A Briton passing by a poster for the Muslim week (Courtesy: IAW)

CAIRO, November 21 (IslamOnline.net) - Muslims in major cities across the United Kingdom will launch Monday, November 22, the tenth Islam Awareness Week (IAW) with activities and seminars highlighting contributions to the society.

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre will play host to the national event organized by the Islamic Society of Britain (ISB) under the auspices of Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, IAW said in a statement, a copy of which was e-mailed to IslamOnline.net.

“From the launch of a major new exhibition of Muslim lives in Britain to neighborhood cleanup day involving members of the local community, people will be coming together to show how it is not only possible to have peaceful co-existence, but how all can and are contributing to each other's well being,” read the statement.

This year's theme is “Your Muslim Neighbour” and seeks to highlight the valuable contributions made by British Muslims to everyday life in Britain.

It follows on last year's theme about Muslim Heritage and the influence of Islamic civilization in British history.

The event will be attended by Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and Minister of Women Patricia Hewitt, Saudi Ambassador Prince Turki Al-Faisal and Iqbal Sacranie from the Muslim Council of Britain.

Many other dignitaries from other faiths and institutions are also expected to show up.

During the event, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre will be lighting up their walls with dynamic Islamic images projected from the riverbank which will continue throughout the Awareness Week, running until November 28.

School children will be able to help create a Tent of Peace by designing and embroidering 'handkerchiefs of peace' inspired by Islamic designs and messages of peace. The handkerchiefs will be sewn together to create the lining for the Tent of Peace.

‘Proud Of Its Diversity’

Mr. Livingstone and Deputy Chair of the London Assembly Trevor Phillips have joined other senior politicians in backing the ISW.

They have signed a pledge to demonstrate commitment to improving relations between different communities and enhancing mutual tolerance and understanding.

“London is proud of its diversity, and times of international tension demand that we stand together to resist the attempts of racists who are trying to use the current situation to spread fear and intolerance,” the statement quoted Livingstone as saying.

“I urge other key organizations to support Islam Awareness Week, and the pledge to British Muslims,” added the mayor.

Philips, meanwhile, said the 9/11 attacks “created the potential for deep divisions in our communities.”

He stressed that “a better understanding of Islam and of Muslims will show that the differences are nowhere near as great as some would like to suggest.”

The IAW is a pro-active initiative that seeks to help Muslims and non-Muslims to come together in a climate of understanding and appreciation.

It was established by the ISB in 1994 to invite all Muslims to work together during the week in sharing Islam with the public at large, providing information regarding its message and way of life, and clearing misunderstandings in the process.