Features / Bristol Muslim Strategic Leadership Group
Booklet shines a light on Muslims in Bristol and beyond
A new booklet aims to shine a light on Bristol’s different Muslim communities, tackle common misconceptions and encourage an open dialogue.
From providing easily accessible information to dispelling myths about Islam, the publication is designed as a resource for people of all ages across the city and beyond.
Curated by Bristol Muslim Strategic Leadership Group (BMSLG), in association with Bristol City Council, the University of Bristol and hate crime support charity SARI, the booklet also features a section on the core beliefs of Islam, as well as the contributions that Muslims have made in the city and around the country.
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A version of the booklet was first produced in 2008, but the newly launched publication has been updated with additional features, including a directory and a forward from Baroness Saeeda Wasi.
“Ultimately, we want this booklet to open dialogue between people, dispelling myths and bringing Bristol’s diverse communities together with an opportunity to learn more about each other,” explains BMSLG member Sheila Joy Al-Dieb.
In pre-Covid times, the Grand Iftar in Easton was an opportunity for all communities to come together – photo by Ellie Pipe
There are plans to distribute the booklet to schools and libraries within the city.
Dr Adeela Shafi one of BMSLG founding members says: “We felt the old booklet needed to be updated and made more accessible so that anyone could pick it up and get access to a wealth of easy-to-understand information on Bristol’s Muslim community and the wider Muslim community.
“The booklet features a section on the core beliefs of Islam, as well as the contributions that Muslims, including Bristol’s Muslims have made to society. There is a myth-busting FAQ section that addresses some of the common misconceptions about Muslims and Islam today.
“And, usefully, there is a directory of Muslim organisations or those that support them as well as mosques in Bristol. This is the first time such a directory has been compiled.”
Speaking about the decision to relaunch the new booklet, Sheila adds: “This booklet is an important source for both Bristol’s Muslim communities and the wider Bristolian community. From a BMSLG perspective, there is a large amount of misinformation on the internet and we feel it is important to readdress any misconception about our communities that could lead to prejudice or Islamaphobia.”
An online version of the booklet is available to read via www.bristol.gov.uk/people-communities/equalities-groups#bristol_muslims
Main photo of Sheila Joy Al-Dieb and Dr Adeela Shafi, courtesy of Bristol Muslim Strategic Leadership Group
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