So, Alwan is on...

Assalamualaikum warahmatullah wabarakatuh,

When the eiwcom people said that it's not worth it to have Alwan (an Islamic cultural event) as the end of EIW (Experience Islam Week) simply because the person who organised it last year failed his exams, I felt that this is too ridiculous. They made the assumption that this person spent too much time in it and didn't concentrate in his study. I felt like a big lost for ISOC for not having such an event for EIW.

So, I decided to take up this responsibility to organise a small Alwan. Before I go on, Alwan in Arabic means Colours. This is the colours of Islam where Islam is universal and Muslims are not just from one culture or ethnicity. I think it is important to have Alwan simply because EIW is packed with lectures and that doesn't give people enough 'experience' about Islam. Also, I want people to learn about Islam in a more relaxing atmosphere. And lastly, to give all the ISOCers an enjoyable evening after working for a week of EIW. I want the ISOC freshers to witness and get involved in a big event too.

So, my plan is have Alwan in a small venue, involving no more than 2 guest performers from outside Cambridge and small budget which means less sponsorship. Having already the Faculty of Education is interested, an Aunty is willing to sell her Islamic books & clothes, a calligrapher is in contact, sisters are ready to make some nice food for the International Food Fair and a couple of ISOCers are up for it, so I decided to make sure this event is a success, inshaALLAH.

So, this is Alwan, ops, people like it to be called as Alwaan which is spelt in Arabic as Alif, Lam, Wau, Alif, Nun. Please make du'a that this will be as successful as Layla.

Wassalam.