Swansea University has received a national award for the 'Best Mosque Provision' from the Federation of Islamic Student Societies in the UK and Ireland (FOSIS).

The award, which was presented to the University this week at an Eid celebration to mark the end of Ramadan, recognises the University's continued support of the Islamic Society over the past decade and the quality of facilities available to Muslim students at the Singleton campus. 

Professor John Baylis, Pro Vice-Chancellor, received the award from Ali Al-Hadithi, Head of the FOSIS Islamic Students Society Committee, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard B Davies, who is undertaking a week-long visit to partner institutions in China.

The event was attended by students, staff, and representatives of Islamic Societies of other Welsh universities.

Professor John Baylis said: "The University is delighted to receive this award from FOSIS. We are particularly conscious of the importance of on-campus prayer facilities for our students, staff, and their families, and this award reflects the close and fruitful relationships which have been established over the past 10 years between the University, the Students' Union, and the Islamic Society."

"This close relationship is particularly important at the present time because of the very difficult period through which we are currently living. Tolerance and respect for cultural and religious traditions are a particularly important issue in the University, and we are determined that this will be maintained in the present climate."

"The very essence of the University is about dialogue and debate, and the importance of understanding as wide a perspective of ideas and beliefs as possible. This award suggests we are doing things right and we look forward to continuing this valued relationship in the future."

Abdullahi Arabo, Vice-President of the Islamic Society, the Muslim students' representative body within the University, said: "The Islamic Society has benefited from the long lasting relationship with the University and the Students' Union. They have given excellent support to the University's Muslim students by providing up-to-date facilities and Halal food on campus."

"The award given from FOSIS, and the Award for the 'Recognition of Outstanding Support' from the Islamic Society to the University, is just a token of our appreciation. I hope that this relationship will strengthen, and I hope that the Islamic Society and the University will work closely together to dispel the myths that exist about Muslim students in today's media."

The University Mosque, which is managed and run by the Students' Union Islamic Student Society, is an integral part of the lives of most Muslim students on campus.

Facilities at the mosque include separate prayer and washing facilities for men and women; a meeting room and dedicated Islamic library, which includes a large selection of books, tapes, videos and other Islamic literature, and a kitchen for food preparation.

For further information on FOSIS, please visit http://www.fosis.org.uk/.   

For further information on Swansea University’s Islamic Society, please visit http://www.uwsisoc.org.