100 signatures reached
To: University of Aberdeen
Petition to avoid timetable clashes with compulsory Friday prayer for AU students
Avoid timetable clashes with compulsory Friday prayer
Why is this important?
In the Islamic faith, like Christianity and Judaism, Muslims are also obligated to attend a short sermon one day a week, like church on Sunday and synagogue on the Sabbath. The sermon is followed by a short prayer and lasts usually around an hour, between 1-2pm every Friday at the mosque.
It is compulsory for Muslims to offer Friday prayer in congregation at the mosque.
EVIDENCE FROM THE HOLY QURAN: Chapter Al-Jumu'ah [62:9]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu'ah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Students that have compulsory lectures/tutorials/workshops/exams are placed in a difficult dilemma where they are forced to compromise between their religion or falling behind on their education. Whilst both faith and education are recognised as important, students shouldn't have to face this predicament. The university for many centuries, has facilitated both by providing prayer spaces throughout the establishment. This demonstrates the recognition of equality and freedom to practise faith by this establishment, within the education environment, and is acknowledged and greatly appreciated by the student community.
As representatives on behalf of the Muslim student community, we at the 'Aberdeen University Muslim Student Association’ would greatly appreciate if we were granted the opportunity to open a dialogue with university spokesman, in order to hopefully find a feasible solution to resolve this issue and come to a fair compromise.
