Islam-is-Peace launches national media campaign on
buses, trains, airports and tube network reaching out to the wider community
during the holy month of Ramadan Monday September 24th saw the launch of
a national media campaign which aims to correct misconceptions about Islam and
British Muslims. The nationwide campaign is designed to educate the general
public about the real views of British Muslims.
'Islam Is Peace' aims to break down barriers of suspicion and
division, challenge stereotypes, combat prejudice, and offer an
opportunity for strengthening the values of respect, tolerance and
peaceful co-existence.
This message is being taken to wider audiences through an extensive
advertising campaign on London buses, tubes and will later roll-out
throughout the United Kingdom. The launch of this campaign is timed to
coincide during the holy month of Ramadan.
Praising the initiative, MCB Secretary General Dr Muhammad Abdul
Bari said: "The silent majority of Muslims are coming forward and now
challenging the misleading and negative assumptions of our faith that
exist in sections of our media. It is a brave undertaking ".
Dr
Hany El Banna OBE President of Islamic Relief Worldwide said "We are pleased to
support this initiative by young British Muslims who are standing up for their
faith and their country. It is a commendable act of citizenship and
reaching out to the wider community."
About the Islam is Peace campaign
The first phase of the campaign involved placing full-page
advertisements under the banner of 'Muslims United' in the leading
tabloid and broadsheet papers following the attempted bombings in
London and Glasgow to clearly state the Muslim community's unequivocal
condemnation of these terrorist attacks.
The second phase begins on the 24th of September and aims to take
the same message to a wider audience, through a publicity campaign that
will involve 'London Buses' carrying the message "Proud to Be a British
Muslim".
This will be continued through an advertising campaign on the tube,
trains, stations and on buses across the UK, all carrying unique
messages and images of the positive contribution of British Muslims.
Ifhat Shaheen-Smith , one of the campaign organisers said, "in the
current atmosphere of suspicion and fear about Islam and British
Muslims, truth is often confused with fabrications and stereotypes.
Prejudice has become entrenched and sensationalistic media reporting is
creating a climate of paranoia. There is a desperate need for openness,
mutual understanding and a mature debate."
OFFICIAL LAUNCH
The official launch of the campaign will take place on the 1 st of
October. It will be attended by prominent figures from civil rights
groups, politicians, community leaders and representatives of all faith
groups.
The campaign is being launched in the Muslim holy month of Ramadan,
which is a special time for sharing and community spirit. To mark the
launch and in the spirit of giving and sharing during this month, the
Islam-is-Peace Bus will tour London and stop over at a homeless shelter
to share food at the time of breaking of the fast .
For more information and to arrange interviews please contact: Ihtisham Hibatullah on 07786 257120 or media@islamispeace.org.uk
Notes to the Editor
1. The "Islam is Peace" campaign is an independent campaign, run
solely by volunteers from across the UK, supported by a large number of
British Muslim community organisations.
2. The Campaign published a recent statement in national newspapers on Friday 6 July 2007 under the title "Muslims United". See the link provided.
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