CAMBRIDGE MUSLIM INTEGRATION COLLEGE

A new college in the British city of Cambridge is launching a course to teach Muslims how to better integrate into society. The year-long course, titled “Contextual Islamic Studies & Leadership”, aims to teach students how to better integrate into society. Students will study subjects on western intellectual history, Islam and gender. They will also be taught how to look at modern political thought, conducting interfaith dialogue, and running mosques and charitable institutions. Counselling and dispute resolution would also be offered by tutors, who will be advised on how to provide counselling on issues such as drug abuse. Organisers say the course aims to equip Muslim students with practical skills to make them more effective Muslim leaders and to enhance their prospects for further education and work. The course is seen as an important step to clear misconceptions about Muslims in the European country. A recent government-commissioned study has found that a torrent of negative and imbalance stories in the British media demonise Muslims and their faith by portraying them as the enemy within. A Financial Times opinion poll showed that Britain is the most suspicious nation about Muslims.