Ramadhan will start on Monday 1st September 2008.

Within 100 days of Pakatan Rakyat's rule in Selangor state, it was reported by the media that Islam Hadhari (Civilisational Islam) was banned (Malay terminology used: haram) by the state government. A few days later after heated exchange of words, the "haram" terminology was changed to a milder "no longer promoting". A few other Pakatan Rakyat states later follow the footsteps of Selangor. What is so controversial about Islam Hadhari? Is there any substance in the "banning" of Islam Hadhari or was the "banning" a result of political sentiments?

Melayu UK is proud to organise an Intellectual Discourse on Islam Hadhari. This event will enable us to hear the version from the promoters of Islam Hadhari and also an occasion where participants can challenge the promoters or prove that Islam Hadhari is a deviant teaching.

This event is a platform for intellectual discussion and we hope at the end of the day we will have a clearer picture of Islam Hadhari e.g. is it an approach that we can apply globally especially in the UK, or is it a deviant form of Islam that has to be rejected.

It is important for us to attend the event as the intellectual discussion can differentiate us from those who pick up bits and pieces of information from YouTube or junk emails. To be good leaders, we have to equip ourselves with knowledge instead of just relying on rhetoric.

You can turn up at the event on the day. However we prefer you to pre-register as this will help us with in ensuring the smooth running of the event.

Melayu UK will be organising Wacana Islam Hadhari (Intellectual Discourse on Civilisational Islam) on Saturday 26th July 2008 in Oxford and Wacana Kepimpinan (Intellectual Discourse on Leadership) on Sunday 27th July 2008 in Manchester. Invited speakers are:

• Prof Dr Sidek Baba, International Islamic University Malaysia. He is also a member of Malaysian government panel for Islam Hadhari
• Prof Dr Yusof Othman, Director of Islam Hadhari Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
• Dato' Wan Muhammad Dato' Wan Abdul Aziz, Director of JAKIM (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia)

Updated: 18 July 2008

Insha'Allah Melayu UK will be organising/joint-organising the following events:

1. Wacana Islam Hadhari (26nd - 27th July 2008). This programme will be organised by Melayu UK and MSD London.

2. Girls Residential Summer Activity (27th July - 2nd August 2008). This is a subsidised event for girls age 14 to 19. Please contact Nabilah via email nabilah @ melayu.org.uk for more details.

3. BBQ day out at Platt Fields Park, Manchester (Early August 2008). This event is open to everyone regardless of whether they are Melayu UK members or not. Please contact Zurina, our Secretary cum North West Representative, via email zurina @ melayu.org.uk

4. A 2-day Islamic Medical Treatment clinic in Manchester (tentative mid July: date to be confirmed). Ustaz Trimizi from PISANG (Professional Islamic Support and Nurture Group) will be conducting the clinic for those who need screening or follow-up treatment.