What went well in 2014? HIOS Activities Newsletter

Hampshire Islamic Outreach Society (HIOS) Local Muslims network in Hampshire HIOS is a network dedicated to voluntary work, integration with the wider community, and dispelling misconceptions about Islam by way of educational and cultural seminars, exhibitions, presentations and weekly classes in Hampshire. We are a young organisation in Hampshire founded last year in July. We have achieved the goals planned for the second half of 2014, and we look forward to sharing our new activities with you in 2015. In this newsletter, you will find a brief summary of last year's activities.  What went well in 2014? - Local weekly classes  - Interfaith Walk - Eid party in Southampton - Residential Winter Workshop: "Meaning of Life" Need to more about HIOS? Here’s our blog.

HIOS Education Hampshire Islamic Outreach Society (HIOS) held local weekly classes for men and women in Hampshire throughout 2014, particularly in Basingstoke, Eastleigh and Southampton. In these circles of knowledge, people from different backgrounds had the opportunity to share their ideas on different topics. Topics under discussion included Islamic creed (beliefs and principles), moral and ethical issues in Islam, Islamic arts & culture, spirituality, and theological topics like the problem of evil and eschatology.

Multiculturalism in Hampshire HIOS Attended interfaith walk in Basingstoke HIOS members attended the interfaith walk organised by Basingstoke Faith Leaders Forum and Multicultural Forum and supported by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Hampshire Interfaith Network.  Hampshire Islamic Outreach Society 2014 Month of Ramadan Message We pray that this Ramadan will be a period of happiness, understanding and respect... Hampshire Muslims Eid Celebration in Southampton HIOS members, families and friends joined us in our first Eid celebration in Southampton.

HIOS Education: Residential Winter Workshop We held our first residential workshop in 23 December 27 December, 2014 in Shorefield Country Park. The theme of the workshop was "Spiritual Revival and Meaning of Life"  During the days of workshop, people from different backgrounds had the opportunity to share their ideas on different topics. There were extra-curricular activities like "Night Walk" in the last night of the workshop. All tickets were sold-out and again, we think it was a successful workshop in terms of quality and quantity. Enthusiastically looking to hold another one in 2015. Press Release: Hampshire Muslims Condemn Murders Hampshire Muslims Condemn ISIS Murders Basingstoke - 18 September 2014 Following the depraved murders of innocent British citizens in Syria and Iraq by ISIS militants, Hampshire Muslims condemned this terrible barbarity, and underlined the importance of both understanding in the community, and Islam’s teachings on love for humanity, in these difficult times. Interfaith Walk Hampshire Muslims joined the interfaith walk in Basingstoke on the 14th of September, 2014, organised by Basingstoke Faith Leaders Forum and Multicultural Forum and supported by Basingstoke Borough Council and Hampshire Interfaith Network. The walk proved a fascinating way to promote cooperation between different faiths and cultures. This vibrant, high-spirited walk, in which people from many diverse backgrounds took part, once more proved that people of all faiths can live together peacefully. No space for violence Local Muslims openly spoke about these murders and killings in the region. The chairman of Hampshire Islamic Outreach Society (HIOS), Mr Oztas said "These killings are utterly against the teachings of Islam and humanity. What these people do has nothing to do with our faith. We condemn unreservedly their psychopathic violence, whether it is directed against minorities, civilians, or indeed, fellow Muslims. ISIS does not speak for Islam, and has been repudiated by all Muslims. The model for Muslims is our Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him), and he issued strict orders not to harm civilians and innocent non-combatants, even in wartime, let alone committing such acts of brutality in times of peace." Churches and synagogues to be protected Mr Oztas continued: "According to the Islamic ethics of war, Muslims are not allowed to kill women, children, old and infirm men, nor to cut down fruit-bearing trees and crops, nor to slaughter livestock. In Islam, all faiths have the right to practice their religion in its fullness. Places of worship, not only mosques, but also churches, synagogues and monasteries are to be protected. Mutilation or disfigurement of corpses is prohibited, and the homes of unresisting citizens are to be left untouched, as also their livelihoods." Hampshire Muslims united against barbarity HIOS press release continued as follows: "This depraved act is yet another illustration of how this group betrays the very principles of Islam they claim to uphold. They dishonour our faith, and sully Islamic principles of justice. We send our condolences to the families of their victims, and all those left bereaved by this conflict." We, local Muslims in Hampshire, condemn this brutality, and pray that this regional turmoil will come to an end as soon as possible." Hampshire Islamic Outreach Society (HIOS), a small charity based in Basingstoke, focuses on education and voluntary work. It has been set up primarily to dispel misconceptions about Muslim culture and faith, to facilitate integration with the wider community, and to promote mutual respect. HIOS is currently offering stimulating educational seminars and social activities for local people in Hampshire. Press release ends.