Features
Islamic Societies: Their Benefit To Society
Islamic societies play a vital role for the Muslim youth today across the world. They provide education, support and a ‘voice’ for Muslims to raise concerns. They are normally located (but not limited to) colleges and universities.
These societies have been highly active in hosting Islam-related events, charity events and other helpful causes that can help benefit people of all faiths, cultures and creeds.
The Muslim Students Association (USA) for one aims to empower the youth of tomorrow, the Islamic Society of North America (USA) is an active society that helps in humanitarian and environmental causes, and the Islamic society of Huddersfield University (UK) puts on educational conferences and hosts various projects such as “Bare Necessities”, a project to help the homeless.
Helping the poor is a regular activity practised by Islamic societies across the world
But these are just a few of the positive activities Islamic societies bring to communities.
Of course, some people have taken the liberty to criticise some societies. An example includes identifying one or two radicals being ‘linked’ to a society. But the crucial thing is that the societies have always taken criticism on-board and taken positive action whenever needed. Even more, the action has been implemented on a mass scale.
A leading Islamic society in the UK named FOSIS (the Federation of Student Islamic Societies) for one has even hosted conferences to counter radicalisation. Head of Media at FOSIS, Amandla Thomas-Johnson stated,
‘Not only have we condemned violent extremism continually (including the “Not In The Name of Islam” publication, distributed after 7/7) but we also organized the first-ever Conference on campus extremism at University College London…’
Likewise, Islamic societies around the world continue to work hard and spread Islamic teachings that Muslims can learn from, as well as non-Muslims. Providing education and improving community welfare, they play a beneficial role in society.
Muslims, wherever in the world they may be, should be active within these societies. Learn more, volunteer, and be part of a change that can make a positive impact in the society we live in.
By Hasan Faridi
Further reading:
NabilJune 17, 2012 at 7:50 pm
I’m part of a society in the UK and they do very well for the muslims in our community. Its true some have criticized some in the past but what you’ve said is really true. I’m going to volunteer more and play my part..