Al Asma Al Husna is a series of new Light installations by Muslim Women’s Council in partnership with The Leap, that combines Arabic calligraphy and Neon lighting to share the Islamic Heritage Al Asma Al Husna (the 99 Beautiful Names of Allah/God) with the people of Bradford.
‘An Nur – The light/The illuminator’, ‘Al Wadood – The most loving’, and ‘As Salaam – The giver of peace’ are the three names selected, designed and developed by a focus group of Bradford Muslim Women. The project team worked in collaboration with Arabic Calligrapher Razwan Al-Haq and Neon Workshops to create three stunning light installations in different styles of calligraphy, spreading light, love and peace across Bradford.
Zulfiqar Ahmed, Director for The Leap says
We want to create the space for families, children and communities to reflect on the qualities that underpin the names and this Islamic heritage, and create new conversations surrounding intercultural lived experiences across one of the most diverse cities in the UK.
You will find the installations appearing in a variety of locations across Bradford in 2021 and beyond. Please take a moment to enjoy the installations.
One installation will be exhibited at Jamia Mosque Hanfia (Carlisle Road), and two will be exhibited at Bradford Central Mosque (Darfield Street) from 29th April to 26th May. Members of the public can scan the QR code on the posters exhibited near the installations to find out more about each piece and leave feedback via a short survey, or visit the website.
Bana Gora, Chief Executive of Muslim Women’s Council says
The installations are dedicated to Muslim Women’s Council co-founder Nuzhat Ali, who sadly passed away in February 2021. This project was very dear to Nuzhat, who conceived the initial idea. This is our tribute to Nuzhat and her lifelong dedication to her faith and creative projects, we hope everyone can embrace the installations in her memory.
Al Asma Al Husna is co-commissioned by The Leap, and is part of the Bradford LiT programme. LiT is funded and supported by Bradford City Council, Bradford BID, Ilkley BID, Keighley BID, Bradford 2025, Bradford Producing Hub, Shipley and Bingley Town Councils.
ENDS
Editors Notes
Muslim Women’s Council is a leading Bradford based charity set up in 2009. We are led by the needs of Muslim women and our mission is to ‘empower women for the benefit of society’.
We believe when women are empowered this benefits the whole of society, and that women are an effective force for social change. Our vision is ‘for every woman, life with all its opportunities’.
MWC can be contacted through directorsoffice@muslimwomenscouncil.org.uk or call our office on 01274 223230.
About The Leap
The Leap is a Creative People and Places programme of arts and cultural activities in Bradford and Keighley. THE LEAP aims to get more local people shaping and leading on a new cultural programme for the district. This ten-year project will create experiences for, by and with local communities, starting in the wards of Manningham, Bradford Moor, Tong, City, Keighley West and Keighley Central.
THE LEAP is led by a consortium of partners: Bradford Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Mind The Gap, Eid Festival and Keighley Women and Children Centre. We are currently funded by Arts Council England, Bradford District Council and Bradford for Everyone.
Vision, Mission and Beliefs for THE LEAP
Our Mission is: To change the nature of arts and culture in Bradford
Our Vision is: All Bradfordians have ownership of their arts and culture and are inspired and confident to create and enjoy extraordinary arts and cultural activities in the places where they live
We believe:
· creative potential is everywhere and in everyone
· communities which face issues contain the people who will create the solutions
· in giving people control of making decisions, minimising red tape and maximising opportunity
· that everyone has the right to be treated with respect and dignity, free from bullying and harassment
· great art and culture should be participative, dynamic and “radically social”
Our Values are:
Faith - in the people of Bradford and their creative ideas
Encourage - people’s passions and risks
Learning - listening, testing, learning and iterating
Sharing - our funds, our networks and our learning (successes and failures)
Fairness - acting with integrity and transparency, owning our mistakes
Respecting - treating everyone as equals, not tolerating division
