Jamatkhana and Institutional Updates

During the month of Ramadan we are enjoined to look after Allah’s creation and to care for each other. As we serve our families, communities, and societies, we must remember that Allah has also made us responsible for our own wellbeing. Just as we care for others, we must also take care of ourselves. It is only by upholding our own integrity, that we are able to serve others honourably. We care for our physical body – the temple that houses our soul - by eating healthy and nutritious food, exercising, getting fresh air, observing good hygiene, and cleanliness. During the month of Ramadan we are reminded that spiritual self care also forms an integral part of a well grounded, meaningful life. The best way to practice spiritual self care is through prayer, meditation, and remembrance of Allah. This brings us closer to Allah, and as we come nearer, we also connect to our own higher selves. We can only uphold our dignity as human beings by living a morally sound, ethical life. Moral well being often entails making choices that might be difficult, but that uphold our essential dignity as humankind, while also respecting the dignity of those with whom we live and work.

The Ismaili UK's YouTube Channel
Running out of interesting content to watch on YouTube? The Ismaili UK is making fresh, new content for you! Find some new music in the Singalong Saturday playlist, or listen to the weekly ITREB talks playlist here. Looking for a way to destress, try our Mindfulness Exercises, or if you've ever wanted to learn a new skill, check out the AKYSB Show Me How series! Subscribe to our channel here.

Sema Yoga
Sema Yoga invites you to start your Saturday listening in to your body and breath. The weekend is a time to unwind, energise and connect with yourself. Let's come together as a community and dive into a yoga practice designed to do just that! Join this Saturday at 9.30am BST via this zoom link

Baba's Kitchen Supporting the NHS Through the COVID-19 Pandemic
When Natasha Akbar’s business, Baba’s Kitchen was forced to close at the start of the lockdown, her and her husband Ali decided to help their local community. They started making and delivering food to hospitals and medical facilities three times a week. Over a month into lockdown, Natasha and Ali continue to keep NHS staff well fed through this pandemic. To read more about their incredible work, click here.
If you would like to volunteer with the Ismaili CIVIC COVID-19 response, please go to the IIUK website, and click on the purple box on the right hand side to register.

Ramadan Calendar for Children
Today, practice thinking of Allah before beginning something new. Before you start a meal, or put pen to paper, or open your laptop, say Bismillah, and remain conscious of the Divine.

Students at University
Updates on Student Loans
The Student Loans Company has confirmed that students will receive (or have already received) their maintenance loans or grants for the summer term as normal. However, if you are in hardship, even with that payment, then check if your university has a hardship fund that you can apply for.
Tuition Fees
A number of universities are delivering teaching virtually and are making learning resources available online. Therefore, they don't have plans to issue refunds for tuition fees for the 2019/20 academic year. Government ministers have now said that students in England & Wales will have to pay full tuition fees in the 2020/21 academic year whether or not universities are back to face-to-face teaching by the autumn.
For more on managing your finances, please tune in to our Wise Wallets Podcast series.
For support or guidance we are here to help. Please email us on EPBUKInfo@iiuk.org.

ITREB Thought of the Day: #FridayFaith
The holy Qur’an counsels believers to witness Allah’s Creation and then to ponder and reflect so that we might come to know the Divine:
In these are signs for a people who ponder and reflect.
Among His wonders is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the diversity of your languages and colours. In these are signs for humankind.
Among His wonders is your sleep by night and day, and your pursuit of His bounty. In these are signs for a people who can hear.
Among His wonders is that He displays the lightning to you, causing both fear and hope, and sends down from the heavens water wherewith He revives the earth after its death. In these are signs for a people who understand.
(Quran 30: 25-34)
As spring gradually turns into summer, what signs can you find to observe and reflect upon?

Visit the IIUK app or here for funeral information.

You are receiving this email because you have consented to communication from the Ismaili Council for the UK. This email is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. The Ismaili Council for the UK is not responsible for the content of external websites/links that may be accessed through any of the content contained hereto.

To update your communication consents, please log in to IIUK.org and update your preferences or email iiukadmin@iiuk.org.