NUS IAW 2011
Islamic Awareness Week (IAW) is a key event in the NUSMS’ calendar. It is to be a week-long event during which it is hoped that the fundamental concepts as well as other aspects of Islam and Muslims are presented to both the NUS student and staff. It is hoped that through the annual Islamic Awareness Week the NUS community would gain an understanding of Islam and Muslims beyond popular media.
NUS has a sizable Muslim community, both local and international, it is important that the faith and beliefs of these individuals be understood in a way that is as close as possible to the truth. As Islam is also a major world religion, with over one billion followers worldwide, and as NUS is a leading institution of higher learning in Singapore, IAW will serve as an ideal platform to educate individuals who will later become this nation’s leaders and policy-makers, setting its national and foreign policies. Singapore’s bilateral ties with Middle-Eastern Muslim countries, for example, continue to strengthen and will continue to benefit Singapore. As such a greater understanding of Islam and Muslims can be helpful. A multiracial and multi-religious society like Singapore thrives and survives on social harmony and NUS, being itself a representation of Singapore society, has a pivotal role to play in preserving the harmony that the country has worked so hard to achieve.
We, in the NUS Muslim Society, are acutely aware of the importance of promoting mutual understanding and cooperation amongst the different faiths in Singapore and of raising awareness of our own faith, Islam. Similar Islamic Awareness projects have been undertaken in the past and succeeded in their objective to inform the public about the richness and spiritual relevance of Islam. Through IAW 2010, members of the NUS community can learn about the Islamic faith and appreciate the spirituality of Muslims in a light and friendly atmosphere. The information that they gain will be of benefit to themselves as well as to their family, friends, co-workers and society at large.
Excelling in Both Worlds;
LIFE | AFTER | LIFE
The theme this year was chosen with hopes of presenting Islam in its holistic form, a faith that concerns itself not only with success in the hereafter but with this world as well. As such we hope that to not only present Islamic doctrines and jurisprudence but also the culture that developed inspired by Islam; Islamic arts, sounds, science and architecture. It is hoped that with this theme Islam will be seen as more than just a religion but as The Deen, a truly complete way of life.
