Cardiff University Prayer room campaign

We are writing primarily on behalf of the members of Cardiff University Islamic Society, as well as the wider body of Muslim students at Cardiff University. The Islamic Society wishes to draw the Universitys attention to the problems that Muslims are facing as a result of not having adequate prayer facilities, and how both the current and the proposed future arrangements do not address them.

The Islamic Society wishes to express its concerns about the detrimental effects the lack of a prayer room is having on the academic work of Cardiffs Muslim students. The lack of prayer facilities at the university is proving highly inconvenient and disruptive for students. Many students have reported that they are having to miss lectures or leave classes early to go home to prayer, not only is this hindering the fulfilment of religious obligations but is also proving highly disruptive to their study schedules.

Muslim students need to fulfil their obligation by performing the above prayers at their fixed time. We stress that the performance of prayers is a fundamental tenet of the Muslim faith. For the majority of Muslims it is not something that can be separated from every day life; indeed it is part of every day life.

The need for prayer room exists most desperately in the locations furthest away from the existing quiet room and the nearby mosques, most notably the Trevithick, Law and Redwood buildings.

The requirement of proximity is especially vital for students with many scheduled hours of lectures and laboratory work, who cannot afford the time to make the journey to surrounding mosques. This will force them to compromise their academic work, or to resort to praying in public places.

Fulfilment of Muslim prayers necessitates that the place of worship be kept clean, prayers must be performed in a dedicated place, in addition to this it is necessary to have nearby washing facilities, and there must be provisions for the segregation of both sexes. Other necessary requirements:
o The floor should be adequately carpeted
o The room should be adequately cleaned and maintained by the University
o Publicity of rooms: the university should advertise the location and intended use of such rooms for university students and staff.

(visit www.cardiffisoc.co.uk for full report)
Sincerely,
The Undersigned