The Understanding Islam Course contains the following core modules:

Beliefs and Practice

The 5 Pillars of Islam are Prayer, Fasting, Zakat (Charity), Pilgrimage and Belief in Allah and Prophet Muhammad. This module explores how the Pillars should be performed and the impact it has on the daily lives and routines of Muslims. The module also explains the basic Beliefs of Islam and the benefits they provide to Muslims.

This module also describes Muslim festivals such as Eid and the traditions that Muslim follows including rites of birth, marriage and death. It looks at the diet of a Muslim and explains the Muslim viewpoint on alcohol, pork etc. Furthermore dress code is explored and the reasons why Muslims wear certain dresses and the boundaries that exist in dress.

Work Place / Service User issues

This module explores the issues that may face employers who have Muslim employees and service users. It describes good practice guidance for prayer and reviews the issue in the context of Religious Discrimination Legislation. Also discussed is social interaction, language, Religious holidays and issues of personal contact. Finally the module looks at Ramadan and the impact this may have on employees.

This module explores the issues many front line staff such as Community Protection Workers, Social Workers, Teachers and Assessment staff face when dealing with Muslims. The module provides staff with necessary confidence and techniques to ensure that outcomes are achieved whilst observing appropriate boundaries.

Islamaphobia, Extremism and Community Cohesion

This module describes what Islamaphobia is, its causes and how it has become such an important issue and the consequences that arise from Islamaphobic behaviour. The module goes on to explore some recent topical issues such as Forced Marriages, Shariah law and the Danish cartoons. The module also looks at how the Muslim community has integrated into Great Britain and the issues that still exist which threaten community cohesion. It examines recent events which have affected community cohesion and what needs to be done to prevent similar events in the future.

Muslims in Britain - History and Culture

This module looks at the history of the Muslims in Britain dating back to King Offa of Wales! It looks at the reasons for Muslims coming to Britain and the demographics of the UK Muslim community. The module examines the great cultural variations that exist between different groups of Muslims and how this is exhibited in their behaviours. The module also looks at the differences between Islam and culture in respect of issues like marriage, gender relationships and family life.

The course is very interactive with group work and real life scenarios to discuss. We welcome questions and input from delegates.

In addition to the above the following modules and services are also available:

Muslim Customers

Muslims make up 3% of the UK population and are a significant potential customer base for many companies, charities and other public sector organisations. This module examines the profile of UK Muslims and their demographic variations. It also examines the best way to target Muslim communities and which are the most appropriate and effective types of media and advertising to use and how to maintain long term beneficial relationships with the Muslim community.

Families and Children

This module concentrates on specific issues faced by Teachers and other Children workers. It discusses prayer requirements, diet, Ramadan, sports activities, language, collective worship and dress. The module also discusses factors outside school that may affect children and looks at family life, community involvement and participation and the roles of Men and Women in Muslim families. Finally the module reviews changes taking place which challenge stereotypes of Muslim families.

Equality Impact assessments

An Equality Impact Assessment - also known as an Impact, Needs and Requirement Assessment (INRA) - is a way to make sure individuals and teams think carefully about the likely impact of policies or procedures, strategies, functions and services, to identify any unmet needs, and to provide a basis for action to improve services where appropriate.

The EIA is carried out by commissioning or drawing on existing research and/or monitoring information, and community consultation. The first part of the assessment, pre-screening, is used for a preliminary screening of the policy, service or project. If a potential impact on a particular group is identified in pre-screening, the service, policy, or project in question will undergo a more wide-ranging assessment.

Local Authorities have a legal responsibility under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 to assess their policies and functions, and to set out how they will monitor any possible negative impact on race equality. They also have to consult on proposed policies and train their staff about this law, and have a positive duty to promote good relations between communities.