A Faith and Cultural Diversity Group (FCDG) comprising of members from across the University, including student representatives, has been formed. The group is chaired by Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Alistair Fitt.
One area of work for FCDG is the University’s provision for Muslim prayer. The Group has been in discussion with the Islamic Society.
We have developed short, medium and long term objectives around faith to offer the best provision possible within our resource capability.
Short Term Objectives – Prayer Room Environment
- The decision was taken to repaint the Prayer Room – located at the rear of Building 40 – in preparation for the start of the academic year (October 2008).
- A new swipe card entry system will be in place early 2009.
- A new carpet has been fitted, following a flood in the Prayer Room.
Medium Term Objectives – Friday Prayer Provision
FCDG have discussed the best space to accommodate the University’s growing numbers of students wishing to attend Friday Prayers. The current venue for Friday prayers is The Cube in Students’ Union building. The Cube is now too small to provide adequate space for everyone who wishes to attend.
We have explored all large spaces in the University – across our campuses and our Halls of Residence – trying to balance the demands of all our students’ needs. Garden Court, in building 40, has been identified as the most suitable space at the current time. This area can be sub-divided to allow space for men and women to share the Friday Prayer.
- Garden Court can be used for Friday prayer from Friday 6th February 2009 until Friday 28th August 2009 (check against Ramadan dates).
- This arrangement will be reviewed by collecting feedback from Friday Prayer worshippers and other users in summer 2009.
- We can then determine if Garden Court is a viable solution to accommodate Friday Prayers for the next academic year 09/10.
Garden Court will be unavailable for dates already booked out for the exam period. However, the Students’ Union will provide The Cube on these specific dates – please see below.
Friday Prayer Arrangements
Dates: Friday 6th February 2009 – Friday 28th August 2009 (check against Ramadan dates)
Venue: Garden Court, building 40
Alternative arrangements for the 2009 exam period
Dates: 16 January, 23 January, 30 January, 22 May, 29 May, 5 June, 12 June
Venue: The Cube, Students’ Union
You may wish to make alternative arrangements for your prayer in case The Cube fills quickly. A list of local mosques is provided below for your convenience.
Long Term Objectives – Quiet Room Provision
We have a number of students who would benefit from the provision of quiet rooms situated across the University. Due to the pressures on space for teaching and learning, quiet room provision will require a phased plan to identify spaces when they become available in existing buildings. The University will explore the possibility of developing designated quiet rooms in new buildings across the campuses. We will update you on developments as they occur.
Currently we have a quiet room in place at Southampton General Hospital.
Local Mosques
Southampton Medina Mosque Trust Ltd
Compton Walk off St Marys Road, Southampton, SO14 0BH
Tel: 023 8023 1945
Southampton Central Abu Backr Mosque Trust and Islamic Cultural Centre
Argyle Road, Southampton SO14 0BQ
Tel: 023 8063 4508
Razvia Dar-ul-Uloom & Southampton Mosque Trust
5 Rowlands building, off St. Mary’s Rd, Southampton, SO14 0BH
Tel: 023 8023 1216
Shahjalal Mosque & Islamic Centre
121 St. Mary’s Road
Southampton
SO14 0BL
Tel: 023 8033 2979
Omar Mosque
189 Northumberland Road, Southampton, SO14 0EP
Tel: 023 8093 5641 or 023 8063 5941
Website: www.mcs-online.org/mosques.htm