Sex, Sexuality and Free Mixing in Islam

Assalamu 'alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,

Please find a list of our forthcoming events and courses

starting from this weekend.

CONTENTS

- Islamic Circles Events

- Islamic Circles Courses

- Regular Islamic Circles Activities

********************* ISLAMIC CIRCLES EVENTS IN BRIEF *******************

1) LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX, SEXUALITY & FREE MIXING, E London, 7th July

2) OVER 35 MUSLIM MARRIAGE EVENT: Canary Wharf, 9th July

3) WEST OF LONDON MUSLIM MARRIAGE EVENT : Slough, 12th July

4) MUSLIM DOCTORS MARRIAGE EVENT: C London, 25th July

********************* ISLAMIC CIRCLES COURSES IN BRIEF *******************

1) 6 WEEK ARABIC CALLIGRAPHY COURSE FOR WOMEN: E London, 5th July

2) BASIC ESSENTIALS FOR THE MUSLIM WOMEN - 6 WEEK INTENSIVE COURSE: E London, 5th July

3) 10 WEEK BEGINNERS INTENSIVE TAJWEED COURSE FOR WOMEN: E London, 12th July

****************** ISLAMIC CIRCLES EVENTS IN DETAIL *******************

Islamic Circles and Islamic Institute for Development

& Research (IIDR) present:

1) LET'S TALK ABOUT SEX, SEXUALITY AND FREE MIXING

Date: Monday 7th July 2008

Time: 6.00 pm - 8.30 pm

Venue: Toynbee Hall, 28 Commercial Street, London, E1 6LS

Guest speakers include: Imam Suhaib Webb (USA), Shaykh Haitham

al-Haddad (MRDF, UK) & Sister Humera Khan (An Nisa Society, UK).

“Your women are a tilth for you so go to your tilth as you will,

and send (good deeds) before you for your own selves; fear Allah

and know that you will (one day) meet Him. (O Muhammad), give

glad tidings to believers.” (Quran, 2:223)

Allah (swt) is the One who has created sexual desire in humans, and

if these are satisfied through halal means then one is rewarded. We

also know of numerous hadith showing the Prophet's ﷺ willingness

to discuss these matters openly. It should therefore be obvious that

education about issues related to sex is not only acceptable but

important. Muslims may disagree about the age at which sex education

begins, but some do not discuss the subject at all. As a result, the

first introduction that their children receive regarding such matters

is through TV, internet, school friends or even unlawful avenues. In

his book Al-Majmu’ Sharh Al-Muhadhdhab, Imam An-Nawawi mentions that

Imam Ash-Shafi’i is of the opinion that parents are obliged to give

their children education about sexual matters in the appropriate way.

With the rapid rise in matrimonial problems, the unfortunate fact

that pornography is rife in parts of the Muslim world, and the

confusion about sexuality and gender relations in the West, have

our scholars and community leaders failed in addressing some of

the most important problems facing the community today? Some of

the issues that this discussion seeks to address are as follows:

* If there is no such word for "free mixing" in Islam, why have

our scholars used 'khalwah' or seclusion as its nearest equivalent,

and why is there so much emphasis on trying to avoid free mixing,

especially in the West where strict segregation between the sexes

is not practically achievable anyway? Does simply speaking to a

person of the opposite sex with whom you are not married suggest

that you are trying to get closer to them on a sexual level, and

are therefore doing something haram? What is the definition of a

"mixed gathering"? How do we develop natural, modest, friendly yet

non-flirty behaviour between members of the opposite sex without

obsessing about free mixing?

*What is the responsibility of the Muslim community towards people

who are divorced and women in their 30s and 40s who are giving up

hope of finding someone to get married to? Are we facing a generation

of Muslims who are unlikely to get married and are resentful that the

Muslim community has failed them? Could polygamy be a blessing in

disguise if carried out in a just and responsible way?

* Are you worried and ashamed that there is a growing generation of

sexually frustrated young people in some parts of the Muslim world,

especially the Gulf countries, where unnaturally strict segregation

on the one hand, and bombardment with images of sexually attractive

women and men through satellite TV and multimedia on the other, is

leading to perversion, 'desperate' behaviour, and a dark underworld

of illicit sexual activity?

* How should the community deal with Muslims who are gay or lesbian?

Should we whip them, should we simply accept them, or should we help

them to recognise and overcome their situation?

These discussions will be interactive and questions will be taken

from the audience. This is your chance to ask and find answers to

questions that have been bothering you for a long time but which

organisations and movements are too afraid to address. Spaces are

limited and seats will be allocated on a first come first served

basis. All are welcome and entrance is free. Islamic Circles will

be raising funds for its different projects. Note that this is an

Islamic event, so perverts or those trying to undermine Islam need

not attend.

For further information please contact:

Tel: 07956 983 609 / 07504 336 911

E-mail: marriage@islamiccircles.org

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Islamic Circles presents:

2) OVER 35s MUSLIM MARRIAGE EVENT

Date: Wednesday 9th July 2008

Time: 6pm - 9pm

Venue: 9/10 Jessop Square, Heron Quays, Canary Wharf, London E14 9JB

DEADLINE FOR BOOKING: MONDAY 7TH JULY 2008

A marriage event especially geared towards to Muslims

of 35 and over. All Muslims irrespective of race,

origin and statuses are welcome.

