Demystifying Islam
Mr Rizwan Ahmed from the Bristol Muslim Cultural Society (BMCS) visited the School to talk to all of Year 9 about Islam as part of their unit of work on contemporary issues in Islam. BMCS is a charity that is actively involved in promoting interfaith dialogue and educating people about Islam, attempting to dispel myths built up through the media about the religion.
Speaking in the Thomas Arnold Hall, Mr Ahmed gave a fascinating presentation on the history of Islam in the UK and Islamic core beliefs, showing how the links with the Muslim world go back much further than is commonly thought; some rare coins from the Middle Ages had Arabic inscriptions on them bearing Islamic ideas. After outlining some central ideas in Islam, Mr Ahmed then opened discussion up for a length question and answer session. Pupils were able to ask questions on everything from Islamic dress to the recent Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris.
Speaking to pupils afterwards, they thought the session was interesting and helpful to their studies. We are very grateful for Mr Ahmed's time.
Matthew Harris
Head of Religious Studies