Messages about caring, understanding and unity will be given by De Montfort University Leicester's (DMU) Muslim Chaplain during the university's 24-hour vigil this week.
Imam Mohammed Laher will be among students and staff from diverse backgrounds all corners of the globe who have put themselves forward to help lead the mass gathering in Hawthorn Square, which begins at midday on Wednesday.
More than 100 people from the university have volunteered to give talks, poetry readings, drama performances and more during the all-night event, which will be held in the open air on campus.
The event – part of DMU’s #LoveInternational campaign, which works to celebrate and protect global opportunities - was personally called by De Montfort University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dominic Shellard after students and staff expressed a desire to act in response to recent political events in the US and elsewhere, events which had left many in the DMU community feeling worried and isolated.
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“Learning is very important,” the Imam said.
“Learning brings awareness, awareness brings understanding and when you have understanding, you have a better and more peaceful community.
“Diversity is also really important because it brings vibrancy to a community such as at DMU, or Leicester itself.
“One of the main things about the vigil is the message that the DMU community supports everybody. We are committed to DMUfreedom, the university’s equality and diversity charter.
“The vigil is a good opportunity for the students and staff to share their views and to be a part of the DMU team, to show that we care for one another.”
The Imam will be giving short speeches towards the beginning and end of the 24-hour vigil.
Posted on Tuesday 7 February 2017