This event is for sincere and serious people only,

not time wasters and people with bad manners.

Light refreshments will be provided. Registration will

be at 6pm and latecomers will be penalised.

Prior registration is compulsory so please book

online at www.muslimmarriageevents.org

For more information please contact:

Tel: 07956 983 609 / 07504 336 911

E-mail: marriage@islamiccircles.org

Website: www.muslimmarriageevents.org

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Islamic Circles presents:

3) "WEST" OF LONDON MUSLIM MARRIAGE EVENT

Date: Saturday 12th July 2008

Time: 4pm - 7pm

Venue: Langley Pavillion Community Hall, Langley Road, Langley, Slough SL3 8BS

BOOKING DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY 9TH JULY 2008

This event is aimed at those who are aged between 24-35

years of age. Given the catchment area the majority will be of

Pakistani orgin but it is open to all Muslims.

Mahrams are strongly encouraged to attend and assist where possible.

The profiles of brothers and sisters will be displayed for viewing

and meetings are to be arranged at the venue. No attendance means

no display of profiles. Only serious people are welcome to participate.

Light refreshments will be available. Registration starts from

3.45pm and latecomers will be penalised. An attempt will be

made to ensure that there is a balanced gender ratio. Spaces

will therefore be limited and admission will be on a first

come first served basis. Prior registration is compulsory so

please book online at our website.

Parts of the profits from the event will go towards Families

Relief - Charity No: 1037782. For information about them please

visit www.familiesrelief.org.uk

For more information please contact:

Tel: 07956 983 609 / 07504 336 911

E-mail: marriage@islamiccircles.org

Website: www.muslimmarriageevents.org

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Islamic Circles presents:

4) MUSLIM DOCTORS MARRIAGE EVENT

Date: Friday 25th July 2008

Time: 6pm - 9pm

Venue: Toynbee Hall, 28 Commercial Street, London E1 6LS

BOOKING DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY 23RD JULY 2008

This event is aimed at those in the Medical profession

who find it hard to take time out to look for a spouse

because of work schedules and the lack from support

from established Associations of their respective

fields. However it is open to all Muslims from all professions.

Thus those who are doctors have been given advanced notice to plan

and take time off from work and not turn up last minute!

Light refreshments will be available. Registration starts from

5.45pm and latecomers will be penalised. An attempt will be

made to ensure that there is a balanced gender ratio. Spaces

will therefore be limited and admission will be on a first

come first served basis. Prior registration is compulsory so

please book online at our website.

Parts of the profits from the event will go towards

Doctors World Wide (Registered charity in the UK.

Reg. No: 1089071), Doctors Worldwide (DWW)

was established in April 2000 to provide medical relief

and aid to those who are in need without any access

or means to basic medical care. Since then, DWW

has provided medical relief over 10 countries in

4 continents. For more information about DWW,

please visit www.doctorsworldwide.org

For more information please contact:

Tel: 07956 983 609 / 07504 336 911

E-mail: marriage@islamiccircles.org

Website: www.muslimmarriageevents.org

****************** ISLAMIC CIRCLES COURSES IN DETAIL *******************

PLEASE NOTE: All our courses are NOT FREE and for serious people.

No time wasters or those holding a poor record of punctuality

and a 'freebie' mentality. Please book early as only limited

places are left.

Venue for all courses: Froud Centre, Romford Road, Manor Park, London, E12 5JF

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Islamic Circles Presents:

1) 6 WEEK ARABIC CALLIGRAPHY COURSE FOR WOMEN

Delivered by Ustadha Um Muhammad (Habiba Institute)*

Date: Saturday 5th July - Saturday 9th August 2008

Time: 2.30pm - 4.30pm

Venue: Froud Centre, Romford Road, Manor Park, London, E12 5JF

Calligraphy is regarded as the supreme art in the Islamic world. The status of writing

in Islam has an elevated position, exemplified by a whole Chapter in the Qur’an being

devoted to the 'The Pen' and significance of the Pen is further elaborated in Surah

Arrahman Allama bil Qalam ‘ He taught by the Pen.’ This introductory course to the

Naskh script will include:

Historical development of Arabic Calligraphy

Arabic Alphabets both joined and independent using a Reed Pen

The science of perfect proportion by the measurement of Rombhoids

Writing your initials correctly with proportion of the script

Study a few calligraphy works

Final draft on canvass

Pre-registration is required. Book early as only limited places are left.

