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Report: FOSIS Annual Conference 2003
27.6.03
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The FOSIS Conference 2003 set a new standard not only for that four-decades-old organisation, but for Islamic conferences and camps in general. From the 19th to the 22nd of June, the University of Nottingham was host to delegates and speakers from around the UK and beyond. Around 380 students from 80 educational institutions attended over the weekend, including students from as far away as Sweden and the USA.

Among the distinguished guests were Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki, Shaykh Sohaib Hassan, Dr. Azzam Tamimi, Ismail Adam Patel, Imam Abdur-Rashid, Shaykh Ibraheem Mogra and Sarah Joseph. There were 2-3 lectures per day, with time for delegates to put their questions and problems to the scholars. The fact that they stayed for some time at the Conference meant that students got a rare opportunity to learn from knowledgeable people outside of a lecture environment. One of the most powerful sessions was the night session delivered by Dr. Hani Al-Banna, which moved many delegates to tears and increased them in faith.

As well as the lectures, four different workshops were provided, covering topics related to Islamic Society activity and student life in general. Shaykh Haytham Tamim delivered a presentation on the responsibilities of youth, and Zahid Parvez dealt with problem-solving skills. Representatives from FOSIS endeavoured to encourage students to go back to their campuses and implement their new knowledge in student politics and other areas of student activity.

As well as all these knowledge and skills-based activities, there was ample time for relaxation and recreation. Among the sports on offer were abseiling, swimming, tennis and football. The sisters also relaxed in the luxurious Millennium Gardens nearby. At break times, there was also a wide selection of stalls in which to browse, where many Islamic books, clothes, recordings and other more unusual items were available for purchase. FOSIS also exhibited their new and exciting campaigns, including the Kashmir and Gujurat campaigns.

Many of the delegates expressed delight at the facilities offered at the Conference. The accommodation was single-room, which meant that people could enjoy privacy and their own bed and sink. The food was also excellent, and even included some delicious mango ice-cream, which was welcome in the warm weather!

The final day saw with the Annual Council Meeting, at which the new FOSIS Executive Committee was elected. The closing session was quite moving, including presentations of gifts to the guests and workers of the Conference, and a beautiful nasheed by a young sister. FOSIS hope that the ideas taken from the Conference will make a real difference over the next year on campuses across the country, and we ask Allah to accept the efforts of all those who participated in making the Conference such a great success.