A GROUP of volunteers is launching free classes aimed at dispelling the myths around Islam.

The Gloucester-based group believe many non-Muslim people have misconceptions about the faith, and the teachings that go along with it.

The sessions will take place during the winter months.

Yacoob Patel is behind the classes, and says they will teach people all about the content of the Qu’ran.

They also delve deep into the mindset of having a commitment to the faith, and what it aims to teach society.

People can opt for a day’s session or take classes over the course of several days.

Here Mr Patel, 36, explains why he believes there is no such thing as Islamic terrorism:

THERE are so many myths and stereotypes about Muslims and Islam.

My colleagues and I are running a course to try to dispel all that.

Essentially, Islam means "surrender" or "submission" to the will of God.

A Muslim is a follower of Islam and someone who is willingly submissive to God's will and who believes in the five pillars of Islam and the six articles of faith.

For Muslims, Islam is more than just a religion.

It is often described as a complete way of life, or Deen, which encompasses personal, social, economic and political aspects with spiritual and religious observance.

The Muslim holy book is called the Qur'an and was revealed over a period of 23 years (from 610 to 632 in the 7th century) to the Prophet Muhammad, who Muslims believe to be the last and final Prophet and Messenger of God.

While terrorism and Islam are often linked in the news, there is no such thing as Islamic terrorism.

Some politicians, individuals and sections of the media wrongly create the impression that terrorism, suicide bombings and violent jihad are part of Islam's teachings and that all terrorists are Muslims.

None of these are true.

For instance, information from the EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report of 2007 for Europol (European Law Enforcement Organisation) shows that of the 498 reported terrorist attacks across Europe in 2006, only one was carried out by a Muslim.

There is no room for terrorism within Islamic teachings.

The Qur'an is categorical that the killing of innocents is completely unjustified.

In fact, the Qur'an says that the killing of one innocent person is equivalent to the killing of the whole of mankind.

The key message of the Qur'an is one of peace, faith, hope and justice among fellow human beings.

Islam is essentially a religion of the middle way, and not one of extremes.

The Qur'an warns believers not to become oppressors and continually urges forgiveness and restraint.

Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the Madrid bombings in 2004, the London bombings of July 7 2005, and attempted car bomb attacks in London and Glasgow in June 2007, Muslim organisations and scholars across the world have repeatedly issued statements condemning the attacks.

They have been clear that the actions of the bombers are against the teachings and spirit of Islam and represent the views of only a tiny number of extremists, who many regard as outside the folds of Islam.

Some critics of Islam point to verses in the Qur'an that they claim promote violence, war and intolerance.

Similarly, some extremists use snipped quotes to back up their own causes and actions.

For example, "kill them wherever you encounter them" (Qur'an, 2:191).

However, if we look at the verses that come before and after these quotes, we can see the verse is talking about self defence.

This is the only context in which the Qur'an speaks about war or fighting.

This is why it is wrong to talk of Islamic terrorism because there is nothing Islamic about terrorism.

Jihad does not mean holy war.

Jihad is an Arabic word that means "to struggle" or strive in the way of God for good against evil.

However, it is frequently misinterpreted as holy war by the media.

The primary meaning of jihad is the moral, inner struggle a Muslim faces in their daily efforts to practice Islam.

This is sometimes known as the greater jihad.

This includes actions such as being on time with the five daily prayers or not back-biting, for example.

The lesser jihad includes armed struggle but can only apply when declared by an appropriate authority.

Even then, there are strict conditions, such as self-defence or acting to protect and free the oppressed and weak, or establishing freedom of worship.

Contrary to stereotypes, Islam does not promote the spread of Islam by the sword or force.

The Qur'an is very clear on this when it says: Let there be no compulsion in religion (Q.2:256). This applies even in times of war.

The free course is an opportunity to visit a mosque and bring this information and more to life in a training environment with a tutor and classes and homework.

Contact Nunu Miah for more information on 07970 602 380.