To register or for more information please contact:

Tel: 07903 573 031 / 07955 113 653

E-mail: info@habibainstitute.co.uk

Website: www.habibainstitute.co.uk

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Islamic Circles Presents:

2) BASIC ESSENTIALS FOR THE MUSLIM WOMEN - 6 WEEK INTENSIVE COURSE

[Basics to the Fiqh of Women]

Taught by Ustadha's from the Habiba Institute*

Date: Saturday 5th July - Saturday 9th August 2008

Time: 2.30pm - 4.30pm

Venue: Froud Centre, Romford Road, Manor Park, London E12 5JF

This course will cover the basic essentials that Muslim women need

to know. We will be covering a basic overview of Islamic Jurisprudence

with a particular emphasis on its application for women:

Purity (Taharah) – Water, istinja, wudhu, tayyamum,

mensturation and ghusl (including washing of the dead).

Basics and common mistakes of the prayer [Pre-requisites,

units, actions of the prayer, what validates and invalidates,

different prayers including the funeral prayer, Adhan and duas]

Women and Fasting [including Ramadan and issues related]

Women and payment of the Zakah [How it is calculated and distrubition]

Women and the Hajj and Umrah [including Ihram for women ]

Mannerism of the Muslim Women [inc behaviour and dress code]

Spirituality and Muslim Women [inc Quran and recommended duas]

Pre-registration is required. Book early as only limited places are left.

For more information or to book for this course please contact:

Tel: 07903 573 031 / 07955 113 653

E-mail: info@habibainstitute.co.uk

Website: www.habibainstitute.co.uk

***********************************************************************

Islamic Circles Presents:

3) 10 WEEK INTENSIVE BEGINNERS TAJWEED COURSE FOR WOMEN

Taught by Ustadha Um Muhammad (Habiba Institute)*

Dates: Saturday 12th July - Saturday 30th August 2008

Times: 11am - 1pm

Venue: Froud Centre, Romford Road, Manor Park, London, E12 5JF

Each lesson will cover recitation, drills and theory. Students will progress

at a good pace, thus the teacher will ensure progression is taking place.

Each lesson is roughly divided into three sections:

a)Teaching of the rules

b)Supervised recitation

c) Memorisation with the teacher using effective memorable

procedures such as Choral repetition, Back chain drill

and Next line drills

Ahkam will be assessed in the lesson and drilled in with

exercises and paired work, then tested in the Qira’ah part

of the lesson so that Ahkam are applied correctly.

Module 1 This module will focus particularly on perfecting the Makharij

(articulation points of each letter). Thus it will prepare students with

basic rules to recite the Qur’an and memorise enough short surahs

(from juz amma) with good recitation to use in daily prayers.

Pre-registration is required. Book early as only limited places are left.

To register or for more information please contact:

Tel: 07903 573 031 / 07955 113 653

E-mail: info@habibainstitute.co.uk

Website: www.habibainstitute.co.uk

******************** ON GOING SERVICES AND EVENTS ******************

Islamic Circles Presents:

1) FREE WEEKLY WALK-IN COUNSELLING AND MEDIATION SERVICES

Date: Every Saturdays

Time: 5pm - 7pm

Venue: Froud Centre, Romford Road, Manor Park, London, E12 5JF

This service has been organised due to the increasing number of social

problems within the Muslim community and the pitiful lack of support

from mosques and Muslim organisationsin addressing such issues. The sessions

will be run by experienced and practicing Muslim counsellors, and both brothers

and sisters will be available. We hope to offer a confidential and professional

service to all Muslims with concerns ranging from personal, social, family or

academic worries to longer term, often more complex, psychological problems.

Attendees will benefit from a one-to-one service.

We will also be joined by the Muslim Mediation Service* who will be offering

one-to-one drop in sessions with a Muslim Mediator, where you can discuss any

matters arising from any conflicts you are experiencing within the home or

the community free of charge.

*The Muslim Mediation Service has been resolving family and community conflicts

since 2003. Their trained and experienced Mediators have been supporting individuals,

parents and children and couples facing disputes by working with them to resolve

their issues through listening, understanding and communicating effectively.

Please note that the initial session will be free and if the person requires further

help then they would need to contact alternative services or the individual counsellors

themselves. All are welcome.

For more information please contact:

Tel: 07909 941 179

Mediation: 079410 22 371

E-mail: counselling@islamiccircles.org

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2) REGULAR CIRCLES FOR SISTERS

Time: Every Thursdays, 10.15am - 11.30am

Venue: Dawah Centre, 398 High St North, Manor Park, London E12

(Please note: Entrance via the back on Coldrige Avenue)

Come learn the basics of Islam in a clean, relaxed and comfortable environment.

The sessions will be discussing issues related to women and mothers in a

practical manner. This is an opportunity to share concerns, exchange ideas

and learn how to improve as a Muslim woman and mother. There will also be

sessions on tafseer of Quran, purification of the soul, and Tajweed.

Every Monday : Tafsir of Quran in Urdu between 10am - 11.30

Every Tuesday : Tajweed between 10am - Noon

Every Wednesday: Basic Arabic covering Medina Book 1

Every Thursday: Talks & discussion in English for young mothers between 10.30am-11.30am

* Islamic Counseling Services available

* All sisters and children welcome

* Buses: 101, 104

* Nearest Tube: East Ham

For more information please contact:

Tel: 07909 941 179

E-mail: women@islamiccircles.org

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Wassalaam 'alaikum wa rahmatullaah.

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