslims in the world today. He has devoted all of his
working life to bring communities together and building bridges. He has
become known as a voice of reason for Islam in Britain and actively
challenges extremism. He has also been teaching young Muslims from
across Europe a unique programme for the last ten years called "learning
to be a peacemaker".
Masroor is firmly rooted in British society and knows the current challenges
that face Muslims in Europe. As Imam and broadcaster, he has valuable
experience in communicating Islam’s message of peace. He also has an
extensive international network and a demonstrated capability to garner the
support of both minority Muslim communities and the extended
communities around them. He says that his mission is to inform, inspire and
influence people of all backgrounds towards harmonious co-existence and
that no threat can deter him.
The following meetings are scheduled for Imam Masroor’s visit:
Role of faith in the contemporary society
TIME: Saturday 25th April 2015, 13:00 (lunch at 12:00)
VENUE: IofC’s centre in Norway, Sophus Lies gate 5, Oslo.
Opening speeches by Imam Ajmal Masroor, London, UK and Hermund Haaland,
Think tank Skaperkraft.
Organizer - Initiatives of Change
What values can Islam contribute to the Norwegian society?
TIME: Saturday 25th April 2015, 18:30-20:30
VENUE: IofC’s centre in Norway, Sophus Lies gate 5, Oslo.
Opening speeches by Imam Ajmal Masroor, London, UK and Camilla Nelson, IofC.
Organizers - Daru Salaam Islamic Center and Initiatives of Change
Religious education in the secular society of today
TIME: Sunday 26th April 2015, 11:00-14:00
VENUE: Jar Church, Wedel Jarlsbergs vei 20, 1358 Jar
Dialog between Imam Ajmal Masroor and Parish Priest Thomas Berbom
Organizers – Jar Church and Initiatives of Change
Challenging extremism - how can we create a counterculture to
polarization?
TIME: Monday 27th April 2015, 14:00-16:00
VENUE: Buskerud and Vestfold University College, Campus Drammen
Panel debate with Imam Ajmal Masroor, UK, Jens J. Wilhelmsen, IofC, Tahir
Mahmood, Resource Centre for Diversity, Lena Lybæk, Buskerud and Vestfold
University College, Campus Drammen.
Organizers - Buskerud and Vestfold University College, Campus Drammen (HBV)
and Initiatives of Change
Is Islam compatible to Europe?
TIME: Tuesday 28th April 2015, 19:00-21:00
VENUE: Litteraturhuset - Wergeland
Panel debate with Imam Ajmal Masroor, UK, Espen Ottosen, Think tank
Skaperkraft, Linda Alzghari, Minotenk, Ervin Kohn, Jewish Community, The
Norwegian Centre against Racism.
Organizers - Think tank Skaperkraft, Minotenk and Initiatives of Change