JEDDAH, 9 October 2005 — The International Association for New Muslims (IANM) is offering a variety of interesting programs to expatriate women in Jeddah. These include courses in memorizing the Holy Qur’an and learning Arabic.
“We also offer courses on the basic teachings of Islam as well as special programs for teenage girls,” said Lateefa Al-Turkistani, executive director of IANM women’s section. Her office is located on Prince Sultan Street in Jeddah’s Al-Zahra district.
The association, which provides a place for expatriate women representing different nationalities and cultures to meet and exchange ideas, organizes pleasure trips to art galleries and museums in Jeddah.
Lateefa urged expatriate women, especially new Muslims to register with her office in order to participate in its educational and cultural programs.
Spelling out the association’s Ramadan programs, she said they include Qur’an memorization on Saturdays and Mondays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and cultural discussions led by Dr. Ayesha Al-Suleimani from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Every Thursday there is a Ramadan meeting for teenage girls, aged between 14 and 18, with joint iftar, Islamic debates, cooking classes and English dialogue.
A special course for teachers in “nooraniya” principles of recitation will be held on Sundays and Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Secondary school students will be given intensive courses in English, mathematics, physics and Arabic, she explained.
“The main objective of the association is to create a bridge of understanding between Saudis and expatriates,” Lateefa said, and invited new ideas for promoting its activities. She welcomed non-Muslims to IANM’s programs, which are offered free of charge. However, she said her office charges nominal fees for the six-level Arabic language course.
The association invites new Muslims to perform Haj and Umrah as its guests. Twenty-three women from Hungary, Romania, Holland, Britain and the United States performed Haj in January this year under the program, she pointed out.
IANM is a nonprofit organization under the Muslim World League. It takes care of the affairs of new Muslims and coordinates with various Islamic institutions and establishments working in the same areas. For more information about the association’s activities, contact 0505660050 or 6622522.
