Sydney, 2007 Nov 2, IQNA

The Affinity Intercultural Foundation in Australia (AIFA) has selected a top 10 list of questions about Islam and offers detailed answers to these questions over a six week course.

This course will start on Saturday November 17 and will continue once a week for 6 weeks.

This course is free and for sisters only.

Questions covered in the course include:

1. Islam seems different from one country to another, why? Where does culture begin and religion stop in Islam?

2.What is the role of women in Islam and Muslim society? Does Islam restrict the rights of women? Why do women cover their hair and why not men? Why are men allowed to marry up to four women?

3. What are the differences and similarities between Sunni and Shiite Muslims?

4.What is Sharia law? To what extent does the Sharia law apply in Australia and does this mean Muslims are more loyal to Sharia rather than Australian laws?

5.Do Muslims have a religious leader like the pope? How are Muslims in Australia organised?

6. How does Islam approach human relations and deal with the contemporary ethical issues such as environment, abortion, organ transplant and homosexuality?

7. The concept of jihad exists in Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) took part in battles. The Quran also contains verses that appear violent. Is violence in the nature of Islam?

8. If Islam is a religion of peace, why do some Muslims perform terrorist activities and suicide bombings in the name of Islam? Are they considered to be martyrs?

9. What is the impact of Islam and Muslims in human history and human civilization?

10. How can I live Islam in today’s world? What is the view of Islam towards assimilation and integration?