The South Coast New Muslim project is a support network for new Muslim reverts/converts and for those who are interested in learning about Islam. The group was originally founded by Anas Al-Korj and the Muslim Council of Southampton in April 2006 and is currently spearheaded by Arshad Sharif (also the current chairmen of the Muslim Council of Southampton) with the help and support of Izaz Ali and importantly a number of revert brothers and sisters such as brothers Abdullah and Luqman, and sisters Hannah and Khadijah, amongst others. Membership of the group is in the region of 90 people and growing.
Although the majority of the members are based in and around the Southampton area, we also have a lot of members from many other towns and cities and are also connected to the national New Muslim network.
Though new Muslims are a minority within the Muslim minority, and despite everyday media negativity on Islam and Muslims, more and more people are still continuing to join Islam.
We as an initiative aim to bring together new Muslims in the Southampton (and regional) area – all those who have become Muslim, who know or are related to a new Muslim or simply those who are interested in Islam and want to find out more.
We have four main intentions:
- To make contact with new Muslims and their families in the regional area.
- To put on regular social events for new Muslims.
- To help new Muslims gain access to the wider Muslim community.
- To provide access to information and education about Islam and its teachings.
Becoming a Muslim can be a daunting experience and it can be difficult for new Muslims to find the Muslim community or take part in it. We hope to change that insha’allah by helping new Muslims to build their own community and gain the confidence to access the existing Muslim community in the region.
Please keep checking the website for regular updates and information on upcoming events and opportunities to get involved, or subscribe to our news letter to be notified directly.
Services
Our aim is to provide help and support in various ways, such as:
- Provide information about Islam: What is NOT Islam, and what is Islam?
- Learning opportunities for new Muslims and non-Muslims who are interested.
- Social events for the new Muslims and their non-Muslim families.
- Help with becoming a Muslim support for new Muslims.
- Links with other new Muslim groups throughout the UK.
- Regular study circles and informal discussions in non-political, non-sectarian and safe environment.
- Marriage counseling, marriage contract, marriage certificates, family reconciliation.
- Eid parties and other social functions.
(Also add below into above)
- To provide guidance and support regarding faith matters to its members.
- To hold regular social and intellectual meetings that caters for both individual and family needs.
- To with and contribute to a wider learning within the community, foster good will and increase awareness of its work and values.
- To carry out fund raising events
- To develop and provide a curriculum of spiritual and faith based learning for its members.
- To support local and national causes that fit within the objectives of the organisation.
- To hold sports and health activities.