4 November 2002
The Prime Minister Tony Blair has sent his best wishes to everyone involved in Islam Awareness Week. The week aims to increase people’s understanding of Islam and is now an annual event. Mr Blair said after September 11 the importance of the event had ‘never been greater’.
Read the Prime Minister’s message below
I am very pleased to send my best wishes to everyone involved in Islam Awareness Week.
I believe the importance of Islam Awareness Week has never been greater. The terrible events of September 11 has made it more vital than ever that ignorance about this great faith is tackled and that an understanding of the true traditions of Islam - its beauty, its wisdom and compassion - is increased among Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
I am delighted that Islam Awareness Week is now an annual event. Islamic art, science and philosophy have enriched our lives in so many ways. And, of course, British Muslims have contributed across the board to politics, economic prosperity and cultural life.
But your contribution to the richness of British Society often goes unrecognised. Worse than that, you and your communities have been time and again the victims of prejudice and abuse.
This prejudice is born of an ignorance of Britain’s hard working, peace loving, and generous Muslim Community. Where people fast every year at Ramadan as a reminder of those less fortunate. Where it is obligatory to donate a proportion of your income each year to charity through "Zakaat". These are the values of a community that believes, like the Government, that we achieve more together than we can alone.
I am proud that Britain is a country of many cultures and many faiths. I believe that Britain’s diversity is very much its strength. Only by making the most of the talents of everyone in our country will Britain continue to be a successful nation. I can promise the Government will continue to work with the Muslim community to break down barriers and to ensure that everyone can play a full part in creating a country of which we can all be proud.
With best wishes for a successful Islam Awareness Week,
Tony Blair
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