NCJ Number
201710
Date Published
2002
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This chapter describes the work of the IQRA Trust, a Muslim charity, which aims to promote a better understanding of Islam in Britain.
Abstract
The IQRA Trust, founded in 1986, is a Muslim educational organization dedicated to promoting a greater understanding of Islam among Muslims and non-Muslims alike in the United Kingdom so as to promote greater mutual understanding. It is a non-political organization that works on behalf of the Islamic faith as a whole and encourages Muslims to participate positively and fully in all aspects of life in Britain, and to practice the teachings of their religion. With almost two million Muslims living in Britain, Islam is the largest non-Christian religion in the country. It is important, therefore, for Muslims and non-Muslims to gain a greater understanding of, and respect for, each other’s way of life, and come to appreciate the many values they hold in common. Since its founding, IQRA has developed a wide array of programs and publications encompassing all areas of life in Britain. It has developed a database of essays, written in English, covering aspects of Islam, its history and civilization, and its contributions to science and other fields of arts, philosophy, and learning. The foundation has also developed a series of research reports, teaching materials, and guidance booklets. In addition, the Trust provides guidance to professionals who work with prisons and the Prison Service, and has established training events for Imams who work with Muslim prisoners. IQRA has three publications that are meant to meet the needs of prison chaplains and officers, Imams, and Muslim prisoners. The Trust has also worked with other criminal justice agencies in aims of promoting a better understanding of Islam in Britain.